How the Denden-daiko makes its sound
In the Hornbostel–Sachs system, which classifies instruments by how they produce sound, the Denden-daiko belongs to the struck drums: a stretched membrane (drumhead) is struck with hands or beaters.
More broadly it is one of the membranophones (drums), where sound comes from a vibrating 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
The denden-daiko or denden-taiko (でんでん太鼓) is a Japanese children's toy drum, pellet drum, or tambourine attached to a long handle. It has two small bells attached with strings, which strike the drumhead when the handle is shaken. "Denden" is an onomatopoeia for the sound it makes, which gives the toy its name. They were popular during the 17th century.
The denden-daiko was derived from the furitsuzumi or fureifuri taiko, a double-sided pellet drum which originated in China and is used in Bugaku music.
Other struck drums
Frequently asked questions
What does the Denden-daiko sound like?
As one of the struck drums, its sound comes from the way a stretched membrane (drumhead) is struck with hands or beaters.
What type of instrument is the Denden-daiko?
It is classified as struck drums (Hornbostel–Sachs 212).
Sources & credits
- Wikidata Q3729520 – CC0
- Wikipedia: Denden-daiko – CC BY-SA 4.0
- Image by Ebiebi2 – Public domain