Africa Heartwood Project Axatse African Shaker - 8" X 15" Handmade Shekere Maraca with Durable Gourd Body, Natural Seed Beads, and Handle - Authentic Shakers Musical Instruments, Handcrafted in Ghana

I have finally found a really well made great sounding Axatse! This is a wonderful instrument made of natural hard seeds sewn into a web over a sturdy, dried, hollowed gourd. Made with nice attention to detail in the craftsmanship, and it has a great variety of sounds available with different playing techniques. It is similar in size as shown in the photo, but being a one of a kind natural product, the shape of the gourd"s "handle" was similar, but had a curve to it in my instrument, which I find interesting and even handy when playing it certain ways. Great company, Great instrument, Great price.

Quality, handmade instrument

Very cool axatse for about half of what the LP and "market" instruments cost. The sound is very clear and "natural," being non-man-made materials. I tend to play it (position-wise) with the gourd "handle" at 2'oclock, (with the "pony-tail" in my left hand) to better control the shake. If you struggle with paying big bucks for an LP fiberglas model, give this a try. Even though it's a dried gourd, it's pretty durable construction. I think you'll like it.

I love this shaker...has a real nice mellow sound yet it cuts through even with a fully amplified band. I like the shape and feel of it.I like that it's all natural materials, gourd and little sea shells...you'll like the sound...great bargain.

A lot larger than the one in the picture. The gourd had a slight crack at the narrow handle which I fixed with some glue. There was some permanent marker "AHP en 20-14" and a number "8" on the handle which I wished wasn't there, because I couldn't remove it off. It would have been better if they had written it on the sticker instead. Was also disappointed with the tassel end too, very short and uneven. Besides these things, the shaker works well as a musical instrument, and I'm looking forward to using it. For the price I paid for it, it is good.

It perfect and Beautifully

The gourd is delicate, the sound and appearance beautiful, it is easy to hold. Learned the hard way, not for use with young children in a classroom setting (it became cracked on the first day of use!). The netting fibers slip out of the end knot easily, so had to re-tie and knot it more firmly. Best used by older students and adults.

My daughter and I were first introduced to African drum music and dance in a class experience that moves your body and soul with a gripping beat. Look for authentic African drums by this same company. The shaker is real and less expensive if this is your first interest in real instruments or what you can afford. ..Easy for a child to play along with you.