World Hand & Mounted Percussion


Questions? Call us
*If you cannot view the products in this category, please click here
Your network or browser security settings may be blocking products from loading (to confirm, try opening this page on your phone's cellular network and default browser).
Please try the following options to proceed with your order:
Your network or browser security settings may be blocking the products from loading (to confirm, try opening this page on your phone's cellular network).
Please try the following options to proceed with your order:
The rich tapestry of world, hand, and mounted percussion instruments offers an expansive palette of sounds and textures that musicians and composers use to add depth, rhythm, and cultural authenticity to their work. Instruments like maracas, claves, rainsticks, cabasas, bar chimes, and shakers are essential components of this diverse percussion family, each bringing its unique sonic qualities and historical context to the mix. From the lively rhythms of Latin America to the serene soundscapes of Africa and beyond, these instruments invite exploration and creativity, allowing for a global musical journey.
Shakers come in various shapes, sizes, and materials, but all share the common purpose of producing rhythm through movement. Whether it's the subtle silence of a sand-filled shaker or the pronounced beats of a larger, seed-filled instrument, shakers are incredibly versatile in their application. Essential to genres across the globe, from African music to rock and folk, shakers provide a foundational layer of rhythm that is both accessible and deeply expressive.
Maracas, a type of shaker often recognized as the quintessential Latin American percussion instrument, is played in pairs and produces a bright, rattling sound that propels the rhythms of salsa, samba, and many other genres. Traditionally made from dried gourds filled with seeds or pebbles, modern maracas might also be constructed from plastic or wood. Their easy playability and cheerful timbre make them a favorite among percussionists of all levels, adding a festive layer to any musical composition.
Claves are a simple yet profound percussion instrument consisting of two wooden sticks struck together to produce a clear, resonant tone. Originating from Africa but integral to Cuban music and other Latin styles, claves are the rhythmic foundation, setting the tempo and pattern around which other instruments weave their parts. The sound of claves cutting through an ensemble underscores the instrument's role in maintaining the pulse of many traditional and contemporary pieces.
The rainstick is a long, hollow tube filled with small pebbles or beans lined with pins or thorns. The contents cascade over the pins when tilted, creating a sound reminiscent of falling rain. Originating from indigenous cultures in South America, the rainstick is used in music to add an ethereal, atmospheric quality, transporting listeners to a tranquil, natural setting. Its soothing timbre makes it famous for meditation music, sound therapy, and ambient compositions.
The cabasa, derived from the African shekere, consists of a cylindrical core surrounded by a looped metal chain, encased in a hard shell. When shaken or twisted, the cabasa produces a gritty, scraping sound that adds a unique texture to music. Widely used in Latin jazz, pop, and world music, the cabasa is valued for its ability to punctuate rhythms with a distinctive, raspy accent.
Bar chimes are small, metal tubes suspended from a bar, played by sweeping a finger or stick across them. The resulting sound is delicate and shimmering, akin to the tinkling of wind chimes. This instrument adds a magical, atmospheric quality to the music, often used to create anticipation moments or enhance the sonic landscape with its gentle, resonant tones.
The world of hand and mounted percussion is a testament to the universal language of rhythm and the diverse cultural expressions that contribute to our global music heritage. Instruments like maracas, claves, rainsticks, cabasas, bar chimes, and shakers tell a story, bringing their unique sounds and histories to the collective musical table. By exploring these instruments, musicians, and listeners embark on a sonic journey, discovering the rhythms, textures, and melodies that connect us across continents and cultures.