You grab the end, you slap the ball, and you get a rattle... exactly as expected.Meinl makes high-quality products... and this one is no different. If you're weird enough to buy an instrument like this, then you won't be disappointed.

the black paint muffles the sound

This Meinl Percussion replicates the sound of the vibraslap pretty good. When held correctly it provides the right amount of sustain to play "Sweet Emotion", "Crazy Train", "Super Freak", or "Short Skirt, Long Jacket". My only complaint is that the sound chamber / bell is rather thin. It doesn't appear to be made of wood, but rather something synthetic. I've seen other reviews where the main complaint is that the chamber cracks easy if hit too hard. I can see how this could happen fairly easy, but if treated properly I see no reason it could last a long time. My only suggestion to the manufacturer would be to make the chamber walls slightly thicker.

I went through three from on other manufacturer (el-pee), the wood kept splitting. This model is superior and sounds great! No brainer.

It’s ok, wasn’t impressed with sound to muchBut that is my opinion.