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House of Musical Traditions
7010 Westmoreland 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 November 20, 2011

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.

Not all sizes may be in stock; please contact us for current availability. Other sizes may be available by special order. Prices subject to change due to exchange rates.

    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.

    10 inches in diameter -- $51.00
    12 inches in diameter -- $65.50
    18 inches in diameter -- $153.00
    20 inches in diameter -- $212.50
    22 inches in diameter -- $234.50
    Wind Gongs -- A flat gong with a strong "crash" sound.
    Bronze finish with "Wuhan" logo.

    7 inches in diameter -- $29.00
    10 inches in diameter -- $46.00
    22 inches in diameter -- $165.00
    Bao Gongs -- These are also called "nipple gongs," so named because they have a rounded bell shape at the center of the gong. Bao gongs are great for producing rich, bell-like sounds. They produce a strong, sustaining fundamental tone with subtle overtones.

    12 inches in diameter -- $114.75
    14 inches in diameter -- $139.40
    18 inches in diameter -- $277.00

Bells and chimes

Indian Ankle bells (Ghungroo)

Called ghungroo (ghungru, ghungaroo) in India, ankle bells are worn to accent dancers' movements in both the northern and southern Indian classical dance traditions. Ankle bells are found in many other traditional music and dance forms around the world, as well. Attach them to your djembe or other drum; accent your bellydance performance; or hang them on your door to greet visitors! Manufactured in Uttar Pradesh (north India).
    Brass bells braided onto a purple string -- $16.95
    1 pair, 25 bells per ankle (photo)
    Clam-shaped brass bells braided onto a purple string -- $20.95
    1 pair, 25 bells per ankle (photo)
    Brass bells sewn onto an ankle pad (2 rows, 20 bells total per pad) -- $16.95
    1 pair -- 20 bells per ankle (photo)

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)

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 -- $12.00
Flared 2.25-inch diameter, set of 4 -- $18.00

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.

Selection varies, contact us for current availability.


Hip Scarves
Made in Egypt; colors and styles vary. Please contact us for current selection.

We usually carry 3 general types of scarves, in addition to coin belts:
- Basic nylon with gold or silver coins -- $15.00
- Triangle-shaped with more coins & embroidery -- $20.00
- Velvet -- $30.00
- Coin belts -- $12.00


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 -- $22.00
      Medium -- $32.00
      Large -- $62.00

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.