What is the Big Fat Snare Drum Big Fat Octopus?

It is a percussion accessory designed to be placed on hi-hats or cymbals to add a jingle effect. It is part of the Big Fat Snare Drum brand's range of tone-shaping tools.

How much does the Big Fat Octopus typically cost?

The typical retail price for this accessory in the UK is approximately £23. This makes it an affordable addition for drummers looking to expand their sound palette.

Can I use the Big Fat Octopus on any cymbal?

Yes, it is designed to be universal and can be added to any hi-hat or cymbal. Its placement allows it to interact with the natural vibration of the metal.

Does the Big Fat Octopus offer different sound settings?

It features a dual-sided design that produces two different intensities of jingles. The drummer simply flips the device over to change the character of the sizzle.

Is the Big Fat Octopus an electronic component?

While the manufacturer categorises it within electronic drum kit accessories, it is a physical, acoustic percussion accessory. It does not require power or cables to function.

What is the primary sonic effect of this product?

The primary effect is the addition of 'sizzle' and 'flare' to the cymbal's sound. It provides a metallic jingle that follows the rhythm of the drummer's strikes.

How does the Big Fat Octopus attach to a drum kit?

It generally rests on top of the cymbal or fits over the hi-hat clutch. It is designed for quick installation and removal during a performance.

Who is the Big Fat Octopus suited for?

It is ideal for drummers of any skill level who want to add extra texture to their repertoire. It is particularly useful for those playing styles that benefit from tambourine-like accents.

Can this be used with a British Drum Co. Maverick snare?

Yes, while the Octopus is for cymbals, it is often used by drummers who also use high-end snares like the Maverick to create a complex, professional kit sound.

How does it compare to the Natal Originals Walnut snare?

The Big Fat Octopus is a cymbal accessory, whereas the Natal Originals Walnut is a full snare drum. They are different categories of gear but are often used together in a full setup.

Is the Big Fat Octopus durable?

It is manufactured by Big Fat Snare Drum, a brand known for creating robust accessories for working drummers. It is designed to withstand regular stick impacts and cymbal movement.

Does it affect the sustain of the cymbal?

Like any accessory placed on a cymbal, it will slightly dampen the natural sustain while adding the jingle effect. The weight of the Octopus helps control unwanted overtones.

Gear article

Big Fat Snare Drum Big Fat Octopus

The Big Fat Snare Drum Big Fat Octopus is a versatile percussion accessory designed to add jingle effects to hi-hats and cymbals. Retailing at approximately £23, it offers drummers two distinct levels of jingle intensity to enhance their sonic repertoire with added sizzle and flare.

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Overview

The Big Fat Snare Drum Big Fat Octopus is an innovative percussion tool designed to expand the textural capabilities of a standard drum kit. While the manufacturer categorises this within their electronic drum kit accessories, its primary application is the modification of acoustic cymbals and hi-hats. The device is engineered to sit directly on the cymbal surface, providing a mechanical jingle effect without the need for permanent hardware modifications.

Design and Functionality

The core design of the Big Fat Octopus focuses on versatility and ease of use. It functions by resting on top of a cymbal or hi-hat clutch, where the movement of the cymbal triggers the integrated jingles. A notable feature of this model is its dual-sided functionality. Depending on which side is facing upward, the Octopus produces two different kinds of jingle intensity, allowing the drummer to fine-tune the amount of 'sizzle' or 'flare' added to their sound.

Sound Character

The sonic signature of the Big Fat Octopus is defined by its ability to add a bright, metallic shimmer to the existing decay of a cymbal. When used on hi-hats, it introduces a crisp, tambourine-like 'chick' sound. The two-sided design is specifically intended to offer drummers a choice between subtle texture and a more aggressive, pronounced jingle effect, catering to various musical genres and volume requirements.

Market Context and Alternatives

Positioned at a price point of £23, the Big Fat Octopus sits as an affordable performance upgrade. While it focuses on cymbal enhancement, drummers often pair such accessories with high-quality snare drums to achieve a cohesive modern sound. Notable complementary or alternative snare options include the British Drum Co. Maverick 14 x 5.5 Maple Snare or the DW Drums Collectors Series Stainless Steel Snare. For those seeking different percussive textures, alternatives might include the Sela Melody Tongue Drum or the Remo 10 Lollipop Frame Drum, though these serve distinct melodic or primary percussion roles rather than cymbal modification.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the Big Fat Snare Drum Big Fat Octopus?: It is a percussion accessory designed to be placed on hi-hats or cymbals to add a jingle effect. It is part of the Big Fat Snare Drum brand's range of tone-shaping tools.
How much does the Big Fat Octopus typically cost?: The typical retail price for this accessory in the UK is approximately £23. This makes it an affordable addition for drummers looking to expand their sound palette.
Can I use the Big Fat Octopus on any cymbal?: Yes, it is designed to be universal and can be added to any hi-hat or cymbal. Its placement allows it to interact with the natural vibration of the metal.
Does the Big Fat Octopus offer different sound settings?: It features a dual-sided design that produces two different intensities of jingles. The drummer simply flips the device over to change the character of the sizzle.
Is the Big Fat Octopus an electronic component?: While the manufacturer categorises it within electronic drum kit accessories, it is a physical, acoustic percussion accessory. It does not require power or cables to function.
What is the primary sonic effect of this product?: The primary effect is the addition of 'sizzle' and 'flare' to the cymbal's sound. It provides a metallic jingle that follows the rhythm of the drummer's strikes.
How does the Big Fat Octopus attach to a drum kit?: It generally rests on top of the cymbal or fits over the hi-hat clutch. It is designed for quick installation and removal during a performance.
Who is the Big Fat Octopus suited for?: It is ideal for drummers of any skill level who want to add extra texture to their repertoire. It is particularly useful for those playing styles that benefit from tambourine-like accents.
Can this be used with a British Drum Co. Maverick snare?: Yes, while the Octopus is for cymbals, it is often used by drummers who also use high-end snares like the Maverick to create a complex, professional kit sound.
How does it compare to the Natal Originals Walnut snare?: The Big Fat Octopus is a cymbal accessory, whereas the Natal Originals Walnut is a full snare drum. They are different categories of gear but are often used together in a full setup.
Is the Big Fat Octopus durable?: It is manufactured by Big Fat Snare Drum, a brand known for creating robust accessories for working drummers. It is designed to withstand regular stick impacts and cymbal movement.
Does it affect the sustain of the cymbal?: Like any accessory placed on a cymbal, it will slightly dampen the natural sustain while adding the jingle effect. The weight of the Octopus helps control unwanted overtones.