I dig this afuche cabasa. I feel like a dj. You know you are into it when you start to use your arms and legs to play it. Plus if you have pets. That like to claw at you door at night. It's a great way to keep them way. Aha watch them haul butt in the other direction. Hehehe!

I record original music at home and I am playing all the percussion instruments myself. This can take the place of high hat cymbals to some degree. I have a cajon that covers bass and snare drum. This has a more universal sound than the guiro and tambourine I've been using. So I watched a few videos on this instrument and found out some of the different sounds that can be made with this instrument. I think I will be using this a lot.

I have never been a rhythm or percussion player. In spite of my lack of training or experience however, this instrument has always intrigued me. I am 59 years old, but still have memories of these in my high school music room. I always found it a difficult instrument to look at without picking up. I have played guitar for over 40 years, and thought it might be fun to try some "simple" percussion. I say that with quotations, because while this instrument can be simple, it can also be quite amazing in the hands of a capable and experienced percussionist.

Although this instrument is a standard in Latin music, the sound is great for many applications. It is also a lot more versatile than a typical shaker. I like the fact that it can be played standing up, as opposed to a cajon or something similar. That makes it nice if you are also singing or simply working a stage. You cannot exactly move around much when playing a cajon. You can also sit on a couch and practice with it without getting into uncomfortable positions for extended periods.

Given my lack of experience, I was somewhat pressed as to where to start. I was obtaining vague information online about exact dimensions. I did not know which size(s) were best for a starting player. I also jumped around with different brands to determine which was best. I finally settled on the LP model for 2 reasons. First of all, it was the only one that actually specified being a "standard size." When you have nothing pictured next to one online, it can be difficult to determine the relative size without having it in your hand. If you are not experienced with this instrument, a large one can wear out your wrist pretty quick. You need to build up strength and muscle memory by playing it. One too small however will not produce as much volume. The second reason was because this modern version was originally developed by Martin Cohen, who is the founder of Latin Percussion.

Since receiving it, I have been very happy I chose the LP model. The size is a perfect balance of weight and volume. I had read where another popular company had beads that were a little too tight for some people and required a breaking in period. This model was perfect right out of the box. It already had a broken in feel. The volume was also perfect for use as a backup with acoustic guitar or something similar. The model from another manufacturer I considered might have been a little too loud for my applications. This instrument is pretty dynamic. It can be played softly, but also stepped up when needed. This brings back a lot of memories. It is exactly as it was when I was in school. I am very pleased with it, and am sure it will bring years of rhythmic enjoyment.

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Great instrument for anyone. Good in a band, good in a drum circle. Metal beads roll crisp and brilliant. Handle is sturgy. All around fun. I like LP.

I purchased an Afuche Cabasa online from Sweetwater. Their price for this instrument was substantially lower than what Guitar Center was charging. This is a company that values their customers. I was given free shipping, a tracking number to track the shipment, and when the package arrived, a bag of candy inside the package for their appreciation of my order, which I thought was awesome. I will certainly use Sweetwater again.

I had never seen this instrument before but my grandaughter asked for one for Christmas. She is trying to start small band and thought this was important piece for the sound she is going for. She loves it. I also appreciated the personal service I received when ordering this item. I will definitely return and recommend Sweetwater to everyone.

No complaints. Still solid.