Choosing a Model
Musical spoons can come in different shapes and sizes. Several factors influence the sound produced by the spoons, as well as how they are played and how easy they are to play.
Dimensions of spoons and resonance box
The larger the box, the lower the tone, and vice versa.
Small spoons are more "lively" than large ones and allow for faster, more voluble playing. They are easier to handle and play.
The size of the spoons is also related to the size of the hand: a small hand will have more difficulty playing large spoons and will feel much more comfortable playing a smaller model.
Beginners and children are always recommended to start with a pair of small spoons. Mastery will be easier and faster.
The position of the spoons in relation to each other
Back-to-back spoons emit a drier, punchier sound. This is the most widespread and widely used model.
The sound can be modulated by opening or closing the resonance box with the hand not holding the handle. This way of playing is very popular when you want to obtain a greater variety of sounds with the same instrument.
Face-to-face spoons can be presented in two different ways: with a closed or open resonance box.
With the resonance box closed, you get a deeper, muffled sound. It is not possible with this model to modulate the sound by opening/closing the box, but this disadvantage is advantageously offset by the quality of a velvety, melodious sound.
With the resonance box open, the sound is much clearer and sharper. On this model, the sound can be modulated by opening or closing the box with the hand.
Sound reverberation surface
Spoons with a larger surface area for reverberating sound vibrations will have a more intense, punchy sound.
Other factors influencing the sound of spoons
The sound emitted by spoons of the same model may vary slightly. This may be due to differences in the structure of the wood, which influences its sound qualities.
Spoons are not made by a mechanical process that would make them all exactly the same. On the contrary, they are handcrafted and, even if several machines are involved in their manufacture, no one spoon is an exact replica of another, so their sound may vary slightly.
Doesn't the artisan's hand always leave its imprint on the objects it shapes?
Spoon vocabulary
