The
paiban is a
clapper made from several flat pieces of
hardwood or
bamboo, which is used in many different forms of
Chinese music. There are many different types of
paiban, and the instrument is also referred to as
bǎn (板),
tánbǎn (檀板, literally "sandalwood clapper"),
mùbǎn (木板, literally "wooden clapper"), or
shūbǎn (书板). Typical materials used for the
paiban include
zitan (,
rosewood or red
sandalwood),
hongmu (), or
hualimu (,
rosewood), or bamboo, with the slats tied together loosely on one end with cord. It is held vertically by one hand and clapped together, producing a sharp clacking sound.
