LP Latin Percussion Flex-a-Tone Standard LP1-5

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The metal plate of the flexatone is hit alternatively on each side by wooden or rubber beaters or balls that are attached to a clock spring. György Ligeti used it in many of his works, such as his 1988 concerto for piano [26] [27] [28] [29] second movement and his opera Le Grand Macabre (1977). Idiophones can be made to vibrate in different ways, that’s why they distinguish between “struck”, “friction”, or “plucked” instruments. If someone reading this, knows of good examples of Flexatone use in songs by these great artists I haven't mentioned, I of course would love to hear about it.

Combinations of Digital Dancehall’s basic digital rhythms, with added acoustic instruments exist out there, though. Like in the Wikipedia list of Flexatone used in songs in other genres, its use differs from “prominent” to subtle. I heard it less in modern dancehall, but this is especially because that genre is more Digital, with less space for an acoustic instrument like the Flexatone.I further – just as another example – also seem to notice the (subtle) use of the Flexatone in Culture’s 1996 album One Stone, as part of wider percussion. Also the newer New Roots artists, besides Chronixx, (Sizzla, Luciano, Bushman, Buju Banton, Anthony B.

It gives an interesting list of songs, but fails to mention any Reggae song, while there are several examples. Added to this, however, are two wooden balls on either side, thus sounding when the “metal blade” as such is pressed/struck by thumb, combining thus a musical/singing saw with bell/glockenspiel-like sounds, with glissando (or trembling, quivering) effects. Aside from jazz and Reggae, the flexatone was also used in classical music, in pop recordings, as well as in other genres. Right after mentioning that, "the latter [the musical saw] is orchestrally wholly unknown," he mentions Khachaturian's use of the flexatone in his Piano Concerto.Bend the spring steel with thumb pressure as the wooden ball strikes the surfaceWith a little practice, any song can be played on the Flex-A-Tone -- even the Star-Spangled Banner! In parts with string instrument-traditions in Sahel, West Africa: the Guinee, “Griot”, region, for instance.