Meinl Percussion Turbo Cabasa with Sound Ports for Extra Projection, Medium Size-Wooden Handle with Padded Soft Grip, Steel Cylinder and Chain, 2-YEAR WARRANTY, CA5BK

I picked the small one from bad experiences with other bigger cabasas. This is the perfect size, is plenty loud and has a looseness that has made it more expressive than any other cabasa I've played. Superior product. I am super-sized pleased!

I bought the large sized cabasa. I was hesitant due to reviews that said it was too heavy, and most importantly some said the chains were too tight. It sounds great. Chains are easy to shake and spin. Meinl did a great job on this.

This is well made, it has a nice weight. My only problem is that I don't use the wrist strap but I keep it on for hanging, then I always catch my finger in the loop when I use it. (That's just me, lol) It would be great if the strap was on the bottom. I like this!

This Cabasa's strength is its volume. I have two complaints about this instrument that keep me from using it frequently - it's heavy and tight. 1.5 pounds doesn't sound like a lot, but it feels much heavier after playing through even a short song. If you look at competitors products, they all weigh about the same, so I'm not sure another brand would feel any lighter. When I need a Cabasa sound and don't want the stress of the added weight, I use a lighter gourd Shekere. My second issue is the tightness of the beads. I'm hoping they will loosen with use, but right now I can't get much action shaking or spinning without using both hands. That being said, this is the best Cabasa I have ever played... just not perfect.

I was trying to recreate the song "Barbecue" from Emmet Otter's Jugband Christmas. I bought a high quality washboard on Amazon and it didn't sound at all like Harvey Beaver scratching on it in the movie. So I bought this and I'm able to recreate a beaver scratching claws on a washboard. It's crucial to the song as it's at the very beginning. Love it!

What a cool lil piece of percussive fun. So versatile and controllable. Perfect compliment to song may songs and sing-a-longs. I prefer this gizmo to a tradition shaker or maracas. The sound is bright and cuts right through the mix even when not mic'ed.

Meinl gives a video demo on the cabasa but I wish I had tried one out a a music store before I bought it. It's heavy to use as a shaker and the sound using the beads I personally don't like. It is sturdy and looks good though. just not my thing.

Great clean sound for a small Cabasa. I pack it with my bongos and the small size fits perfectly within the case. Adds to my collection of hand percussion equipment. Sabor!