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Writer's pictureNathan Coles

The Ultimate Guide to Using the Black Swamp RecPlate: A Percussion Mount for Everything



Welcome to the world of innovative percussion accessories! Today, we're diving into the BSP RecPlate—the ultimate tool for mounting your percussion instruments. Whether you're a seasoned percussionist or a music educator, the RecPlate is designed to streamline your setup and enhance your performance. Let's explore how this versatile accessory can revolutionize your percussion setup.




 

History of the RecPlate

At Black Swamp, we take pride in our team's background as musicians, especially percussionists. The journey of the RecPlate began in 2013 when our founder, Eric, struggled with mounting various percussion instruments while performing with the Grand Rapids Symphony. Frustrated with makeshift solutions, Eric created a rudimentary percussion mount from scrap wood. This experience inspired him to develop a better, more efficient accessory mount.

By 2014, after months of development, we launched the BSP MultiPlates series. Among them, the RecPlate quickly emerged as the favorite due to its versatility and practical design, leading us to focus exclusively on its production.


Design Features of the RecPlate

What sets the RecPlate apart? Its unique design includes a series of hooks, slots, holes, and other features tailored to accommodate a variety of percussion instruments. Here’s a detailed breakdown:



Main Sides:

  • Front Edge: A row of curved hooks along the 20-inch front edge is perfect for hanging instruments like small gongs, tam-tams, finger cymbals, and more. The design allows for precise placement and prevents instruments from sliding during performances.

  • Back Edge: Notched cutouts are designed to work with the included triangle suspension lines, providing ample space to suspend multiple triangles securely.

Center:

  • Slots: Two different slots run down the center, mirrored on both sides. The narrow slot is for velcro strips (included), ideal for suspending cowbells or almglocken. The wider slot fits the â…œ-inch knurled posts (also included) for mounting instruments like woodblocks, jam blocks, and cowbells. These posts can be adjusted for optimal positioning.

Edges:

  • Additional Mounting Options: The edges of the RecPlate feature spaces for triangle beaters, mallets, and even a bow. These are open on one side for easy access.


How to Use the RecPlate Accessories

The RecPlate comes with several accessories to help you customize your setup:

4 black, beaded triangle suspensions lines

Suspension Lines:

  • Usage: Thread the suspension line through the notched cutouts on the back edge of the RecPlate. Connect the ends and lock them into place using adjacent notches.

  • Instruments: Ideal for suspending triangles, providing ample space for multiple triangles to traverse across the plate without removing their suspension lines.



two 3/8 inch knurled posts

Knurled Posts:

  • Usage: Loosen the wingnut at the bottom of the post, drop it into the keyhole in the wider slot, and tighten it in the desired location. The two washers on the post sandwich the plate for added security.

  • Instruments: Perfect for mounting percussion instruments like woodblocks, jam blocks, cowbells, and mounted tambourines. Posts can be positioned anywhere across the plate and can even point downward to double your horizontal space.


two black velcro strips

Velcro Strips:

  • Usage: Thread the velcro strips through the narrow slot in the center of the plate. Wrap the velcro around the handle of the instrument and secure it tightly.

  • Instruments: Suitable for suspending instruments. Often used as a cowbell mount, almglocken, or other percussion instruments with handles.






Crotale Mount:

  • Usage: Place the crotale mount in the center keyhole slot. Loosen the wingnut, position the mount, and tighten it securely.

  • Instruments: Designed to hold a single crotale, it can also be used for similar instruments like cup chimes or other bell-type instruments. You can even use this as a splash cymbal mount.


Mounting the RecPlate

Mounting the RecPlate is straightforward:

  1. Cymbal Stand: The plate has two mounting holes that fit over a standard cymbal stand top. For stability, ensure the plate is tightly secured with extra felt washers if necessary.

  2. Additional Support: For larger setups, use the holes on the plate's edges to mount on additional stands, providing extra support for heavier instruments.


Included Accessories and Additional Percussion Mount Options

Each RecPlate comes with:

Additionally, we offer:

  • Crotale Mount: Fits into the center keyhole slot and is perfect for holding a single crotale or similar instruments like cup chimes.

Black Swamp crotale mount


  • Extra Knurled Posts: Available in sets of two for those who need more mounting options.

two 3/8 inch knurled posts

Who Should Use the RecPlate?

The RecPlate is versatile and benefits various musicians:

  • Modern Percussionists: Ideal for multi-percussion setups, allowing for efficient organization.

  • Band, Orchestral, and Theater Percussionists: Helps manage multiple parts by consolidating concert hand mounted percussion instruments in one place.

  • Music Directors and Educators: Provides a consistent and transportable setup for students.

  • Drumset Players and Accompanying Percussionists: Incorporate mountable percussion instruments like gongs, splash cymbals, and more into your setup.


Beyond percussion instruments, the RecPlate’s versatility extends to mounting phones, mics, and other technology, limited only by your creativity.

The RecPlate is a must-have for any serious percussionist looking to streamline their setup and enhance their performance. Whether in a professional ensemble or an educational setting, the RecPlate is designed to meet the diverse needs of modern musicians.


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