8 best hand percussion claves
Hand percussion claves are a traditional Latin percussion instrument that consists of two wooden sticks, typically of the same length and diameter. They are a crucial component in various forms of Latin music and are also used in other genres around the world. Here's some information about hand percussion claves:
Origin and History:
- Claves have their roots in Afro-Cuban and Latin American music traditions. They were originally made from hardwoods like rosewood, ebony, or oak.
Design:
- Claves are generally cylindrical, smooth, and narrow wooden sticks. They are usually about 8 to 12 inches in length and are held in one hand, while the other hand strikes them together.
Tone and Sound:
- When struck together, claves produce a distinct, bright, and resonant sound. The pitch can vary depending on the size, density, and type of wood used.
Playing Technique:
- One clave is held stationary in the palm of the hand, known as the "clave" or "male," while the other, called the "striker" or "female," is held and used to strike the stationary one.
Musical Applications:
- Claves are commonly used in a wide range of music genres, including Afro-Cuban, Latin, Caribbean, jazz, and even some forms of pop and rock music.
Role in Ensembles:
- In an ensemble, claves often serve as a rhythmic anchor, providing a steady beat for other musicians to follow. They are used to establish and maintain the clave rhythm, which is fundamental in many Latin music styles.
Variations:
- There are various types of claves, including traditional hardwood claves and synthetic or plastic versions. The latter are sometimes favored for their durability and consistent tone.
Cultural Significance:
- Claves are integral to the cultural and musical heritage of many Latin American countries, particularly Cuba and Puerto Rico. They are used in ceremonies, festivals, and various forms of traditional and contemporary music.
Maintenance:
- Wooden claves may require occasional oiling to maintain their appearance and durability.It's important to store them in a dry environment to prevent warping or cracking.
Pairing with Other Instruments:
- Claves are often used in conjunction with other percussion instruments like congas, bongos, and timbales to create complex and layered rhythms.
Remember, mastering the technique of playing claves can take practice, but they offer a wonderful and distinctive sound that adds depth to various styles of music.
Below you can find our editor's choice of the best hand percussion claves on the market
Nino Percussion NINOSET2 Hand Percussion Rhythm Set, 5 Pieces (VIDEO)
Product description
Nino Percussion offers an outstanding collection of musical instruments designed specifically for children to learn in the classroom or to play recreationally. This specially designed rhythm set includes an ABS plastic red jingle stick with steel jingles, small wooden claves (pair), and 2 plastic egg shakers (Yellow and blue). Each instrument can be played on its own or together as a group. This percussion set is perfect for the classroom and fun to have at home to create interesting and exciting music through rhythm! Whether played alone or with a group, The performance and sound quality of Nino Percussion instruments make them the ideal choice for young musicians and those who teach them.
- Assorted percussion set: this percussion set includes hardwood claves, a pair of plastic egg shakers, and a jingle stick
- Encourage teamwork: with this percussion set, kids will have everything they need to work as a group to create songs and rhythms
- Discover your favorite instrument: these collections of different instruments are the ideal way to explore the complete NINO world of percussion and rhythm
- Great for classroom music: whether played alone or with a group, the performance and sound quality of Nino instruments make them the ideal choice for young musicians and those who teach them
- For ages 3 and up: this instrument is made for young musicians age 3 and up - it’s important to know that these are real instruments, offering premium quality at a scaled down size with fun colors that are best suited for young players
Latin Percussion LP262 Traditional Clave
Product description
Clave (pronounced clah’ vay) is the rhythmic pattern that forms the basis of Latin music. Clave is phrased in what is known as a 3⁄2 (forward clave) or 2⁄3 (backward clave) feel. That is, three beats then two beats or, two beats then three beats. Claves are the traditional instruments used to play clave and are comprised of two sticks that are struck together to get a sharp, cracking sound. One is called the Clave or male, while the other is the Striker or female. The Clave lays in one hand between the fingertips and the heel of the hand, with the thumb out for support. This space between the Clave and the palm of the hand creates a sound chamber. The Striker is held as a beater in the other hand and is struck against the Clave.
- Kiln dried Maple wood
- Clave and Striker are the same size (10" L x 1" W)
- Sharp clicking tone that can be described as moderately pitched
Latin Percussion LP261 Grenadilla Wood Clave
Product description
Clave (pronounced clah’ vay) is the rhythmic pattern that forms the basis of Latin music. Clave is phrased in what is known as a 3⁄2 (forward clave) or 2⁄3 (backward clave) feel. That is, three beats then two beats or, two beats then three beats. Claves are the traditional instruments used to play clave and are comprised of two sticks that are struck together to get a sharp, cracking sound. One is called the Clave or male, while the other is the Striker or female. The Clave lays in one hand between the fingertips and the heel of the hand, with the thumb out for support. This space between the Clave and the palm of the hand creates a sound chamber. The Striker is held as a beater in the other hand and is struck against the Clave.
