How the thunder sheet makes its sound
In the Hornbostel–Sachs system, which classifies instruments by how they produce sound, the thunder sheet belongs to the idiophones: the solid body of the instrument itself vibrates, without strings or a stretched membrane.
Press play above and watch the spectrum: the evenly spaced peaks are harmonics, and their relative strength is what gives the instrument its character.
From Wikipedia
A thunder sheet is a thin sheet of metal used to produce sound effects for musical or dramatic events. The device may be shaken, causing it to vibrate, or struck with a mallet. It is also known as a thunder machine, though this can also refer to a large drum used for a similar sound effect.
Thunder sheets are available from some cymbal makers including Paiste and Sabian, or can easily be made out of any scrap metal sheet. The thinner and larger the sheet, the louder the sound. The thunder sheet needs to be "warmed up" before sounding. The player(s) will need to start slowly shaking the sheet a few seconds before quickly shaking the sheet.
Other idiophones
Frequently asked questions
What does a thunder sheet sound like?
As one of the idiophones, its sound comes from the way the solid body of the instrument itself vibrates, without strings or a stretched membrane.
What type of instrument is the thunder sheet?
It is classified as idiophones (Hornbostel–Sachs 152+153).
Sources & credits
- Wikidata Q1241859 – CC0
- Wikipedia: Thunder sheet – CC BY-SA 4.0
- Image by Manuelarosi – CC BY-SA 4.0