The slapstick, also known as clapper or whip, is a musical instrument that is used to bring particular sound elements to a song. It looks relatively simple, as it is made out of two wooden boards that are joint together with the help of a hinge. The instrument also has a handle, so that it can be comfortably held with one hand and used when playing music.
When playing a slapstick, the main idea is to make an abrupt movement that will make the hinge close and boards slap onto each other, producing a whip-like sound. Because the slapstick produces sounds due to the fact that the wooden boards hit each other, it is considered to be an instrument belonging to the percussion group.
What are the Best Slapsticks to Buy?
2) Timber Drum Slapstick
- Popular Choice
- Tennessee Hardwood
- Comfortable Playing
1) Toca T-2501 Slapsticks
- High Quality
- Artistic Creation
- Lightweight
- Great for All
3) Pearl SlapStick
- Reputable
- Great Sound
- Asiatic Hardwood
What to look for when looking to purchase a slapstick?
First of all, you need to make sure that the instrument is made out of natural, genuine wood. You need a material that is capable of producing the whip-like sound that made slapsticks famous, and this cannot be achieved with softer materials, like fake wood or plastic.
Secondly, you need to check out the hinge of the instrument. Even though it is small, the hinge should be solid enough. Just think about the fact that you are going to use the instrument in a jerked manner, as it is the only way you’ll manage to produce sounds, so you need to make sure that the hinge will withstand such movements and will allow you to play the instrument for years to come.
Last, but not least, you have to make sure that the slapstick is light enough. The slapstick is made to be used with one hand only, so it has to be light weighed enough in order to be used without any problems. This can be achieved by using a type of wood that is light, making the slapstick an enjoyable instrument to use.
8 Best Slapstick Reviews and the Best Slapstick Brands
Now that you know the main aspects you need to check out when looking for a slapstick, you will be able to make a great choice and get the instrument that suits your needs in the best way possible.
1) Toca T-2501 Slapsticks
This is a slapstick that looks rather fragile but don’t be fooled by its appearance, as it is very sturdy and more than capable of producing the sharp whip-cracking sound you need for your artistic creations.
It is made out of light wood and paired together with an easy to grab handle this instrument will be a real pleasure to use. Anyone can easily use it, from children to adults, as it was made for the enjoyment such instruments provide. Made out of real wood and with a resilient hinge, this is the type of slapstick that will serve you for the year in a row, allowing you to improve your musical projects and become more creative.
Regardless if we are talking about cabaret shows, musicals, theatre plays, or Christmas songs, this instrument will do its job right each time, for the amusement of your audience. Most certainly you will love the sounds it is capable of producing when used, as they are very realistic, imitating extremely well a real-life whip.
2) Timber Drum Co. T3 Made in USA 18″ Solid Hickory Slapstick
Made in the USA, the Timber Drum is a brand that will certainly not let you down. All the slapsticks made by this company are made out of genuine Tennessee hardwood, which is prepared and assembled in Timber Drum’s workshop, which is located not very far from Nashville.
You will fall in love with this slapstick because it is light weighted and very comfortable to use. In fact, you can easily use your free hand to play another instrument, like a tambourine, because one hand is more than enough to play this slapstick.
The cracking whip sound produced by the instrument can be the ideal addition to any musical piece, especially during the holiday season. With a length of 18 inches, it is long enough to produce the sharp sound you need by using one hand only.
The instrument is made to be resilient and ergonomic, with a handle designed to offer a good grip, manufactured out of solid hickory. The hinge is made out of steel, with a nickel finish, providing sufficient resistance to wear and tear over years of usage. When you opt for the slapstick made by Timber Drum, it is worth knowing that you’ll also enjoy a 2-year warranty on your instrument.
3) Pearl SlapStick
If most slapsticks are made with a hinge, so they can be used with one hand only. There are models that do not feature the hinge with a spring, as they are made to be operated with two hands. The slapstick made by Pearls is one of those models, featuring special handles on each board of the instrument, for easy grabbing.
The hinge of this instrument has as sole purpose to keep the boards together while you’re using the instrument. This type of slapstick is ideal if you want to get a clear “slap” sound, instead of the classic whip cracking sound. In order to make the sound, all you’ll have to do is grab the instrument by its handles, open it wide, and, by using the force of your arms, to slap the two wooden boards together, producing the “slap” sound.
This particular instrument is made out of beautiful Asiatic hardwood, which was nicely finished and polished not only for an elegant look, but also for a comfortable use. Depending on the sound effect you need, it is definitely worth checking this instrument out and taking it into consideration, as it will be a high-quality addition to your collection of instruments.
4) Duplex 3464 Percussion Effect
This is a beautiful 15-inch slapstick that is capable of delivering an impressive whip cracking sound. If you need this kind of sound effect, you don’t have to buy a real horsewhip to get it, because by using this small instrument you will obtain a realistic sound effect of a whip cracking fast and easy.
