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LP LP262 Traditional Clave is a pair of traditional wooden claves from Latin Percussion's core LP Series, cut from solid wood for the bright, crisp crack that states the clave pattern underneath a full salsa or rumba arrangement. LP has built the reference instruments for Afro-Cuban percussion since 1964, and the traditional clave is the shape the rest of the category is measured against.
The pattern the whole arrangement is counted against, from the company that defined the sound.
Clave is the rhythmic key of Afro-Cuban music. Son, rumba, salsa and their descendants are written and felt in relation to a two-bar pattern, and the claves are the instrument that states it plainly so everyone else can lock to it. That job demands an instrument that carries across a room without amplification, which is a function of wood density and of technique rather than of size.
The traditional profile is a plain cylindrical stick, unshaped and undrilled, which is how claves have been made since long before anyone was manufacturing them. LP's version keeps that profile in solid wood. One clave sits loosely across cupped fingers so the palm below acts as a resonator, and the second strikes it near the centre. Held that way the pair produces a sharp, bright report with almost no tail, sitting well above congas and bongos in the frequency range.
At a Glance
| Brand | Latin Percussion |
|---|---|
| Model | LP262 |
| Series | LP Series |
| Instrument type | Claves, pair |
| Profile | Traditional cylindrical |
| Material | Solid wood |
| Playing method | One held cupped, struck with the other |
What Is a Clave and Why Does It Matter?
Clave is the two-bar rhythmic pattern that organises Afro-Cuban music. Every other instrument in a salsa or rumba arrangement is felt in relation to it. The claves are the instrument that states the pattern directly.
How Do You Hold Claves Correctly?
Rest one clave loosely across the cupped fingers of one hand so the palm forms a resonating chamber below it. Do not grip. Strike it near the centre with the second clave. Squeezing the resting clave damps the wood and kills the sound.
Who Is the LP262 For?
Salsa, rumba and Afro-Cuban percussionists, Latin band players, worship percussion teams, university percussion programs, and studio players who want the reference clave sound.
Why Latin Percussion
Latin Percussion was founded in 1964 and built the instruments that made Afro-Cuban percussion available outside Cuba. The LP name is standard equipment in salsa bands, university percussion programs and studios worldwide, and for most of the category LP's version of an instrument is the one every other version is compared against.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the LP262 and the Aspire claves?
The LP262 sits in LP's core LP Series. The Aspire line is LP's more accessible tier. Both play the same role, but the LP Series instruments are the reference versions.
Why do my claves sound dull?
Almost always the grip. The resting clave must sit loosely on cupped fingers so the palm underneath acts as a resonating chamber. Squeezing it damps the wood.
Does this include both sticks?
Yes. Claves are sold and shipped as a matched pair.
Is it genuine?
Victory is a veteran owned dealer in Miami and units ship new in original packaging.
Does it include a warranty?
Yes. Latin Percussion provides a limited warranty against defects in materials and workmanship for the original purchaser. Contact Latin Percussion directly for warranty service.
Why Victory Musical Instruments
Victory Musical Instruments is a musical instrument and pro audio dealer in Miami, Florida. Orders ship free, local pickup is available in Miami, and financing is offered at checkout. Call 844-687-4208 to check stock or ask a question before you order.