In the drum world of sounds .Is there something.maybe sandpaper blocks, where I can make that sound for some country songs I do. Brushes aren't right either,it seems ,like on the records I hear,it sounds like sandpaper rubbing on sandpaper???Or I have lost my marbles.
Any help deeply appricated,Matt
I can't be of much practical help but a double bass player friend I used to play with didn't realise that that slapping double bass sound you hear on old rockabilly records was actually made by the double bass player, he thought it was something the drummer was doing. I cant remember off hand what it's called but there is a small hand percussion instrument that it might be be but without hearing examples I'm not sure. Check out hand held percussion. This thing has a handle you hold with my one hand and a round thing on top that you turn with other hand, this sounds like sandpaper.
The thing I was on about is a casaba. Don't know if it's what you heard.
Sandpaper blocks are common so no you haven't lost it mate. I've used them before on recording sessions! Its cheap as chips to do. Go to your local hardware store and get some sandpaper bro. Either saw off some blocks or use some modern DIY friendly corporate pre packaged blocks and start rubbing. If its still not the sound then you've only invested in your next home decorating project.
What brushes and heads are you using? I find wire brushes on brand new heads work best for that sandpaper effect, especially textured Aquarians. Evans, I find don't last - the brushes scratch off the surface of the head pretty quickly in comparison.
By the way, I use the white Vic Firth jazz wire brushes, which are quite stiff and can deliver a good whack as well as that swish!
I think another thing you might be hearing is an acoustic guitar with 20 dollar bill stuck in the strings to mute them. Then you strum it like that to get an interesting percussive strum out of it. Kinda like that old johnny cash sun records era with the tennessee two. They didn't even have a drummer then. But that guitar making that sound filled that spot.
jason
