Are the vibes good? These tracks by Milt Jackson, Lionel Hampton, Roy Ayers and others, chosen by 12 musicians and writers, should convince you.

It was an instrument for labouring people to play after work. The introduction of metal brought about the tongnao (a bronze percussion instrument resembling an inverted bell, sounded by a hammer ...

Untuned percussion instruments include the bass drum ... Cymbals - made from metal, these can be big, small and even tiny. Snare Drum - the snare drum adds great power to moments of excitment.

What is a percussion instrument? Well, in the simplest terms it's something you hit that isn't your brother or sister! This group of instruments is sometimes known as the kitchen department.