- Product Type:Percussion Instruments
- Item Package Dimension:22.352 cm L X 13.716 cm W X 3.556 cm H
- Item Package Weight:0.5 lbs
- Country Of Origin: Indonesia
Latin Percussion LP211R Exotic Wood Standard Clave
Product description
Clave (pronounced clah’ vay) is the rhythmic pattern that forms the basis of Latin music. Clave is phrased in what is known as a 3⁄2 (forward clave) or 2⁄3 (backward clave) feel. That is, three beats then two beats or, two beats then three beats. Claves are the traditional instruments used to play clave and are comprised of two sticks that are struck together to get a sharp, cracking sound. One is called the Clave or male, while the other is the Striker or female. The Clave lays in one hand between the fingertips and the heel of the hand, with the thumb out for support. This space between the Clave and the palm of the hand creates a sound chamber. The Striker is held as a beater in the other hand and is struck against the Clave.
- Larger than the LP Traditional Claves
- Crafted of kiln dried exotic hardwood
- Clave (10" L x 17⁄8" W) is larger than the Striker (10" L x 3⁄4" W)
- Cut-away sound chamber designed to increase volume and vary the sound qualities
Latin Percussion LP262R Exotic Wood Traditional Clave
Product description
Clave (pronounced clah’ vay) is the rhythmic pattern that forms the basis of Latin music. Clave is phrased in what is known as a 3⁄2 (forward clave) or 2⁄3 (backward clave) feel. That is, three beats then two beats or, two beats then three beats. Claves are the traditional instruments used to play clave and are comprised of two sticks that are struck together to get a sharp, cracking sound. One is called the Clave or male, while the other is the Striker or female. The Clave lays in one hand between the fingertips and the heel of the hand, with the thumb out for support. This space between the Clave and the palm of the hand creates a sound chamber. The Striker is held as a beater in the other hand and is struck against the Clave.
- Exotic hardwood
- Clave and Striker are the same size (10" L x 1" W)
- Sharp clicking tone that can be described as moderately pitched
LP Latin Percussion LP Jam Block Hand Held, Clave Sound, Jenigor plastic, black/white incl. Striker, LP560
Product description
LP was founded in 1956 by Martin Cohen and is nowadays one of the world's leading manufacturers of percussion instruments. LP has a huge selection of different instruments as Congas, Bongos, Djembes, Cajons, Chimes, Agogos, Shakers and Tambourines, Maracas and much more...
- Hand Held Jam Block with perfect clave sound
- Generates sounds easier than traditional claves
- Approved LP Jenigor plastic formulation for superb stability
- Incl. striker
Latin Percussion White Wood Clave
Product description
Clave (pronounced clah’ vay) is the rhythmic pattern that forms the basis of Latin music. Clave is phrased in what is known as a 3⁄2 (forward clave) or 2⁄3 (backward clave) feel. That is, three beats then two beats or, two beats then three beats. Claves are the traditional instruments used to play clave and are comprised of two sticks that are struck together to get a sharp, cracking sound. One is called the Clave or male, while the other is the Striker or female. The Clave lays in one hand between the fingertips and the heel of the hand, with the thumb out for support. This space between the Clave and the palm of the hand creates a sound chamber. The Striker is held as a beater in the other hand and is struck against the Clave.
- Traditional style white wood clave with an attractive finish
- Exceptionally resonant with variable sound qualities
- Country of Origin: Pakistan
User questions & answers
| Question: | Me sirve para tocar tambor |
| Answer: | It will - but this thing is REALLY loud. Even at arms length, me and my fellow singer found it uncomfortable to listen to when we struck it. I have given it away and bought some claves instead. They have a nice sound but are very tollerable to have in your hands, near your mic, and your ears. This is a good instrument - sharp and clear even held in the hand, almost too good. |
| Question: | Where are they made |
| Answer: | It's certainly NOT a silly question. It can be attached to a hi-hat rod, but it's designed for, and will work better on, a 3/8" (9.5mm) standard cowbell post size rod. You're better off using an LP "Mount-all" bracket (LP236C) or similar, because mounting to your hi-hat will cause the Jam Block to move up and down as you play the hi-hat! |
| Question: | If i play this latin percussion white wood clave in the parks or mostly outside, how loud are they? can they be heard when playing them outside |
| Answer: | It can be played with any stick or mallet you choose to get the sound you're looking for. Usually it's played with any standard drum-set stick. |
| Question: | What are they and how do they produce sound? Do you hit them against something like a drumstick or is the sound internal |
| Answer: | If the screw is plastic, it's simply how the Jam Block was attached to the header card, and probably came loose in shipping. It can be discarded. |
Tycoon Percussion 8 Inch Hardwood Claves
Product description
Tycoon Percussion TVW-8 Hardwood Claves are traditionally shaped and manufactured from exotic Asian Hardwood. Both the striker and the clave are 8” long and produce a clean clave sound when struck together.
- Traditionally shaped, crafted from exotic Asian hardwood
- 8" long, the Clave and Striker are the same size
- Moderately pitched clicking sounds when struck against one another
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