Claves & Blocks

Claves and blocks are both percussion instruments that have a unique sound and are commonly used in various types of music. Claves are a pair of wooden sticks that are played by striking them together.

They are used to maintain a steady rhythm and can be heard in many styles of Latin American music, such as salsa and rumba.

On the other hand, blocks (also known as woodblocks) are wooden hollow blocks or resonating boxes that are played with mallets. They produce a distinct low-pitched sound and are used to add accent and texture to the music. Woodblocks are often used in orchestral music and popular music genres such as rock, jazz, and pop.

While claves and woodblocks may seem like simple instruments, they play an essential role in adding depth and rhythm to the music. Their unique sounds can create a rich and dynamic listening experience, making them valuable additions to any percussionist's toolkit. All claves and blocks come with a 3-year warranty and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

About Claves and Blocks

Claves and woodblocks are two percussion instruments that have been used for many centuries. Claves originated in Africa and were initially used as tools to communicate over long distances due to their loud and distinct sound. They were later introduced to Latin America, where they became an essential part of the culture and music. Claves are a pair of cylindrical wooden sticks that are played by striking them together and used in many styles of Latin American music such as salsa, rumba, and more.

Materials used to make claves are usually dense and heavy hardwoods, such as ebony, rosewood, or granadillo. There are different variations of claves made from various materials, which produce different sounds. However, traditional claves are made cylindrical in shape with one end slightly larger than the other.

Woodblocks, on the other hand, have their origins in Asia and were initially made from hollowed-out logs. These days, they are made from dense hardwoods such as maple or birch, and can also be found made from ABS plastic. The blocks come in various sizes and shapes and can be played using mallets or drumsticks. When hit with a mallet, woodblocks produce a deep, resonant sound. They are often used in orchestral music and popular music genres like rock, jazz, and pop.

Although claves and woodblocks are often considered basic percussion instruments, they serve a crucial role in enhancing the depth and rhythm of musical compositions. These instruments' distinctive sounds can contribute to a vibrant and dynamic auditory experience, making them essential for any percussionist's arrangement.

Claves and Blocks FAQs

What is the difference between claves and woodblock?

Claves and woodblocks are both percussion instruments, but they produce different sounds. Claves consist of two cylindrical wooden sticks that are struck together to create a sharp, high-pitched sound. They are often used in Latin music, such as salsa and mambo.

Woodblocks, on the other hand, are single blocks of wood that are hollowed out and have one or more slits cut into them. They can be struck with a mallet or a drumstick to produce a variety of tones, depending on where they are struck. Woodblocks are commonly used in orchestral music, particularly in percussion ensembles.

What is a clave block?

A clave block is a percussion instrument that is similar to a woodblock but specifically designed to produce the distinctive sound of the clave rhythm, which is a fundamental rhythm in Latin music. It is a rectangular block of wood that is hollowed out and played with a stick or mallet to provide a solid rhythmic foundation for other instruments in the ensemble.

What kind of wood are claves?

Claves are typically made from hardwoods, such as rosewood, ebony, or oak. These types of wood are dense and heavy, which allows them to produce a clear and distinct sound when struck together. Different types of hardwoods can produce slightly different sounds, so the choice of wood can depend on the desired tone and sound quality for a particular piece of music.