The Wah Wah Tube/Vibra-Tone Bell, A Percussion Instrument And A Sensory Activity

What instrument goes wah-wah? Well, other than a guitar with a wah wah pedal, it’s this quirkey little percussion instrument known as a vibra-tone bell or a wah wah tube. This short but fun video includes several wah wah tube sound examples, playing suggestions and ways to use this instrument in the early education music classroom.

What is a Wah Wah tube?

Most often made from aluminum, it’s described by manufacturers as “a tubular effect instrument that delivers smooth, bell-like tones with an incredible sustain. By covering and uncovering the sound hole a wah wah effect can be achieved.” Often used as a sound effect, this video shares ways to use it as more then just a silly sound source.

How Do You Play A Wah Wah Tube?

This could not be easier. These percussion instruments come with a small rubber mallet and you strike the open end of the tube. With your finger or your thumb, cover and uncover the hole in the metal tube to create a vibrato sound. Change the sound by covering and uncovering the hole more quickly or more slowly. You can also brush you finger back and forth over the hole to create the signature sound. Lastly you can mute the entire bell by grabbing and holding the end of the tube, completely muting the sound.

Examples Of Using The Wah Wah Tube In Music Class

Watch the video for more ideas and suggestions of how this can be used in music class or with young children as both a musical instrument and a sensory activity.

Who Makes The Wah Wah Tube?

Several companies now make these instruments. Here are links so you can learn more. The Schlagwerk website; listed here first, a sound recordings of each instrument so you can hear each one being played.

Schlagwerk (Select the tab for English on teh top right corner)
https://www.schlagwerk.com/en/product...

Latin Percussion
https://www.lpmusic.com/products/Soun...

Meinl
https://www.meinlshop.com/meinl-percu...

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