Best Claves of 2025

Nicole Kim Avatar
Nicole Kim
Last Updated: Jan 2, 2025

* We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

Claves are a percussion instrument commonly used in Latin American, Afro-Cuban, and African music. They consist of two cylindrical sticks made of hardwood, usually rosewood or ebony, that are struck together to produce a sharp, bright sound. Claves are easy to play and are often used as a rhythm instrument in ensembles or as a metronome for practicing. They are also a popular instrument for children to learn as they are small and lightweight. Claves can be found in various sizes and materials, and are a versatile addition to any musician's collection.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Latin Percussion LP261 Grenadilla Wood Clave Cover #TOP 1
Latin Percussion LP261 Grenadilla Wood Clave
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Ludwig LE2368 Rosewood Claves Cover #TOP 2
Ludwig LE2368 Rosewood Claves
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Latin Percussion LP597 King Klave Cover #TOP 3
Latin Percussion LP597 King Klave
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Claves

#TOP 1

Latin Percussion LP261 Grenadilla Wood Clave

LP261
Natural
Latin Percussion LP261 Grenadilla Wood Clave Cover
Latin Percussion LP261 Grenadilla Wood Clave, Natural

This is a percussion instrument made of Grenadilla wood with a dimension of 22.352 cm L X 13.716 cm W X 3.556 cm H and a weight of 0.5 lbs. Its origin is from Indonesia and belongs to the Claves category.

What We Like
The Grenadilla wood makes the instrument durable.
It is compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry around.
It produces a clear and resonant sound.
#TOP 2

Ludwig LE2368 Rosewood Claves

Ludwig
LE2368
-inch
Ludwig LE2368 Rosewood Claves Cover
Ludwig LE2368 Rosewood Claves - Pair

The Ludwig LE2368 Rosewood Claves is a pair of high-quality percussion instruments made by the reputable brand LUDWIG. These claves are made from rosewood and produce a clear, bright sound that is perfect for adding rhythm and texture to a variety of musical styles. They are a great addition to any percussionist's toolkit and are perfect for both beginners and professionals.

What We Like
High-quality rosewood construction
Produces a clear, bright sound
Perfect for adding rhythm and texture to music
#TOP 3

Latin Percussion LP597 King Klave

LP597
Clear,black
Latin Percussion LP597 King Klave Cover
Latin Percussion LP597 King Klave

The Latin Percussion LP597 King Klave is the loudest clave available, made of specially formulated fiberglass for nearly indestructible construction. Its incredibly loud “cutting” can be heard on recordings from around the world, and it measures 8" L x 1" W with projection and volume to cut through loud live music. Ideal for school use in marching band.

What We Like
Loudest clave available
Nearly indestructible construction
Incredibly loud “cutting” sound
#TOP 4

Latin Percussion LP262R Exotic Wood Traditional Clave

LP262R
Natural
Latin Percussion LP262R Exotic Wood Traditional Clave Cover
Latin Percussion LP262R Exotic Wood Traditional Clave

The Latin Percussion LP262R Exotic Wood Traditional Clave is a percussion instrument made of exotic hardwood, consisting of a Clave and Striker that are the same size (10" L x 1" W). The instrument produces a sharp clicking tone, which can be described as moderately pitched. It falls under the category of Claves and is suitable for musicians requiring a unique sound for their performances.

What We Like
Exotic hardwood material adds to the aesthetics of the instrument.
Same size Clave and Striker make it easy to handle and play.
Produces a sharp clicking tone, which can be described as moderately pitched, making it an ideal instrument for musicians requiring a unique sound for their performances.
#TOP 5

Sawtooth Palm Wood Clave

ST-CLAVE-P
Brown
Sawtooth Palm Wood Clave Cover
Sawtooth Palm Wood Clave

The Sawtooth Palm Clave is a durable percussion instrument made from palm wood. When played properly, it produces a full and resonant sound that is perfect for studio work and can cut through live bands. The Clave and Striker are the same size, making it convenient to play. With its traditional design, it can be used both as an instrument and as a decorative piece. Whether you are a professional musician or a hobbyist, the Sawtooth Palm Clave will provide you with a rich and dark sound, adding depth to your music. Its durability ensures that it will last for a long time, making it a great investment for any musician.

What We Like
Durable construction
Full and resonant sound
Convenient size
#TOP 6

Latin Percussion LP212R African Clave

LP212R
Natural
Latin Percussion LP212R African Clave Cover
Latin Percussion LP212R Exotic Wood African Clave

The Latin Percussion LP212R African Clave is a percussion instrument that comes from Thailand. These claves are made from exotic wood, which gives them a unique sound. The package dimensions are 30.734 cm L x 7.112 cm W x 4.064 cm H, and it weighs 1.0lbs. This product is perfect for those who want to add a distinctive sound to their music.

