How the clapper makes its sound
In the Hornbostel–Sachs system, which classifies instruments by how they produce sound, the clapper 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.
Its timbre – the colour that lets you tell it apart from other instruments playing the same note – comes from the mix of overtones its body and resonator emphasise.
From Wikipedia
A clapper is a basic form of percussion instrument. It consists of two long solid pieces that are struck together producing sound. They exist in many forms in many different cultures around the world. Clappers can take a number of forms and be made of a wide variety of material. Wood is most common, but metal and ivory have also been used. The plastic thundersticks that have recently come to be popular at sporting events can be considered a form of inflated plastic clapper.
Other struck idiophones
Frequently asked questions
What does a clapper 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?
It is classified as struck idiophones (Hornbostel–Sachs 111.12).
Sources & credits
- Wikidata Q1400830 – CC0
- Wikipedia: Clapper (musical instrument) – CC BY-SA 4.0
- Image by Sobebunny – CC BY-SA 3.0