Exploring the Vibraslap: An Unusual Drum Merely One Minute into the Song 'The Low Spark of the High Heeled Boy'

When one listens to the catchy tune of The Low Spark of the High Heeled Boy by Gary Numan, a distinct sound effect can be noticed at a specific moment—about 1 minute and 20 seconds into the song. This sound is created by a unique percussion instrument known as a vibraslap, also referred to as a slapstick.

The vibraslap is an intriguing and somewhat unusual instrument that has been featured in various songs and sounds across the music industry. This instrument brings a distinctive rhythmic element into a song, much like a rattlesnake rattle, creating an interesting auditory texture. Whether it's the dark and eerie atmosphere of The Low Spark of the High Heeled Boy or the riffs and beats in Crazy Train by Ozzy Osbourne, this distinctive instrument adds a touch of uniqueness to the music.

Overview of the Vibraslap

The vibraslap is a lightweight, adjustable strip of metal, often aluminum or steel. This metal strip is struck with a mallet or by hand to produce its characteristic sound. The sound is a sharp, clean click that doesn't always resonate long, which makes it ideal for accentuating certain rhythms.

The vibraslap is a small, portable, and versatile instrument that can be used in a wide range of musical settings, from rock and pop to electronic and film scores. Its appearance is often similar to a thin, metal strip or a small strip of rubber covered in metal or plastic. The instrument gets its name from its rubber-like quality when struck, which produces a sound that is both sharp and distinct.

Usage in Music

The vibraslap has been featured in numerous songs throughout the years. Two of the most notable examples can be found in Crazy Train by Ozzy Osbourne and Sweet Emotion by Aerosmith. The instrument adds a layer of intensity and impact to the music, making it particularly noticeable in these songs. It is used to punctuate and emphasize sections of the song that require a sharp and sudden element to the rhythm.

A good example is Ozzy Osbourne's Crazy Train, where the vibraslap serves as a sharp contrast to the heavy and melodic guitar riffs. Similarly, in Sweet Emotion, the vibraslap effectively punctuates the verses and choruses, adding a punch to the music. These examples illustrate the versatility of the vibraslap in modern music, both rock and beyond.

Understanding and Appreciating the Vibraslap

To get an in-depth look at this instrument, searching for 'vibraslap' on YouTube can be a great starting point. Numerous videos showcase the instrument's construction, different ways it can be struck, and how it contributes to the overall sound of a song. One can notice the vibrant and engaging nature of the sound, seeing it as a live performance or even as a recording with close-up views of the instrument being struck.

Here are a few key terms to consider when searching for more information on the vibraslap:

Percussion Instrument: A category of musical instruments designed to be sounded by being struck, shaken, or scraped. The vibraslap falls into this category due to the manner in which it is used. Sounds like a rattlesnake rattle: This description highlights the unique and sharp sound that the vibraslap produces, which can be compared to the distinctive sound of a rattlesnake’s rattle. Used in numerous songs: From rock to electronic and beyond, the vibraslap has proven to be a versatile instrument that can add impactful elements to many different types of music.

In conclusion, the vibraslap is a fascinating and underappreciated instrument that adds unique and powerful elements to the music it is included in. Its sharp and distinct sound can be heard in many famous songs, contributing to the rhythm and atmosphere of the music. From The Low Spark of the High Heeled Boy to Crazy Train and beyond, the vibraslap continues to be a valuable tool for musicians and producers alike.