You will love the fact that it is light and poses no problems when it comes to using it. So even if you never handled a slapstick before, you will manage to get great sounds out of it in no time.
The instrument is made exceptionally well, so if you’ll decide to purchase it, you will enjoy a great quality product. Having only a discreet logo on its handle, the instrument presents the natural beauty of the instrument that composes it and nothing more.
5) Trophy 3465 Percussion Effect
This slapstick may have a more affordable price tag than other well-known brands, you will still get exceptional quality for the money you pay. Made by the Duplex brand, the instrument is light, easy to use, and resistant enough.
Its body is made out of real hardwood, with a handle carved to provide a good level of comfort and grip when playing the instrument. The slapstick also comes with a heavy-duty spring, so you can enjoy the instrument for a very long time, enjoying the sounds it’s making each time you want.
The “whip” sound can be louder or softer, depending on how hard the wooden boards of the instrument slap each other. But one thing is for sure, if you need a whip-like sound, then this instrument has what it takes to produce it.
You will love the fact that it is a discreet instrument that will be a great addition to your collection, enhancing your musical pieces in a great manner and allowing your creativity to run free each time you have to perform. Whether we are talking about an on-stage play or a gig between friends, this slapstick will do its job each time.
6) Danmar 412 Wood Slapstick, 15-Inch Length
Are you looking for a slapstick that can produce the classic cracking-whip sound? Then the one produced by Danmar is just what you need. It has a classic and simple design and a length of 15 inches, which makes it great to use both in the case of pros and beginners.
The instrument features a long and easy to grab handle, so you can manoeuvre it with one hand easy and fast. The hinge is a sturdy one, appearing rather massive on an instrument that was created to be discreet. But, you do need a solid hinge and spring on a slapstick if you want to make sure that the instrument will serve you well for years to come.
If you think that an 18-inch slapstick is too large for your needs, then most certainly enjoy this one that is smaller and sleeker, utilizing only the natural beauty of the hardwood it is made of as a decorative pattern. If you need a reliable slapstick, this one has everything it needs so it won’t let you down during each performance, while adding the whip-like sound you’re looking to get.
7) Ludwig LE-74 Slapstick
Did you have disappointing experiences with cheap slapsticks so far?
Then you need to try the one made by Ludwig. Quality is the main objective of this brand and they certainly did not cut corners when it came to the manufacturing of this slapstick. Made out of beautifully finished solid wood, the instrument features a solid brass hinge that will allow you to use the slapstick over and over again, with no risks of getting it damaged or malfunctioning.
The design is clean and simple, as the manufacturer decided to preserve the natural pattern and color of the wood. With a handle carved in an ergonomic manner, it will be extremely easy to hold this instrument and slap it without the risk of it slipping away from your hand. Not to mention the clear and realistic whip-like sound it makes, exactly what you’re looking to get from a great slapstick.
In case you need an instrument like this in your collection or you could use the sounds it makes for your artistic creations, you definitely should consider this one for its sturdiness and superior quality. Most certainly it will not crack while you’ll perform with it, something that may happen in the case of cheaper instruments.
8) Basic Beat 18″ Slapstick
Are you looking to produce a cracking whip sound but you don’t want to use more than one hand? Then you will love this 18-inch slapstick that will allow you to play other one-hand-operated instruments with your free hand. Made out entire out of maple wood, the instrument is light and will produce an exceptional sound you will love.
It is also equipped with a durable spring that will provide a countless number of uses, turning this Basic Beat slapstick into a reliable instrument within your collection. Its simple design also comes with a more than the affordable price tag, so if you never tried a slapstick before and you don’t plan on investing too much in this type of instrument, then this is the right choice in your case.
It is also the ideal gift you could offer to your child, giving the young one the chance to use a simple instrument that will provide a lot of fun and could turn out to be just right in case of school plays and music performances.
Choosing the Best Slapstick from the Best Slapstick Brands
Before reading this short guide, you probably weren’t aware of the differences between various types and brands of slapsticks. Now you know that, depending on the choice you make, you can get different sounds and quality levels, which may be exactly what you need or rather disappointing.
Thus, the purpose of this guide is to help you make the right choice, according to your needs, requirements, and designated budget. The previously presented slapsticks were chose to suit all preferences, so all you have to do is check each one and decide which of them is capable of providing what you are looking to get.
2) Timber Drum Slapstick
- Popular Choice
- Tennessee Hardwood
- Comfortable Playing
1) Toca T-2501 Slapsticks
- High Quality
- Artistic Creation
- Lightweight
- Great for All
3) Pearl SlapStick
- Reputable
- Great Sound
- Asiatic Hardwood
By doing a bit of research, you will end up being fully satisfied with the instrument you chose, while enjoying enhanced and improved artistic performances. If you want to entertain your audience, regardless of where it may be, a slapstick can be the small and discreet instrument that can make a huge difference, with minimum effort and a very small budget.