Exploring the Different Types of Magic Pak Units

Magic-Pak units are a type of HVAC system that combines both heating and cooling in one package. These units are typically used in multi-family buildings, such as apartments or condominiums, where individual heating and cooling systems are not practical. The Magic-Pak units are designed to be installed in a closet or mechanical room, eliminating the need for an outdoor condenser unit. This makes them a popular choice in urban areas or buildings where space is limited. One of the key features of Magic-Pak units is their versatility. They can be configured to provide both heating and cooling, or just heating or cooling depending on the needs of the building.

. Completely old, school- '50s to '70s era. Mylar heads, wood hoops, synthetic gut(?) snare and slings instead of harnesses. It may not seem like a big change, but in the Pipe Band World, it's a complete throwback shock! We've modified our grip, changed sticks and our scores to be more of a rudimental style corp with a Pipe Band feel. And they weigh about 1/3 that of a modern Pipe Band Drum. Two of the Bass Drums (not shown) will use hard mallets and a third will use traditional Pipe Band mallets that look like toilet paper rolls to give that soft underlying pulse that the Pipers are used to. Our scores are not earth-shatteringly complex; it's a work in progress to see where this will go. We just got them last night and they're going to be tweaked over the next few weeks. So it will be awhile before we put out any videos. But suffice it to say, they're loud! (Plus two of the Snares and two- possibly three - Tenor Drums weren't there. It will be interesting). BTW, I'm in the tan T-shirt with glasses on the right.

The Kevlar is cranked to the max on a reinforced hoop over a floating shell and there s a separate strainer under the top head to give it that unique timbre, especially for buzz rolls and dead sticking. But in any case, once you get used to the center of gravity shift it s a bit more forward with a fixed shoulder harness it s a pretty easy transition.

They can be configured to provide both heating and cooling, or just heating or cooling depending on the needs of the building. This allows for greater flexibility in installation and operation. In terms of performance, Magic-Pak units are known for their energy efficiency.

Our New Pipe Band Snares

Modern Pipe Band Snares are extremely high pitched, even more so than DCI. The Kevlar is cranked to the max on a reinforced hoop over a floating shell and there's a separate strainer under the top head to give it that unique timbre, especially for buzz rolls and dead sticking. But last night, we went in a completely different direction.

. Completely old, school- '50s to '70s era. Mylar heads, wood hoops, synthetic gut(?) snare and slings instead of harnesses. It may not seem like a big change, but in the Pipe Band World, it's a complete throwback shock! We've modified our grip, changed sticks and our scores to be more of a rudimental style corp with a Pipe Band feel. And they weigh about 1/3 that of a modern Pipe Band Drum. Two of the Bass Drums (not shown) will use hard mallets and a third will use traditional Pipe Band mallets that look like toilet paper rolls to give that soft underlying pulse that the Pipers are used to. Our scores are not earth-shatteringly complex; it's a work in progress to see where this will go. We just got them last night and they're going to be tweaked over the next few weeks. So it will be awhile before we put out any videos. But suffice it to say, they're loud! (Plus two of the Snares and two- possibly three - Tenor Drums weren't there. It will be interesting). BTW, I'm in the tan T-shirt with glasses on the right.

These were made by a local company, Calderwood Percussion Instruments in Malden, MA and we couldn't be happier:
http://calderwoodpercussion.com/

Attachments

National Association of Rudimental Drummers
(N.A.R.D.) Member, No. 10078

T.Underhill

Pioneer Member

Wow, those look nice and light. I prefer the sound that you're describing so when you guys get around to it please post some videos.

JohnW

Silver Member

Wow, those look nice and light. I prefer the sound that you're describing so when you guys get around to it please post some videos.

Will do! We could have posted something just to give a general impression of tone and volume against the Pipes. But our drum sergeant hasn't found the sweet spot in the Snares tuning yet, so he wants to make sure they sing before we show it live. And we want to get some of more dirt out of our playing- first time out, we were were like kids in a candy store so we gotta rein it in a bit!

National Association of Rudimental Drummers
(N.A.R.D.) Member, No. 10078

Red Menace

Platinum Member

Very nice John! I actually saw these on FB earlier, the builder shared a photo on a drum builder group that I'm a part of, not sure why they let me join. Anyhoo, great setup you guys have there. How does the sling feel compared to the modern harness?

I'd very much like to hear an audio sample too. I was part of the Phoenix pipe band for a short spell, that modern snare sound really takes some getting used to. Nice hat BTW. How is beautiful Rockport this time of year? I loved the very affordable lobster when I went about a year ago and the abundance of good pubs in Boston.

Classy grip all day.

