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House of Musical Traditions
7040 Carroll Ave.
Takoma Park, MD 20912
TEL: 301-270-9090
FAX: 301-270-3010
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HOURS: 11 am - 7 pm
Tuesday through Saturday
11 am - 5 pm Sunday & Monday

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Catalog > Percussion > Miscellaneous updated February 10, 2008

Berimbau

    Brazilian musical bow, a single metal string struck with a wooden stick. Different tones are produced by touching a metal noter (usually a washer) on the string and moving the gourd resonator up or down, or changing the tension on the bow. A rhythm accompaniment is produced by holding a caixixi (rattle) in the stick hand.

    There are various African types of berimbau. We carry the Brazillian type, on which the resonator is placed such that when the string is "cut off" it will produce a harmonic of the string's fundamental pitch -- like the harmonics on a guitar.

    Selection and availability vary -- please contact us for current availability.

Gongs

Wuhan Gongs from China: One piece-cast, hand-hammered in centuries old tradition. Comes with mallet.
    Chau Gongs -- Used to announce the arrival of a government official, warning people to clear the street. Used today by symphony orchestras. Two-toned bronze and black finish with "Wuhan" logo.
    12 inches in diameter -- $68.75
    15 inches in diameter -- $92.00
    20 inches in diameter -- $250.00
    Wind Gongs -- A flat gong with a strong "crash" sound. Bronze finish with "Wuhan" logo.
    7 inches in diameter -- $34.00
    10 inches in diameter -- $45.00
    22 inches in diameter -- $145.00

Bells and chimes

Indian Ankle bells (Ghungroo)

    Clam-shaped brass bells braided onto a purple string (25 bells on a string) -- $20.00

Gankoquie

    Double wrought-iron bells from Ghana. Used in African drum ensembles. Three sizes -- buy the set and save! Each one has a unique sound, let us pick one in the size you choose. One drumstick included. Click here for photo
      Small Gankoquie (7 inches high) -- $15.00
      Medium Gankoquie (10 inches high) -- $20.00
      Large Gankoquie (12 inches high) -- $25.00
      SAVE! Set of 3 Gankoquie -- $50.00 (Save $10)

Manjira

    Two tuned brass cymbals on a 12-inch string

      5 centimeters -- $6.00
      6 centimeters -- $7.50

Cowbells

      Double iron cowbells from West Africa -- $24.00
      EZ grip cowbell with beater, made in the USA -- $17.00

Chinese Bell Tree

      14 brass bells on single handle -- $60.00

LP Bar Chimes

      90 bars -- $149.95

Belly Dance, Raks Sharki (Oriental Dance)

Looking for a belly dance teacher in the DC/MD/VA area? Check out www.wameda.org for teachers, troupes, and event listings.
Zils
Middle Eastern solid brass finger cymbals
Student version, 2-inch diameter, set of 4 -- $10.00
Flared 2.25-inch diameter, set of 4 -- $15.00

Saroyan Zils -- "The Dancer's Choice" Saroyan zils

Made in the U.S. by Harry Saroyan. Goldtone or silver-plated, with a beautiful engraved design.

Nefertiti (goldtone) set of 4 -- $18.95

Arabesque (silver plated) set of 4 -- $29.95

Hip Scarves (click on images for a closer look) hip scarf, click on image for larger view
Colors vary: please give us several choices, or contact us to see what's available. [ see photo ]

Made in Egypt
Nylon with goldtone "coins"
$15.00

hip scarf, click on image for larger view
Made in Egypt
Lavishly-decorated nylon scarf with more coins, beads and embroidery -- $30.00
Velvet with coins, beads and embroidery (photo coming soon!)
Higher quality fabric and stitching -- $40.00
Colors vary: please give us several choices, or contact us to see what's available. [ see photo ]

Instruments of Meditation

Tibetan singing bowl, bell and tingshaws

Singing Bowls

Free-floating sound based on untuned vibration, singing bowls stimulate both body and spirit.
Made of the traditional seven metals: gold, silver, mercury, copper, iron, tin, and lead.

    $55.00 to $200.00

Bell and Dorje

    Used in Buddhist prayer services. Made of seven metals.
    Small -- $58.00
      Large -- $98.00

Tingshaws

    Also called Tingshags, Thingshags, etc. Two small cymbals connected with leather thong, used to begin and end meditation. Made of the "seven metals," their sounds are known to purify, open and create comfort.
    $35.00
balaphone

Balafons and Xylophones

    Our selection of balafons varies, and can include 8, 10, 12, 15 or 18-key models. Prices range from $100 to $350. Please contact us for the most current selection.

    A Xylophone For Kids! The Woodstock Chimalong

    Cajun Percussion



    "Zydeco Tie" Rubboard

    zydeco tie
        Make a musical statement and a fashion statement -- all at the same time! Wear and play a fabulous all-steel Zydeco Tie. Take your rhythm wherever you go.

        Crafted from stainless steel. It evolved from the wooden framed washboard used by traditional American musicians. Today Cajun and Zydeco musicians wear a "frattoir," a stainless steel washboard with shoulder straps. Your wearable Zydeco Tie comes complete with set of 2 thimbles. The playing surface is about 14" long and 3-1/2" at the widest point. It's surprisingly versatile! Use in Latin American music (guiro), jug band music (washboard), African music (shekere), Irish music (bones), or just make interesting sound effects.

        $25.00

    More Percussion

      A large variety of cabasas, shakers, and cowbells are available.
      Also, we never know what kind of interesting new drums or shakers will walk in the door, so give us a call. Chances are, if you need it, we can get it! Call, write, or email for prices and availability.