Grello Finger Bell
€19.37
Flexatone Simple
Price:
€20.24
Flexatone Simple
The flexatone simple is a percussion instrument that produces sound through the impact of spring-mounted strikers against a sheet of steel. What distinguishes it from conventional percussion is the capacity to alter pitch continuously during or between strikes — a quality that opens possibilities for glissando, wavering tones, and expressive sound effects that would be difficult or impossible to achieve on fixed-pitch instruments.
How It Works
The instrument consists of a steel sheet held under tension. When you strike the sheet with the spring-mounted mallets, the metal vibrates and produces sound. The crucial control mechanism is thumb pressure applied to the plate itself: by increasing or decreasing this pressure, you change the tension of the metal and thus shift the pitch upward or downward. This principle mirrors that of the musical saw, where continuous pitch variation is achieved through mechanical adjustment rather than fixed tuning.
The spring-mounted strikers respond to your hand movement, allowing you to control both the force and timing of the strikes. Light, quick movements produce sharp articulate tones; sustained pressure with gradual pitch shifts create sliding, glissando effects. The combination of percussive impact and continuous pitch control makes the flexatone capable of producing effects ranging from comedic "boing" sounds to eerie, wavering textures.
Sound Character and Applications
The steel construction produces a bright, metallic timbre with pronounced resonance. Because pitch can be shifted smoothly during a single strike or phrase, the instrument excels at creating transitions between notes that feel fluid and organic rather than stepped. This makes it particularly effective for sound design — film scoring, theatrical effects, and experimental composition all benefit from the flexatone's capacity to generate unusual, evocative textures.
The instrument has found application in orchestral, jazz, and avant-garde contexts where composers and performers seek unconventional percussion voices. Its portability and intuitive operation — the basic technique of striking and modulating pressure is accessible to players without formal percussion training — have contributed to its presence in diverse musical settings.
Construction and Materials
The flexatone simple is built from steel sheet, which provides durability and consistent acoustic response. The spring-mounted mallets are integral to the design, allowing them to rebound efficiently after each strike. The overall assembly is compact and lightweight, making the instrument practical to transport and store.
What's Included
- Flexatone simple, ready to play
The flexatone remains a specialized tool for sound designers, experimental musicians, and composers seeking percussion voices that operate outside conventional pitch and timbre categories.
Price:
€20.24
Flexatone Simple — a percussion instrument that produces distinctive glissando and wavering tones by striking a flexible steel sheet with spring-mounted beaters while thumb pressure on the plate alters pitch. Originating in early 20th-century theatre for sound effects, it has found its way into orchestral, jazz, and experimental compositions worldwide. Intuitive to play yet expressive in skilled hands, it excels at creating eerie atmospheres, comedic "boing" effects, and smooth pitch transitions. Lightweight and portable at 28 cm, made by Clemens Voigt & Sven Otto in India. A compact voice for film scoring, avant-garde composition, and anyone seeking truly unconventional percussion textures.
| Origin | India |
|---|---|
| Weight | 0,20 kg |
| Dimensions | 28,0 cm |
| Materials | Sheet steel |
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Flexatone Simple
Caution: Not suitable for children under 3 years. Please supervise older children. Beware of swallowing small parts, strangulation, material allergies, sharp edges and points! Use only for sound generation. No liability for improper use.
Care: Extreme temperature fluctuations, humidity and direct sunlight can affect the lifespan. Please store in balanced humidity to prevent material changes, mold and corrosion. Remove dirt with a damp cloth. Dry after cleaning and each use.
Disposal: Please contact your local waste disposal authority for information on environmentally sound disposal!
Flexatone Simple
The flexatone simple is a percussion instrument that produces sound through the impact of spring-mounted strikers against a sheet of steel. What distinguishes it from conventional percussion is the capacity to alter pitch continuously during or between strikes — a quality that opens possibilities for glissando, wavering tones, and expressive sound effects that would be difficult or impossible to achieve on fixed-pitch instruments.
How It Works
The instrument consists of a steel sheet held under tension. When you strike the sheet with the spring-mounted mallets, the metal vibrates and produces sound. The crucial control mechanism is thumb pressure applied to the plate itself: by increasing or decreasing this pressure, you change the tension of the metal and thus shift the pitch upward or downward. This principle mirrors that of the musical saw, where continuous pitch variation is achieved through mechanical adjustment rather than fixed tuning.
The spring-mounted strikers respond to your hand movement, allowing you to control both the force and timing of the strikes. Light, quick movements produce sharp articulate tones; sustained pressure with gradual pitch shifts create sliding, glissando effects. The combination of percussive impact and continuous pitch control makes the flexatone capable of producing effects ranging from comedic "boing" sounds to eerie, wavering textures.
Sound Character and Applications
The steel construction produces a bright, metallic timbre with pronounced resonance. Because pitch can be shifted smoothly during a single strike or phrase, the instrument excels at creating transitions between notes that feel fluid and organic rather than stepped. This makes it particularly effective for sound design — film scoring, theatrical effects, and experimental composition all benefit from the flexatone's capacity to generate unusual, evocative textures.
The instrument has found application in orchestral, jazz, and avant-garde contexts where composers and performers seek unconventional percussion voices. Its portability and intuitive operation — the basic technique of striking and modulating pressure is accessible to players without formal percussion training — have contributed to its presence in diverse musical settings.
Construction and Materials
The flexatone simple is built from steel sheet, which provides durability and consistent acoustic response. The spring-mounted mallets are integral to the design, allowing them to rebound efficiently after each strike. The overall assembly is compact and lightweight, making the instrument practical to transport and store.
What's Included
- Flexatone simple, ready to play
The flexatone remains a specialized tool for sound designers, experimental musicians, and composers seeking percussion voices that operate outside conventional pitch and timbre categories.
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