How the clapper stick makes its sound
In the Hornbostel–Sachs system, which classifies instruments by how they produce sound, the clapper stick belongs to the struck idiophones: the body is struck directly – bells, gongs, xylophones and cymbals.
More broadly it is one of the idiophones, where the solid body of the instrument itself vibrates, without strings or a stretched membrane.
Players shape its sound through technique and materials; the resonating body filters the raw vibration, boosting some harmonics and damping others.
From Wikipedia
A clapper stick (also clap-stick or split stick rattle) is a traditional idiophone common among the indigenous peoples of California. It is traditionally constructed by cutting the branch of an elderberry tree, hollowing it out, and partially splitting the branch in two. It is used to keep time and accompany singers and dancers. Many are now made of bamboo, which do not require hollowing.
Other struck idiophones
Frequently asked questions
What does a clapper stick sound like?
As one of the struck idiophones, its sound comes from the way the body is struck directly.
What type of instrument is the clapper stick?
It is classified as struck idiophones (Hornbostel–Sachs 111.11).
Sources & credits
- Wikidata Q56276235 – CC0
- Wikipedia: Clapper stick – CC BY-SA 4.0
- Image by Tulesounds – CC BY-SA 4.0