Best Temple Block & Best Temple Block Brands
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Temple blocks are percussion musical instruments that originated thousands of years ago in Eastern Asia. This device is still used during religious ceremonies in East Asia to this day. The temple block is a carved wooden hollow musical instrument with a huge slit.
In its original or traditional form, it’s oak fish shape is somewhat bulbous. The modern types of this instrument are rectangular in shape as well. Several blocks of different sizes are usually used together to produce a variety of pitches in temple blocks.
What are the Best Temple Block to Buy?
2) Basic Beat BBTB5 Temple Blocks Set
- Laminated Wood
- Adjustable Stand
- Nice Sound
- Great Value
1) Suzuki TBS-3 Tempo Blocks
- Reputable Brand
- Natural Colour
- High Quality
- Adjustable Metal Stand
3) Latin Percussion LP1210 Granite Block
- Reputable Brand
- Trusted Quality
- Screw-on Steel Mount
- Comfortable Playing
- High quality
The temple blocks can also be described as a set of open-vessel idiophones designed from the East Asian ‘slit drums’ (also called muyu’ in Mandarin). However, temple blocks have subsequently been termed as an orchestra, auxiliary band, and percussion ensemble instrument.
Any trained percussionist shouldn’t find it difficult to perform this instrument, despite the fact that there is no solo repertoire associated to it. In the international music world, this set of relatively-tuned percussion instruments are often called Korean temple blocks or Chinese temple blocks.
In the history of Western music, the use of temple blocks can be traced as far back as early jazz drummers. Apart from that, they can also be used in more recent orchestral music (and are called dragons’ mouths in such situations). The kind of sound the temple block produces is similar to that of the wood blocks (although the latter creates a darker and more “hollow” timbre).
Temple blocks are usually, but not always, utilized associatively in the band and orchestral scores to reference Eastern Asian music or to reflect the sound produced by a galloping horse.
As seen from the above, temple blocks originated from East Asia and are adopted from Eastern Asian Buddhist ‘slit drums’ called, muyu in Chinese. A single muyu can be made from a spherical block of wood which is usually hollowed out although a slit is cut into one of its sides.
The external surface of the temple block is often carved and painted to appear like a stylized fish. Temple blocks became something familiar in the hands of jazz drummers from early times who consequently incorporated them into their drum sets (and interestingly, the toms of modern drum sets also originated from appropriated Chinese musical instruments).
Orchestral composers may have first heard of this musical instrument when it was set in jazz before they began to request for it in their compositions sparingly. As of the mid 20th century, at least a set of four to five muyu in classic pitch and size was to be found in the percussion arsenal of most bands and orchestras.
Then in the latter part of the 20th century, the dominant Western manufacturers of percussion musical instruments began to experiment with new simple designs for temple blocks. This ultimately resulted in the manufacturing of multiple versions of temple blocks.
10 Best Temple Block Reviews and the Best Temple Block Brands
This article is a well-detailed review and buying a guide that highlights the features, description, and pros of ten different temple blocks. Each temple block review will be discussed one after the other below. Read on to learn more.
1) Suzuki TBS-3 Tempo Blocks
The Suzuki TBS-3 Temple Blocks are always a favourite among jazz saxophonists and others who play the instrument. This temple block set comes with five tuned hardwood blocks all in a natural colour. It also includes a heavy-duty adjustable stand (crafted with metal) and a pair of mallets.
It’s product dimensions include 74 cm length, 35 cm width, 21cm height and 6282 g in size. Its package dimensions are 72 cm length, 37 cm width, 21cm height and 6282 g. This instrument includes a heavy duty adjustable metal stand and 5 Tuned hardwood blocks with a pair of mallets.
2) Basic Beat BBTB5 Temple Blocks Set
The Basic Beat BBTB5 Temple Block Set is an ideal choice for use in a classroom to teach music students. This instrument is made of laminated wood. The temple blocks include five distinct pitches with all of them including a sturdy, height adjustable stand with a single pair of mallets. The material used for its construction makes it a quality set of temple blocks for musicians, first-time players and beginners alike.
3) Latin Percussion LP1210 Granite Block
Latin Percussion LP1210 Granite Temple Blocks are derived from the ancient Mandarin blocks. Built from Jenigor, LP’s plastic formulation, LP Granite Temple Blocks make up a set of five indestructible temple blocks which can be tuned to match the tune of the traditional Chinese temple blocks.
This instrument is made up of five tuned blocks that are placed based on tone. It comes with a screw-on steel mount allowing it to be set up in different positions offering versatility. This instrument also includes LP Granite Block Mallets. It is easily mountable and comes with a beater. This instrument measures (W x D x H): 52 x 36 x 9 cm in dimensions.
4) Green Tones 3740 Temple Blocks
Green Tones 3740 consists of rubberwood blocks with five pitches for rhythmic play. Blocks sound lower or higher depending on their size when played with a mallet. The smaller a block, the higher it’s pitch.
Comes with a 12.5″ ergonomically designed Mangowood bottom that allows it to fit easily on a table or your lap. Includes a pair of wooden mallets. Crafted in 15 plies curved base construction with environmental friendly Mangowood, non-toxic coat finish.