JohnW

Silver Member

Very nice John! I actually saw these on FB earlier, the builder shared a photo on a drum builder group that I'm a part of, not sure why they let me join. Anyhoo, great setup you guys have there. How does the sling feel compared to the modern harness?

I'd very much like to hear an audio sample too. I was part of the Phoenix pipe band for a short spell, that modern snare sound really takes some getting used to. Nice hat BTW. How is beautiful Rockport this time of year? I loved the very affordable lobster when I went about a year ago and the abundance of good pubs in Boston.

The slings are no problem at all, Red. Part of that is the weight of the drum which again, is like 1/3 that of a modern Pipe Band Snare. When I started out, the "modern" drums only had slings and it took a few parades and contests to get the soreness out of your left leg and right shoulder. And a few years ago, another band I was in played the Basel Tattoo and we went back to slings with modern snares. It took some getting used to after the regular harnesses. The worst was the metal leg rest, which cut into your leg even with the kilt on. So we found leather "sausages" from a fife and drum group (MCV) and that helped quite a bit. But these new drums are a piece of cake. We have played pads angled on stands for the last few months to get used to the approximate position of the Snares and actually it's so much easier on the real drum. And as far as a comparison with the harnesses- regardless of the weight, they're way easier to get off and frankly, feel more natural. Of course it helps that we're all playing traditional grip. But in any case, once you get used to the center of gravity shift (it's a bit more forward with a fixed shoulder harness) it's a pretty easy transition. Now if you have a heavy, modern drum it's more ergonomic to march with a harness. But playing isn't necessarily better.

Sound/video files will come! But our drum sergeant is a perfectionist and top Pipe Band player, so he doesn't want things out there until they're at least reasonable. We're an interesting group. Our drum sgt. is a top open soloist, who has played in Grade 1 bands and corps. Another guy in the corp has played in Grade 2 bands. I've played Grade 3. A couple other guys have never played in the Pipe Band idiom. So it's a work in progress, but we want to show a good representation of our "new" sound.

You've played in the Phoenix Grade IV? I just heard a video. They're really good. So I don't have to tell you about the sound shock. So many people will say, "Yeah, I've played Kevlar" and they think "bing, bing, bingbingbing." But go up a few steps to "KAH, KAH, KAHKAHBAAAAHHHZ!" And they'll hear the difference. The first time I played that type of snare, I was physically ill afterward.

The Scally cap? Welcome to Boston. Probably more pubs/sports bars and Dunkin Donuts than anywhere in the States! Rockport is beautiful all year long. That doesn't mean it feels good all the time. On Sunday, it was -5°F without the windchill. (about -25° with wind). Tuesday, it was 55°F. right now, it's 30°F. Usually we get more wet cold than even 5 miles inland. But if we get a particularly long cold snap, we get more snow than anywhere in the State. The lobster is good here (Roy Moore's on Bearskin Neck can't be beat). And if you want good music, you have to check out the Shalin Liu Center here:

National Association of Rudimental Drummers
(N.A.R.D.) Member, No. 10078

They are designed to provide both comfort and cost savings by using advanced technologies, such as variable speed fans and high-efficiency compressors. Maintenance and servicing of Magic-Pak units is also relatively easy. Since the entire system is contained in one package, technicians can access all components for inspection and repair without needing to go outdoors. This makes routine maintenance and repairs more convenient and cost-effective. Overall, Magic-Pak units offer a practical and efficient solution for heating and cooling in multi-family buildings. Their compact design, energy efficiency, and ease of maintenance make them a popular choice for both builders and occupants alike..

Reviews for "The Benefits of Zoning with Magic Pak Units"

- John - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with the Magic pak units. They were not efficient at all and didn't cool down my room properly. I had to constantly adjust the temperature settings to get any relief from the heat. The noise level was also unbearable, making it impossible to sleep peacefully at night. Overall, I wouldn't recommend these units to anyone looking for a reliable and efficient cooling solution.

- Sarah - 1 star - The Magic pak units I purchased had so many issues. They constantly leaked water, leaving a mess on my floor. The installation process was also a nightmare. The instructions were unclear and the unit didn't fit properly. I had to hire a professional to fix the installation, which cost me extra money. The performance of these units was subpar and not worth the hassle.

- Mike - 3 stars - Although the Magic pak units did an okay job in terms of cooling, I found them to be quite expensive compared to other brands. The energy consumption was also higher than expected, resulting in higher utility bills. Additionally, the build quality was not as sturdy as I had hoped. Overall, I felt there were better options available on the market for a more affordable price point.

Magic Pak Units: A Reliable Solution for All Climate Zones