What is woodblock instrument?

A woodblock is a percussion instrument made of a solid piece of wood that is struck with a mallet or drumstick. It produces a loud, bright, and sharp sound, similar to that of a struck bell. Woodblocks are typically used in orchestral and marching band music to provide accents and rhythmic punctuations.

Woodblocks come in various sizes and shapes, ranging from small handheld blocks to larger mounted blocks that are played with a foot pedal. They can also be tuned to different pitches by adjusting the thickness and density of the wood. In traditional Chinese music, a pair of woodblocks called bangzi is often used to provide a rhythmic pulse.

Woodblocks are typically made from hardwoods such as maple, birch, or oak. They can also be made from exotic woods like rosewood, ebony, or padauk, which provide different tonal qualities. To make a woodblock, a piece of wood is cut to a specific shape, hollowed out, and sanded smooth. The final step is to finish the wood with a varnish or oil to protect it and enhance its natural beauty.