Vibraslap facts for kids

The vibraslap is a cool musical instrument that makes a rattling sound. It's like a modern, stronger version of an old instrument called the jawbone. Because real jawbones were fragile, the vibraslap was invented to be much tougher while still making a similar sound. You can often hear it in pop, rock, and Latin music.

How a Vibraslap Works

A vibraslap is made of a hollow box, which is usually shaped like a cowbell. This box helps the sound get louder, like a resonator. A wooden ball is connected to the box by a strong steel rod. This rod is bent into an "L" shape.

To play it, you hold the rod in one hand and hit the wooden ball with the palm of your other hand. When you hit the ball, the steel rod acts like a spring. It makes the box on the other end vibrate quickly. Inside the box, there are small metal pins or rivets that are loosely attached. When the box vibrates, these pins rattle against the inside, creating the unique sound. It's a lot like how the teeth of a jawbone would rattle!

Vibraslaps come in different sizes and can be made from various materials, such as wood, metal, or composite materials.

Who Invented the Vibraslap?

The vibraslap was the very first patent given to a company called Latin Percussion. The person who invented it was Martin Cohen. Sometimes, you might hear the vibraslap called a "Donkey Call" or a "Rattleslap" because of its distinctive sound.

Images for kids

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  Latin Percussion vibraslap showing metal teeth

See also

In Spanish: Vibraslap para niños