Thunder sheet

Thunder sheet
	A thunder sheet at the Teatro della Pergola
Percussion instrument
Other names	Thunder machine; machine à tonnerre (fr); Donnerblech, Donnermaschine (de)
Classification	Percussion
Hornbostel–Sachs classification	111.221+112.1; (Individual percussion plaques, or the player makes a shaking motion)

A thunder sheet is a thin sheet of metal used to produce sound effects for musical or dramatic events. The device may be shaken, causing it to vibrate, or struck with a mallet. It is also known as a thunder machine, though this can also refer to a large drum used for a similar sound effect.^[2]

Thunder sheets are available from some cymbal makers including Paiste and Sabian, or can easily be made out of any scrap metal sheet. The thinner and larger the sheet, the louder the sound. The thunder sheet needs to be "warmed up" before sounding. The player(s) will need to start slowly shaking the sheet a few seconds before quickly shaking the sheet.

^ Blades, James & Holland, James (2001). "Thunder machine". In Sadie, Stanley & Tyrrell, John (eds.). The New Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians (2nd ed.). London: Macmillan Publishers. ISBN 978-1-56159-239-5.‎
^ "Thunder machine". OnMusic Dictionary. Retrieved 22 December 2014.

[1] Blades, James & Holland, James (2001). "Thunder machine". In Sadie, Stanley & Tyrrell, John (eds.). The New Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians (2nd ed.). London: Macmillan Publishers. ISBN 978-1-56159-239-5.‎

[2] "Thunder machine". OnMusic Dictionary. Retrieved 22 December 2014.

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