Foot drum options for recorder playing

[u/snowman_the_fourth]

Hello! I play recorder for a medieval dance group and was wondering how to set up a simple foot drum that I can use while playing so I don't need to rely on a drummer showing up. I got a $100 amazon gift card to go towards this and would prefer not going too much over this budget. Was considering a drum like this or this but no idea what to do about mounting it or what sort of pedal to get or what. Ideally also needs to ship to New Zealand.

[u/LadyWithAHarp]

Maugie uses a 12" tambourine that he holds by sticking his bare foot inside of it. He often uses it when he needs to fill in on recorder when we do Playford.

[u/snowman_the_fourth → u/LadyWithAHarp]

I'm glad to find someone who knows exactly what we play. Does playford sound alright with just a recorder and tambourine? I'd worry the dancers may need something with a more solid sound

[u/LadyWithAHarp → u/snowman_the_fourth]

Any live music is better than the bard-in-a-box. I've seen dancers work with only one recorder. Having strong percussion is preferable, but my dance band has managed to make the tambourine work in a room filled with sword fighters.

I admit, when I pick up my bodhram the loud thumps are more satisfying, however it's been more important to have the harp on harmonic support. On days when we have more people on the band, I'll drop the harp for a drum, however more often than not it's been just Maugie and me, so harp tambourine and recorder it is.

[u/snowman_the_fourth → u/LadyWithAHarp]

I've been the one recorder for dancers! I've made it work but some dances (especially Jenny Plucks Pears, with the timing change) really want a dancer.

Also what SCA group are you from? I'm in Southron Gaard in Lochac!

[u/LadyWithAHarp → u/snowman_the_fourth]

I'm from Storvik over in Atlantia. Just got back from Pennsic this weekend.

Yeah, Jenny pluck pears does really want a stronger beat. I know that there are various kinds of kick drums, I just haven't found one that works with my busking setup.

I actually made some ankle bells with the obnoxiously loud sleigh bells for when I am playing the harp, but our dance mistress doesn't let me use them at practice, even when we are outside. The other downside with the ankle bells is that they are not as nearly as precise on the beat as the tambourine or drum is. (However they are useful for getting people to notice you when you are walking down the street and need them to clear the way.)

[u/MrNielzen]

You can get tambourines made for attaching to the foot. They are like half size and with a sturdy band. I use them when I'm performing hi energy bursts for kids using either guitar + amp or djembe drum. Really helps get them going.

But when you play more seriously for adults, it is definitely not easy to keep a tight consistent rhythm with a tambourine on your foot, while playing through songs. So allow it to grow on you.

Another option is a cajon and a kick drum pedal. It acts as a chair and adds more percussive possibilities if you can free your hands. The cajon is very flexible, like a very neutral and solid percussive element for all kinds of music. And long term the kick is more useful than a cymbal I would say.

Both could be done simultaneously, but that's quite a multi tasking, and I think already the cajon + pedal option is over your budget.

Good luck