Hi everyone,
It is so COOL to see a page about maracas! Most people in my country (USA / EE UU) see the maracas as a toy, or a minor percussion accessory that any idiot can play. Well, in my experience they're a little harder to play (well) than most people thing. About a year ago I bought a set of plastic maracas, and as cool as they are they are way too loud. In my recordings I am always having to turn down their sound, and their sound never seems to blend well with the other instruments.
So anyway, how would you say you get the sound to be as crisp and controlled as the guys in the videos? Tomorrow I'll be expreimenting with the tutorials (especially Pakito Baeza's lol) and seeing how they sound. I am familiar with some of the patterns, though I'm surprised I didn't see the one I use at all. Here's how it would be counted out:
1-2-and-3-4-5-6-7-8-1-2-and-3-4-5-6-7-8
This was the rhythm in LP's "Rhythmic Construction of a Salsa Tune" DVD and the one I seem to hear most in salsa; however, in that DVD Pablo "Chino" Nuñez seems to just shake the maracas like anyone would... so, perhaps the more appropriate question would be whether the sound depends more on the movement or on the quality of the maracas. What do you think?
BTW just out of curiosity, what kind(s) of maracas are most common in salsa? I've been reading a lot on here about plastic, rawhide, fiberglass, different beads/seeds/beans inside, different shapes, and even "mini" maracas (which actually might work for recording purposes, heck if I know lol). As I mentioned b4 I have a pair but b4 I think about getting another I'd like 2 know if u can recommend one. Think salsa, and think recording (as opposed to live).
Thanks again