Shakers

Every shaker we carry, from egg shakers by the box to seed pods, fruit, wearable shakers and the caxixi.

A shaker is the most forgiving instrument in a classroom. There is no wrong way to hold one and no wrong note to play, so it is usually the first thing put into a young child's hands. What varies is the sound, and the range here is wider than most people expect.

Egg shakers are quiet, light and come in packs up to eighty, which makes them the standard whole-class option. Fruit and vegetable shakers do the same job with a shape children can name, which helps in early years. Wooden cylinder and mini cajon shakers give a drier, sharper sound with more definition.

Seed and natural shakers sound different again. GMP pangi pod shakers and goat hoof chajchas give a loose, rustling wash rather than a rattle, and the African caxixi, a woven basket shaker with a flat gourd base, gives a bright snap in one direction and a soft wash in the other.

Wearable shakers strap to the foot, heel, ankle or wrist so the sound comes from moving rather than from a hand. Maracas, the kashaka, the ginga, the salt and pepper shakers, the school bus and the Ohana shakerlele are all here as well.