The orchestral woodblock is a direct descendant of the Eastern "mu-yu" (wooden fish) or temple block, originally used in Buddhist rituals across China, Japan, and Korea. In the early 20th century, these resonant wooden instruments were adapted for ragtime, vaudeville, and early jazz drum sets for their sharp, dry projection. Composers eventually integrated them into the concert hall for their unique timbre and their ability to provide clock-like, mechanical precision to modern scores.

The Overture Woodblocks are built from solid rubberwood and produce a bright, articulate tone.