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Posted: **Mon Nov 13, 2006 7:36 pm**

Has anyone used the Meinl Handmate mounted cowbell beater? I'm interested in adding some bell patterns to my conga rhythms, and I think the trasition from stick to hand may cause some problems. Please give me some feedback on this item if anyone has used it.

Posted: **Fri Nov 17, 2006 1:58 am**

Hi DeadHead, I hope this finds you well.

I have used the above mentioned product. As a Meinl endorsee I am smitten with the Meinl product range. But, not the handmate. as good a product as it is there are limitations.

you can only use it on one cowbell at a time.

it is hard to control the dinamics.

the correct tension on the hadmate is also hard to set.

I used it for a while, thinking that it was perhaps my bad technique, but it now has a permanant place as a door stop. Go down the road of using a stick. you can use it on more cowbalss and have a greater degree of flexability, even though the learning curve is greater.

Pidoca
www.cabritamusic.com

Posted: **Fri Nov 17, 2006 5:17 pm**

Thats what I needed to know, I really appreciate the info pidoca, I'll just rig up a stick bag on my congas or something for easy access to it.

Posted: **Sat Nov 18, 2006 8:38 am**

Hi deadhead, a stickbag is good, but often it takes too much time to get the sticks out of it (especially when its full with different sticks, rods, beaters, brushes...).
So I always have a table with sticks (and other small percussions) on it beneath my bells and blocks, so the access is easier.
All the best,
Tom!

Edited By Thomas on 1163850772

Attachment: http://mycongaplace.com/forum/eng/uploa ... -MC_PT.jpg

Posted: **Sat Nov 18, 2006 8:23 pm**

I have considered the table, infact I used a LP percussion table for a while, but it was taking up way too much room, and the way I had it set up it was almost more in the way than did any good. I may consider getting a smaller tray like the meinl one you showed since its mounting options are better.

I picked up a vicfirth stick holder yesterday that velcroed onto my tumba nicely, so far I'm liking the accessability. My left hand however needs some good independence workouts, it seems to want to stop playing for a second or 2 while my right hand goes for the sticks, i'll work on it.

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Meinl Handmate?