Orchestral Ratchet for Hire

There are several types of ratchet currently available, all of which use the same basic technology. What is known as the orchestral ratchet works when a serrated, wooden cogwheel inside a V-shaped metal frame turns by a metal handle and the serrated wooden teeth press against two wooden slats that are freely but securely held. The effect is "grgrgrgrghghrghghghgh" sound which many composers have found effective. The football ratchet is a larger version using the same principal but with larger teeth, spaced at wider intervals and with the player swinging the unit around his head whilst holding the handle firmly in one hand. This version is much louder than the orchestral ratchet which is why it was popular years ago on football terraces. Great care however must be taken not to clout yourself around the back of the head. If you do, then this simply adds a certain something to the overall effect.

Repertoire

R.Strauss - Till Eulenspiegel
Orff - Carmina Burana

Translation

talian - Raganella
French - Crecelle
German - Ratcshe
Spanish - Matraca