Semantron

Semantron, Greek σημαντρον, also semanterion, σημαντήριον, Romanian Toaca, Bulgarian Klepalo, Arabic nakus, Latin tabula, " h drum " is a usually long wooden pickguard, which instead of in the Orthodox Churches and the Catholic Church or in addition to the bell is used. It is played with one or two hammers or with a hook Stock. Probably the Aufschlagidiophon has developed in the 8th century from the usual in the monasteries Weckhammer.

The simplest form is a free-swinging suspended wooden beams, which is beaten with wooden hammers, or a piece of metal, which is excited by metal hammers to rhythmic blades. By the abutment of the Semantrons different sounds at different points and pitches can be achieved.

Beyond the church using the Toaca game has been found in Romania also have access to international music festivals, the traditional rhythms are processed experimentally.