A solid wood block idiophone having slit reinforcement plates mounted against the sides of the idiophone's wood block is described. Advantageously, the reinforcement plates act to increase the durability of the wood having one or more open faced resonant chambers with chamber sidewall slits by preventing the wood from fracturing to and from the open woodgrain ends terminated at the sidewall slits.
A sprung striker assembly for striking an idiophone is described. The sprung striker assembly for striking an idiophone typically comprises a body member, a striker head, a striker tip, and a spring mechanism. In one variation, the striker head is configured for use with a struck idiophone, such a mounted idiophone block or cow bell. In other variations, the striker head further includes an idiophone, such as a rattle, jingles, cymbals, castanets, or any other suitable noisemaker, incorporated into the striker head.
A noise maker stop assembly for use with a percussion foot pedal is described. The noise maker stop assembly typically comprises a noise maker attached to an extended elongated shaft, mounting brackets, and a bumper or tension strap for rapidly stopping the extended elongated shaft. Typically, the mounting brackets may be coupled to an existing standard percussion or similar foot pedal. The mounting brackets may also be configured so as to be coupled to a particular percussion foot pedal. A percussion foot pedal having an integrated noise maker stop assembly is also contemplated.
A idiophone assembly for attachment to a rim or side of a drum comprising a idiophone, one or more quick release drum rim clamps and one or more fasteners and, as applicable, associated bosses for securing the clamps to the instrument is described. Advantageously, the assembly can be easily secured to the rim of a drum and easily removed from the drum as desired. In some variations, rubber insulating spacers are provided that at least partially acoustically isolate the instrument from the drum. The assembly is often positioned where it can be struck independently or in unison with the drum head to produce a rimshot or cross stick. A flexible drum stick is also described having two striking ends and a movable handle.
