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| Percussion instrument | |
|---|---|
| Other names | Mendoza, mendozer, Murrumbidgee river rattler, lagerphone, zob stick |
| Classification | Percussion |
| Hornbostel–Sachs classification | 112.12 (Frame rattles) |
A monkey stick (also called a mendoza, mendozer, Murrumbidgee river rattler, lagerphone or zob stick)[1] is a traditional English percussion instrument, used in folk music. Some musicians have taken to fixing a small stuffed toy monkey to the tops of their instruments.
The instrument is constructed from a stout pole with metal "jingles" fastened at intervals along the shaft. These are commonly beer-bottle tops with a 1-inch washer in between the tops and the shaft. A boot that might be attached to the base of the pole is a recent 'Zob Stick' addition.
When played on a wooden floor (common in ale-houses), the sound produced is a combination of a bass drum and tambourine. It can also be played with an additional small notched or serrated stick held in the other hand, allowing it to not only be shaken or hammered onto the ground, but also "bowed" to produce a combined clicking and rattling sound. Bands such as Groanbox, Zapoppin' and Dr. Busker have incorporated the monkey stick into their recordings and live shows.
- ^ The Bushwackers Australian Song Book, new edition 1981, published by Anne O'Donovan Pty Ltd, ISBN 0 908476 07 8 : Lagerphone or Murrumbidgee River Rattler. An upright pole with two crosspieces upon which are screwed beer bottle tops. The noise is made by hitting the instrument on the floor, at the same time striking the middle section with a solid piece of wood.