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LP LPA165 Aspire Traditional Claves 8 Inch is a pair of solid wood claves measuring 8 by 1-1/4 inches, from Latin Percussion's Aspire line. Aspire is LP's accessible tier, built to put the correct instrument in the hands of students, worship percussionists and players building a first Latin setup, without asking them to start at the price of the LP Series.
The right instrument for the pattern, at the point where someone is still learning it.
Clave is the rhythmic foundation of Afro-Cuban music. In son, rumba and salsa every other part is felt in relation to the two-bar clave pattern, and these are the sticks that state it. Because the role is structural rather than decorative, the instrument has to carry over congas, bongos and horns, which comes down to dense wood and correct technique rather than to size or finish.
LP builds the Aspire claves from solid wood in the traditional cylindrical profile at 8 by 1-1/4 inches, which is the standard general-purpose size. One clave rests loosely across the cupped fingers so the palm acts as a resonating chamber, and the other strikes it near the centre. This is the pair to put in a school percussion cabinet, a church percussion kit or a first Latin setup.
At a Glance
| Brand | Latin Percussion |
|---|---|
| Model | LPA165 |
| Series | LP Aspire |
| Instrument type | Claves, pair |
| Dimensions | 8 by 1-1/4 inches per stick |
| 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.
What Is the LP Aspire Line?
Aspire is Latin Percussion's accessible tier, built so students, worship percussionists and players assembling a first setup get the correct instrument and the correct playing technique from the start.
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.
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 size are the Aspire Traditional Claves?
Each stick measures 8 by 1-1/4 inches, which is the standard general-purpose clave size.
What is the difference between Aspire and the LP Series?
Aspire is LP's accessible tier for students and players building a first setup. The LP Series instruments are the reference versions. Both play the same role.
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.
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.