The Green Tones temple block has an ergonomically designed base, with a rubberwood block featuring clear-coat finish. It includes 11 multiple steam bent wooden base made from chemical-free mango wood.
5) Musser LE104 Synthetic Temple Block Set
The Musser LE104 Synthetic Temple Block Set is built carefully for durability and offers maximum sound projection due to its sturdy construction. It is a set of synthetic blocks fabricated by Ludwig that can serve as a great alternative to wood blocks.
This instrument includes a clamp that easily mounts to the most common cymbal stands with a pair of mallets also included. The instrument is made for easy use and will be enjoyed by any player.
This instrument includes LE104 Synthetic Temple Blocks and is built for durability as well as been able to offer maximum sound projection. Its clamp can mount to most cymbal stands comfortably.
6) Juego Cinco Temple Blocks
The Juego Cinco Temple Block Set is a group of five temple blocks that offer unique sound with maximum durability for any kind of use. This musical instrument includes a support that measures up to 90 cm in height with an adjustable incline foot and black finish for a sparkling look. The Juego Cinco Temple Block Set is crafted solidly in Spain and is easy to mount and use.
Support is included in this set with an adjustable stand as well as a sturdy foot stand with a maximum height of 90 cm. The device is crafted well for adequate durability and maximum sound projection.
7) Rhythm Band RB603 Deluxe Wooden Temple Blocks
The Rhythm Band RB603 Deluxe Wooden Temple Block Set comes with a laminated birch and offers five different pitches. This instrument produces the traditional Temple Block sound for any occasion.
It also includes a heavy-duty adjustable and durable stand for easy mounting and use. It comes with a single pair of mallets and gives off a unique and fantastic sound. A favourite among musicians.
8) Open-End Style Temple Blocks
The open-end style temple block set comes with open-end design laminate wood blocks, with a height-adjustable stand along with a pair of rubber mallets of medium size. The five pitches included in this set are La, So, Do, Mi, and So.
Each block is hand-crafted in the United States and consists of a 5-year guarantee. By each of its Blocks, the open-end set of Temple Blocks is ideal for any player. You can hope to enjoy unique sound with this instrument.
The Open-End Temple Block includes five open-end style laminate wood blocks and a single adjustable height stand. Five pitches are also included in this set of blocks.
9) Pearl PCWTB05 Percussion Concert Temple Block
The Pearl PCWTB-05 Percussion Temple Block Set is perfect for any band, orchestra, or marching ensemble. Each block comes mounted together. All in a set of 5, and ranges from a smaller to higher pitched to a larger, and more profound pitch block.
It is constructed from para wood and makes each block produce a crisp, clear sound with a tone projection that can travel through the softest dynamics. The blocks can attach to any cymbal stand from 3/8 to 1.5.
10) Ludwig LE-102 Temple Block Set
The Ludwig LE-102 Temple Block Set includes five blocks that deliver authentic and unique sound as well as durability for everyday band use. This instrument comprises a pair of mallets. It is carefully constructed for every kind of musical performance including to select rock maple.
The Ludwig Temple Block Set delivers clear and penetrating sound with multiple tonal separations. It includes a durable, lightweight stand that offers reliable support on the floor. Comes with a set of 5 blocks that produce an authentic sound and durability for everyday use, a pair of mallets and an authentic penetrating sound for every performance with distinct tonal separation.
Choosing the Best Temple Block from the Best Temple Block Brands
From the above points highlighted regarding temple blocks, it is safe to say that when choosing a temple block to buy, no matter your purpose of obtaining one you need to consider the performance and key features of the instrument.
Percussion musical instruments like temple blocks are usually purchased to be played regularly or not just to serve as collectibles sitting on shelves. Whether your instrument will be played by learners or professionals on a daily basis kept as a collectible, it is essential to know every critical information regarding the instrument before you make a purchase.
2) Basic Beat BBTB5 Temple Blocks Set
- Laminated Wood
- Adjustable Stand
- Nice Sound
- Great Value
1) Suzuki TBS-3 Tempo Blocks
- Reputable Brand
- Natural Colour
- High Quality
- Adjustable Metal Stand
3) Latin Percussion LP1210 Granite Block
- Reputable Brand
- Trusted Quality
- Screw-on Steel Mount
- Comfortable Playing
- High quality
Temple blocks produce variation when it comes to sound, and since each individual may want a different perspective, style or type of temple block, the shopping process must be unique for each individual involved.
However, investing or dedicating the appropriate amount of time to studying and researching the various brands of temple blocks before finalizing the process of making in a purchase (no matter how long this may take) will inevitably pay off. There are multiple types of temp blocks if you want variety when searching for percussion instruments (all of which are used for a variety of musical ensembles).
In addition to this, it is essential to indicate that there is no one size fits all solution when it comes to shopping for temple blocks. A prospective buyer who plans to purchase more than one type of this instrument should make sure they spend several hours compiling every information they can gather about the specific brand.
Finally, you need to consider other factors such as any issues that can apply to the types of temple blocks during the decision-making process. This will ensure that you get the best instrument to suit your needs in the end.