Blocks
Experience a distinct, organic "clack" and superior rhythmic clarity with Blocks, essential percussive instruments designed to provide sharp accents and woody timbres. As the modern evolution of the traditional woodblock, these instruments are critical for defining the rhythmic pulse in diverse settings, from high-volume drum corps to intimate studio recordings.
This category includes a wide variety of blocks, primarily categorized into Traditional Woodblocks and Modern Synthetic Blocks (Jam Blocks). While wooden blocks offer a classic, warm resonance, synthetic models crafted from high-impact plasticprovide extreme durability and a consistent, loud projection that can withstand the heaviest playing. Options are available in various sizes and pitches (high, medium, and low), suitable for Latin percussion, marching bands, orchestral ensembles, drum kit setups, and music education.
Blocks are a staple in salsa, orchestral music, jazz, and rock, where they are often used to play foundational patterns or cut through a dense musical arrangement with immediate, percussive impact. Their ability to deliver a bright, dry sound with a very short decay makes them the perfect tool for timekeeping and highlighting intricate rhythmic syncopation.
Modern blocks are engineered for versatility and resilience. Key features include heavy-duty mounting brackets, designed to withstand the vibration of a full kit, and specialized resonance chambers that maximize volume without sacrificing the "woody" quality of the tone. Synthetic blocks are particularly favored for their resistance to cracking, warping, and weather conditions, making them the industry standard for outdoor marching and touring.
Blocks are commonly integrated into a setup using multi-clamps or mounting rods, often paired with cowbells, tambourines, and cymbals to form a complete auxiliary percussion section. They are played with drumsticks, mallets, or rutes, with each striker providing a different level of articulation and attack.
From a high-pitched "pico" block for salsa patterns to a deep, resonant woodblock for orchestral works, blocks provide the clipping attack, durability, and rhythmic definition that drummers and percussionists rely on for a professional sound
