In Spanish, the word "clave" literally translates as "key." In Afro/Cuban music, "clave" refers to the fundamental beat pattern—the rhythmic key—of a particular song. It's fitting then, that within the pantheon of percussion instruments, the name "claves" is given to the simple yet critical wooden bars that produce that rhythmic key.
Toca's new Pro Claves (T3513) reflect the appreciation that Toca's designers have for the important role that these instruments play in Afro/Cuban and other Latin music. They're fashioned from hand-selected padauk wood, which is noted for its warm, resonant qualities. Padauk also has a rich and attractive reddish color that is complemented by the Pro Claves' matte finish.
A unique feature of the Pro Claves is their differing size and shape. The striker bar is 7-3⁄8" long, with a diameter of 7⁄8" from end to end. It's specifically designed to be comfortable to hold yet heavy enough to produce maximum tone and volume when it strikes the other bar.
That other bar is 9" long, with a diameter of 1-1⁄4"—except at its center. There it features a specially scooped-out contour. When the bar is held properly in the player's hand, this contour creates a "sound chamber" that boosts the resonance and projection of the clave rhythm. This enhanced resonance, coupled with the warm and lively tonality of the padauk wood, helps to maximize the musical potential of these essential instruments.
Whether you use them on stage or in the studio, Toca's Pro Claves are sure to provide the perfect rhythmic key to your percussive performance. They list for $20 per pair.
Drums, choosing which one to buy might be a tough decision. Of course, considering their remarkable affordability, many players may opt to create a percussive trio of all three!
