The vibraslap is a quirky percussion instrument known for its dry, rattling "jawbone" sound—perfect for adding tension, humor, or drama in music and sound design. Made of a wooden ball, metal rod, and resonator box, it mimics the traditional quijada (donkey jawbone) from Afro-Peruvian and Latin American music. It's widely used by percussionists, orchestras, and sound designers in Latin, funk, jazz, rock, and film. Popularized in the U.S. during the 1960s and rooted in Latin America, the vibraslap continues to appear in percussion kits, psychedelic rock, and even cartoon soundtracks for its unique tonal punch.
History of Vibraslap
Invented in 1967 by Martin Cohen of Latin Percussion (LP), the vibraslap was created as a durable, modern alternative to the quijada—a traditional Afro-Peruvian instrument made from a donkey or horse jawbone. Cohen used metal and wood to mimic its rattling sound while making it sturdier and easier to use. Rooted in Latin American folk music, particularly from Peru, the vibraslap quickly gained traction in the U.S. and beyond, especially in the 1970s, becoming a staple in funk, rock, jazz, and film or cartoon soundtracks.
Types of Vibraslap
The vibraslap comes in several varieties, all sharing the same basic design—a wooden resonator box, metal rod, and striker ball—but differing in size, materials, and tone. The most popular is the LP Vibraslap II, known for its bright, sharp rattle and durability across genres like rock, Latin, and funk. Mini vibraslaps produce a higher-pitched tone with less sustain, making them ideal for travel kits or smaller setups. Wooden-handle or vintage models offer a warmer, more resonant sound for those preferring a natural feel, while metal-body versions deliver a louder, edgier tone favored in experimental or amplified settings. Custom or handmade vibraslaps—often crafted from exotic woods—provide unique textures and are popular with collectors or pros chasing a signature sound. Regardless of type, all vibraslaps share a distinctive, vibration-based rattle and are valued for their portability, durability, and use in single-stroke rhythmic accents.
Guan Vibraslap
★★★★★ - “Spot on. Bought this for my band to add an effect to one song. It sounds great, doesn't cost too much and is durable enough to last for many gigs”. - Verified Buyer
The Guan Vibraslap—also known as a jawbone or chatterbox—is a quirky percussion instrument that creates a distinctive chattering sound when its rounded block is lightly struck. Vibrations travel through the metal wire into a resonator box, causing internal metal teeth to rattle and produce the effect. Widely used for comedic moments in film and featured in rock tracks like Aerosmith’s Sweet Emotion and Ozzy Osbourne’s Crazy Train, it’s both fun and functional. Made from wood and stainless steel, this sturdy 29cm instrument weighs 331g and is easy to play, making it great for adding character to music or sound design. Caution is advised due to small parts and sharp edges—handle with care.
Purchase the Guan Vibraslap Here.
Tips for Choosing the Right Vibraslap
When choosing a vibraslap, look for the right balance of size, material, and sound. Larger versions produce deeper, lingering rattles, while smaller ones offer quicker, punchier effects—great for comedy or fast rhythms. Wooden boxes give a warm, classic tone, whereas metal-heavy builds are brighter and more durable. A quality vibraslap should feel solid, be well-balanced, and respond easily to a light slap. Ideal for percussionists, composers, sound designers, and music hobbyists, vibraslaps add flair in genres like Latin, funk, jazz, and film. For versatility, go with a trusted mid-sized model like LP; for more character, try handmade or compact styles.
The Pros and Cons of Buying a Second-Hand Vibraslap
Buying a second-hand vibraslap can be a smart, eco-friendly choice—especially if you’re on a budget or enjoy the warmer tone of broken-in gear—but it comes with risks like wear, limited variety, and unknown maintenance history. In contrast, new vibraslaps offer reliability, warranties, and updated designs, making them ideal for regular performers or studio use. Handmade vibraslaps can bring unique character and craftsmanship to your setup, though quality varies by maker. For dependable performance, go with a mid-priced new model from a trusted brand like LP; for experimentation or casual use, second-hand or handmade options may add creative flair without breaking the bank.
Unique Vibraslap Accessories
To get the most out of your vibraslap, consider accessories that boost playability, protect your gear, and enhance sound. Mounting clamps or boom arms let you attach the instrument to your kit for hands-free use, while rubber-tipped sticks or mallets offer creative sound control. For care, use lemon or mineral oil on wooden parts to prevent drying, and keep it clean with a microfiber cloth; a light anti-rust spray helps protect metal frames. Store it safely in a padded gig bag or hard case with foam inserts to avoid damage during travel. To expand its studio or stage potential, add a contact mic or loop pedal for layering and amplification—great for capturing every rattle and resonance.
Vibraslap in Popular Music
The vibraslap is widely used in Latin, funk, rock, jazz, and experimental music for its distinctive rattling sound that adds quirky rhythmic accents and texture. It appears often in Latin percussion groups, rock bands, and film or cartoon soundtracks for comedic or dramatic effects. Renowned artists like Frank Zappa, Santana, and Tito Puente have used it to bring playful energy and evoke Latin musical roots. Its unique tone also makes it a go-to for sound designers and composers seeking memorable percussive highlights across various music styles.
