Wood is a common material used to make percussion instruments due to its excellent acoustic properties. It is resonant and can produce a wide range of sounds depending on the type of wood used and the construction of the instrument. Some examples of wooden percussion instruments include:
- Drums: The shells of drums are typically made from wood. Different types of wood, such as maple, birch, and mahogany, are used to achieve different sounds.
- Xylophones: Xylophones consist of wooden bars that are struck with mallets. The bars are tuned to produce specific notes.
- Marimbas: Similar to xylophones, marimbas have wooden bars but they are larger and produce lower pitches.
Metal
Metal is another commonly used material for percussion instruments. It is known for its durability and bright, resonant sound. Some examples of metal percussion instruments include:
- Cymbals: Cymbals are two thin, round metal discs that are clashed together to produce a bright, piercing sound.
- Gongs: Gongs are large, flat metal discs that are struck with a mallet to produce a deep, resonant sound.
- Triangles: Triangles are small, equilateral metal bars that are struck with a metal beater to produce a high-pitched, tinkling sound.
Skin or Membrane
Animal skin or synthetic materials are used to make the heads or membranes of drums. These materials vibrate when struck, producing a wide range of sounds depending on the tension and diameter of the membrane. Some examples of percussion instruments with skin or membrane heads include:
- Drums: The heads of drums are made from animal skin, such as calfskin or goatskin, or synthetic materials, such as Mylar.
- Tambourines: Tambourines have a single membrane stretched over a shallow frame and are played by shaking or hitting the frame with the hand.
- Bongos: Bongos are a pair of small drums with skin heads that are played by hand.
Other Materials
In addition to wood, metal, and skin or membrane, various other materials are used to make percussion instruments. These can include:
- Plastic: Plastic is used in the construction of many modern percussion instruments, such as claves and shakers.
- Ceramic: Ceramic materials are used to make instruments like the glockenspiel, which consists of tuned ceramic bars that are struck with mallets.
- Glass: Glass is used to make instruments like the glass harmonica, which produces sound when the rims of glass bowls are rubbed with wet fingers.
The choice of materials used in making percussion instruments depends on the desired sound, durability, and aesthetics of the instrument.