How to Buy Claves

Your Guide to buying the best claves

Overview

Claves are an essential percussion instrument used in many different styles of music. They have a unique sound that is instantly recognizable, and they can be used to create a variety of rhythms. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced musician, this buying guide will provide you with all the information you need to choose the best claves for your needs. We’ll discuss different types of claves, the various materials they are made from, and the various sizes and styles available. Finally, we’ll provide expert advice on how to care for your claves and get the best possible sound from them.

Key features

  1. Materials - Claves are traditionally made out of hardwoods such as Cuban mahogany, rosewood, or African Blackwood. Different woods have different tonalities, so it’s important to experiment with different types to find the one that suits your needs.
  2. Size - Claves come in two sizes; long and short. The short clave is called the macho and is higher in pitch, while the long clave is called the hembra and has a lower pitch. Depending on what type of music you are playing, you may prefer one size over the other.
  3. Weight - The weight of the claves is also important. The heavier the clave, the longer the sustain and more powerful the sound. Heavier claves also require more energy and technique to play. Thinner claves are easier to play but have less sustain.
  4. Shape - The shape of the claves is also important. The traditional shape of the clave is a cylinder, but modern day claves come in many different shapes and sizes. Some are rounder or flatter, while others are more pointed. Try different shapes to find the one you like.
  5. Tuning - It is important to ensure that your claves are in tune with each other. This is done by tapping them together and listening to the sound. If they are out of tune, you can retune them using a tuning fork or an electronic tuner.

See the most popular claves on Amazon

Important considerations

Pros

  • Versatile - Claves are extremely versatile. Depending on the type of claves, they can be used to provide different sounds and rhythms for a wide range of genres, including rock, jazz, and reggae.
  • Portability - Claves are small and light, making them easy to transport and carry around.
  • Durability - Claves are usually made of hardwood or plastic, making them very durable and able to withstand a lot of use.
  • Affordability - Claves are relatively inexpensive and can be found at most music stores.

Cons

  • Cost: Claves are typically more expensive than other percussion instruments, making them inaccessible to some buyers.
  • Size: Claves are typically very small, which make them difficult to handle and can be a challenge for people with larger hands.
  • Durability: Claves are not very durable; they are made of wood, which can easily become cracked or broken if not handled with care.
  • Sound: Claves are limited in their range of sounds; they are generally designed to produce one type of sound.

Best alternatives

  1. Cabasa - A cabasa is a percussion instrument similar to the clave that comes with a wooden cylinder and metal beads. It is often used as a rhythmic accent in Latin music.
  2. Güira - A güira is a metal instrument that produces a rattling sound when scraped with a stick or a metal object. It is often used in salsa and other Caribbean music genres.
  3. Cowbell - A cowbell is a metal percussion instrument that produces a crisp sound when struck with a mallet. It is often used in jazz and salsa music.
  4. Guiro - A guiro is a percussion instrument made from a hollowed-out gourd that is scraped with a stick to produce a buzzing sound. It is often used in Latin American music.
  5. Conga - A conga is a tall drum that produces a deep, resonant sound when struck with a mallet. It is often used in Latin and Afro-Cuban music.

Related tools, supplies, and accessories

  • Claves – Handheld percussion instruments made of hardwood with two cylindrical tubes of varying lengths that are played by striking them together.
  • Beaters – Stick or mallet shaped beaters made of hardwood, plastic, or rubber used to strike the claves.
  • Tuning Wrench – Used to adjust the tension of the clave for pitch accuracy, these specialized wrenches are essential for keeping your claves in tune.
  • Felt Pads – Used to help muffle the sound of claves, felt pads are a great accessory for practicing quietly.
  • Protective Case – A durable case designed to protect your claves while on the go.

Common questions

  1. What are claves?
    Claves are a percussion instrument composed of two wooden sticks that are hit together to produce a sound.
  2. What are the different types of claves?
    The two main types of claves are the claves son and the claves rumberas. The claves son are the traditional Cuban claves and are slightly thicker than the claves rumberas, which are more commonly used in Latin American rhythms.
  3. What materials are claves typically made from?
    Claves are typically made from hardwood such as rosewood, ebony, or guayacan.
  4. How do I choose the right size claves?
    The size of the claves will depend on the sound you are trying to achieve. Generally, claves that are longer will produce a lower, fuller sound, while claves that are shorter will produce a higher, sharper sound.
  5. How do I know if a pair of claves is of good quality?
    A good quality pair of claves should produce a clear, full sound when struck together. The claves should also be balanced and the wood should be smooth and free from flaws.
  6. What other accessories might I need with my claves?
    Other accessories that might be needed include a stand to hold the claves, a bag or case to store them in, and some type of cushioning material to protect them when not in use.

Trivia

An interesting fact about claves is that they are actually a descendant of a West African instrument called the kalimba. Unlike the claves, the kalimba was traditionally made out of a large gourd and had two metal tines that could be struck with a stick. The claves were adapted from this design and have become a popular percussion instrument in many genres of music. The name “claves” has been attributed to the Spanish “clave” meaning key, as the instrument is often used to provide a key pattern in music. The claves are often used to create a steady rhythm in Afro-Cuban, jazz, funk, and Latin music. Source:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Claves

Disclaimer: This buying guide was not created by humans, and it is possible that some of it's content is inaccurate or incomplete. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this buying guide. Additionally, the images on this page were generated by AI and may not accurately represent the product that is being discussed. We have tried to convey useful information, but it is our subjective opinion and should not be taken as complete or factual.