What are concussion idiophones?

Concussion idiophones are defined as percussion instruments that produce sound primarily through the striking of two solid objects against each other. This classification is based on the mechanics of sound production, which relies on the physical interaction between the materials to create vibrations that result in sound. Common examples of concussion idiophones include cymbals, clappers, and certain types of bells.

This distinguishing feature highlights the role of impact in generating sound, setting concussion idiophones apart from other categories of instruments. For instance, instruments that require water to resonate involve different acoustic properties, such as aquatic settings or shaking actions, while instruments that vibrate when blown into involve air pressure and wind. Similarly, those that contain vibrating membranes add sound through the movement of a surface, which creates vibrations in a different manner than concussion idiophones.