What We Like
Unique sound due to exotic wood material
Compact and lightweight design
Great addition to percussion instruments
#TOP 7

Tycoon Percussion Makah Claves

TVW-P
DARK BROWN
Tycoon Percussion Makah Claves Cover
Tycoon Percussion 10 Inch Professional Level Makah Claves

The Tycoon Makah Claves are expertly crafted from exotic Makah wood, providing a unique sound quality that enhances your musical performance. Their larger, traditional African-style design allows for easy handling, fitting comfortably between your fingertips and palm. This design creates a sound chamber that amplifies the sound, giving you a richer audio experience. Additionally, the cutaway sound chamber is specifically engineered to boost volume and improve tonal characteristics, making these claves perfect for both practice and performances.

What We Like
Handcrafted from exotic wood
Comfortable, ergonomic design
Enhanced volume and tone
Traditional African style
#TOP 8

Meinl Percussion Classic Hardwood Claves (CL1RW)

CL1RW
Classic
Meinl Percussion Classic Hardwood Claves (CL1RW) Cover
Meinl Percussion Select Hardwood Claves Musical Instrument Sticks — NOT Made in China — for Live, Studio and Classrooms, 2-Year Warranty (CL1RW)

The Meinl Percussion Classic Hardwood Claves are made of select solid hardwood that produces a bright pitch with clear attack. These claves are versatile and suitable for traditional Latin American music, rock, pop, concert band and even orchestral music. They are also easy to play, measuring 8” long, 1” wide, and weighing three ounces each, with a dark-stained finish. These claves are perfect for studio percussion collections and music educators, aiding in accurate counting and timing.

What We Like
Bright pitch with clear attack
Versatile sound for various types of music
Easy to play and suitable for beginners
#TOP 9

MIHEY 3 Pairs Wood Claves

Beige,grey
MIHEY 3 Pairs Wood Claves Cover
3 Pairs Wood Claves Percussion Instrument, Classic Hardwood Musical Rhythm Sticks with a Carry Bag, 8 Inch Long

The MIHEY Wood Claves are crafted from natural hardwood, ensuring a bright and resonant sound that enhances your musical experience. These rhythm sticks are perfect for introducing children to the joy of rhythm, making it easy for them to develop their musical skills. Whether you're creating simple beats, exploring complex polyrhythms, or adding sound effects to your performances, these claves are a versatile choice. With a standard size of 8 inches in length, they are comfortable to hold and play, providing an enjoyable way to express your creativity.

What We Like
Natural hardwood construction
Bright, rich tones
Easy for children
Versatile for various rhythms
#TOP 10

ZEAYEA 24 Pack Rhythm Sticks

ZE-RhythmStick-2Bag-24pc
Brown
ZEAYEA 24 Pack Rhythm Sticks Cover
ZEAYEA 24 Pack Rhythm Sticks with 3 Carry Bag, 8 Inch Wood Claves Musical Percussion Instrument, Hardwood Musical Sticks for Music Parties Musical Education

ZEAYEA Rhythm Sticks are a set of 24 musical percussion instruments made of durable beechwood. Each stick measures 8 inches in length and 0.8 inches in diameter, making them the perfect size for little hands to make music. The sticks come with 3 convenient carry bags, allowing you to easily take them to school or music parties. With their round ends, they are safe to use. These hardwood music sticks are not only fun to play with but also beneficial for children's development. They help in developing a sense of rhythm, improving coordination, and enhancing attention. ZEAYEA Rhythm Sticks are ideal for preschool and kindergarten music classes, kids dance classes, and teaching rhythm activities.

What We Like
Durable beechwood material
Comes with 3 carry bags
Perfect size for little hands
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are claves used for?

Claves are percussion instruments originally used in Afro-Cuban folk music. They are known for maintaining fixed rhythmic patterns in Latin-American dance bands and are an important part of salsa and Afro-Cuban bands.

2. What is so special about the claves?

Claves produce a loud, sharp, and penetrating sound. They were originally fashioned by Africans into smooth, round sticks that could be used as rhythm instruments. These claves allowed the perpetuation of rhythms from Africa and have remained an integral part of salsa and Afro-Cuban bands throughout history.

3. What is the most common clave?

The most common clave is the son clave. It is extensively used in mambo, salsa, and other styles of Latin jazz. The son clave serves as a fundamental rhythmic pattern in these genres, contributing to the distinctive Latin American sound.

Editor's Notes

During our clafe research, we found 24 clafe products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 7,775 customer reviews through our big data system to write the claves list. We found that most customers choose claves with an average price of $17.64.

The claves are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of claves, including Latin Percussion, Ludwig, Sawtooth, Tycoon Percussion, Meinl Percussion. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 385 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Nicole Kim Avatar

Nicole Kim has been a music teacher and a private piano instructor for six years now. She is a very talented musician who plays piano to a high standard and won several awards in international piano competitions. Lately, she has been sharing her music expertise online, giving incredible tips on how to select the right musical instruments.