Contextual Associations

The ratchet is classified as a scrape idiophone or cog rattle (though it is not actually a rattle in the precise sense of the word) of Europe. It is called for sparingly in the orchestral and band repertoires, and might better be thought of as an auxiliary sound-effects instrument.

Description

Two wooden blocks each with a pair of thinly-shaven tongues cut out of them are mounted on an inverted V-shaped metal frame so that the tips of their tongues touch the cogs on a rotatable wooden wheel mounted at the peak of the frame. A metal handle runs through the wheel’s axis and is used to rotate it so that the cogs flex and release the tongues.

Player - Instrument Interface and Sound Production

The performer can control and easily vary the rate of the clicks by rotating the crank faster or slower.

Origins/History/Evolution

Ratchets of various designs have been used for centuries in some religious traditions. They have also been used to provide warning signals, to scare animals, and as a children’s toy. The ratchet pictured here was designed specifically for musical use.

Bibliographic Citations

Blades, James. 1970. Percussion Instruments and Their History. New York: Frederick A. Praeger, Publishers.

________. 1984. “Ratchet [cog rattle],” NGDMI v.3: 194-195.