Talk:Percussion instrument
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[edit] Move request
This article has been renamed as the result of a move request. Percussion → Percussion instrument Ensuing discussion has been removed...look in this page's history to view the discussion.
[edit] Revision to the opening sentence
A percussion instrument can be any object which produces a sound by being struck with an implement, shaken, rubbed, scraped, or by any other action which sets the object into vibration. (emphasis added)
I'm not quite happy with the "by any other action which sets the object into vibration" part, because that would mean even stringed instruments and wind instruments are percussion instruments. Can we be more specific? -- FrostytheSnowman 'sup? 12:58, 1 September 2006 (UTC)
- Response: I understand the concern. However I think that the definition is accurate and doesn't require a change -- here's my perspective:
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- String instruments and Wind instruments are exempt from this definition simply because popular opinion and the common understanding is that 'rubbing the strings' or 'blowing through the chamber' of those instruments are the primary methods of producing sound on those instruments -- and therefore they are grouped into "string" and "wind" categories by popular opinion. In other words, very few people will confuse a saxophone or a violin with a percussion instrument regardless of the definition we publish on this page.
- Furthermore, I don't see a better alternative definition. (I'm open to hearing suggestions as to how this part of the statement can be improved -- but as of yet, there's no alternative suggestion to consider.)
- Next... whatever statement is made, or if the existing statement is altered in the future, it needs to be broad and all-inclusive because there are virtually no limits on the methods of producing sound with any object. If you hit a violin with a stick it's not being used in a manner that we commonly associate with string instruments (although the strings will vibrate and resonate within the body much like they do when a violinist rubbs a bow across the strings). And...what if you rub a drumstick against the strings? Is it a string instrument or a percussion instrument? Does it in fact matter what implement is used to activate the string and set it into motion?
- And last...(although this might be the most contraversial issue): I'd suggest that, at the most fundamental level, string instruments and wind instruments could (arguably) be considered to be "percussion instruments"...
- blowing into a saxophone causes the reed to vibrate...but a vibrating reed doesn't create sound in and of itself. Instead, the reed is actually striking (in a percussive sense) against the air which surrounds it -- and when this activity occurs repeatedly (perhaps 440 times per second) then the resultant sound is a recognizable pitch ('A' 440).
- rubbing horsehair against a string causes the string to vibrate (by the physical attributes of friction and inertia)...but again a vibrating string doesn't create sound in and of itself. (Imagine playing a violin in a perfect vacuum like space - on the moon!) What is in fact creating sound is the string moving against air.
- so if we want to mince words, then both the violin and the saxophone could be considered aerophones (because the objects move "air") -- or perhaps they're all percussion instruments (because the air is "struck" by the object).
- Nevertheless...if you feel the statement can be altered or improved then change it and we'll continue this discussion later.--Regards. 21:12, 2 September 2006 (UTC)
[edit] Request for images
Seems that the article lacks some complementary images. Can anybody add some? --Pouya 19:59, 1 January 2007 (UTC)
[edit] Request for citations and references regarding 'History'
This article lacks information about the history of percussion instruments. I've added a section called 'History' (because the article really needs such info) but the article will really benefit from verifiable information and proven facts about the history and development of percussion in human history. Can somebody help please? --Regards. 20:43, 13 January 2007 (UTC)
