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House of Musical Traditions
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Takoma Park, MD 20912
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Catalog > Percussion > Small Hand Percussion updated April 29, 2013

    Rhythm Bones

    Black Bart's "bone" bones 6-inch bones, one pair -- $40.00
    Made in the USA. Tied together with leather thong.
    Black Bart's Bones have been in short supply, please contact us for availability
    Whamdiddle -- made from various hardwoods by Rick Fogel in Seattle, WA. Not all woods may be in stock. Let us choose one for you; or if you have a specific request, please indicate that in the "Notes" section of your order.

    Domestic Woods, one pair -- $18.00
    Pine, Oak, Maple, Walnut, Cherry, Western Cedar
    (pictured from left to right -- maple, cherry, western cedar, poplar)

    Exotic hardwoods, one pair -- $22.00
    Wenge, Zebrawood, Paduak, Jatoba, Teak, Canary, Lacewood, Mahogany
    Rare Exotic hardwoods, one pair -- $26.00
    Purpleheart, Rosewood, Tulipwood, Cocobolo, Bubinga, Boxwood
    (pictured from left to right -- zebrawood, teak, canary, rosewood)
    Decorative laminates, one pair -- $30.00

    Toca Rosewood Claves

    Clave (pronounced "klah-veh") means "key." Two cylinder-shaped pieces of solid wood -- played by striking one with the other. Suprisingly loud and resonant!

    One pair -- $16.25

    Other types of claves occasionally available; please contact us for current selection.

    Jawharps

    A folk instrument of uncertain age and origin, already well known during the European Middle Ages, and in Western Europe probably since Gallo-Roman times. The dimension of the vibrating tongue determines the pitch of the fundamental note.
    Article: How to Play the Jaw Harp Whitlow jaw harp

    Whitlow TM Jawharps
    The Whitlow Jawharp was named the world's finest jawharp at the International Jew's Harp Congress based on sound quality, appearance and playability. It is the instrument of choice among many of the world's top players including John McCutcheon, Mike Seeger, David Holt and Grandpa Jones.

    Whitlow Jawharps are hand-crafted from the finest materials following the method invented by Fred Whitlow. Each harp is carefully tuned to standard pitch, enabling it to be played with other in-tune instruments. Whitlow Jawharps are available in all 12 keys and come with a no-gimmick lifetime guarantee to the original owner. With protective plastic display box.

    Whitlow Jawharp TM -- $24.00

    Not all keys may be in stock, and delivery can be delayed as these are handmade items. If you require a rush order, you may wish to contact us to check availability before ordering.

    Ozark Jawharp: Inexpensive factory-made metal jawharps -- $6.50

    Maracas

    Our stock varies -- please contact us for current selection.

    Spoons

    Trophy Musical Spoons -- two metal spoons with a plastic handle -- $8.50

Sound Effects

    Slapsticks

    2 wooden slats on a handle, upper slat sprung and hinged. Used in slapstick comedy to simulate the sound of someone being hit. 18 inches long.
      $22.90

    Vibra-Slap

    Very popular sound effect - used in movie soundtracks and for special effects, like the sound of bones rattling. The sound is supposed to be like an old instrument called the "jawbone."
      Standard -- $51.85

      Deluxe -- $57.80

    Remo Spring Drum/Thunder Tube

    Gently shake the drum and the spring vibrates the head, creating a unique thunder sound. 7 inches x 2 inches, various multicolored finishes. (let us choose one for you)
      $11.99

    Vibra-tone

    Hollow metal tube with hole a quarter of the way up. When hole is covered with thumb, a fundamental tone is produced. As the thumb is pulled away from the hole, the timbre changes. Produces a liquid "wah-wah" sound. Available in silver, black, and indigo blue.
      Standard -- $43.20
      Large -- $50.40
    rainstick

    Rainstick

    Made in Chile. Hollow cactus stick filled with small pebbles that sound like rain when tipped. A soothing, meditative sound.
      Small Cactus Rainstick (20 inches long) -- $44.80
      Large Cactus Rainstick (39 inches long) -- $71.20

    Other rainsticks are occasionally available, please contact us.

    Shekeres

    Dried, hollowed gourds covered with a string web, laced with seeds, beads or shells. The stem portion of the gourd forms a hand grip. Found all over West Africa. Ours are made in Ghana, with multicolored plastic beads.

      Small -- $15.00

      Medium -- $20.00
      Large -- $25.00

    Other Shekeres occasionally available -- please contact us.

    Frogs

    frog at play Hard to resist! These chunky, hand-carved wooden frogs have a cool look and a BIG sound. Simply run the wooden dowel along the ridged back and you'd swear you were in the woods on a summer night. Kids love these! Made in Thailand.
    Not all sizes may be in stock

    We also have Crickets! (see below)
      Peeper: Tiny! 2 inches long, 2 inches high -- $8.00

      Small: 3 inches long, 2 inches high -- $11.00
      Medium: 4 inches long, 2.5 inches high -- $15.00
      Large: 5 inches long, 3 inches high -- $18.00
      Extra Large: 7-8 inches long, 3.5 inches high -- $30.00
      With a loud, deep call!
    cricket... reep reep

    Crickets

    Hand-carved in Thailand, these crickets make a strikingly realistic sound when you run the wooden dowel along their ridged wings. You just have to try these. Great for kids -- even the grown-up kind!
    Not all sizes may be in stock

      Small: 3 inches long, 2 inches high -- $11.00

      Medium: 6 inches long, 2.5 inches high -- $15.00

      Large: 8 inches long, 2.5 inches high -- $18.00
      Extra Large: With a loud, deep call! -- $30.00

    Miscellaneous shakers and rattles

    Egg Shakers
    Plastic egg-shaped shakers in various colors (please let us choose one for you). Various brands such as LP Rhythmix and Nuggets.
      $2.99 each / Quantity:

    "Beadbrain" Plastic Skull Shakers
    Assorted colors available, please let us choose a color for you.

      $4.00 each / Quantity:


    Remo Fruit Shakers
    Realistically-sized, shaped and colored to look like real fruits! Filled with non-toxic beads. Choose from apple, avocado, banana, lemon, orange, pear, or plum. Not all types may be in stock -- Let us know if you have a second choice when ordering.

      $8.49 each Quantity:
    Telavi
    A fascinating shaker-type instrument from Ghana, made with two round seed pods strung together. The player can create complex rhythmic patterns by holding one seed pod in one hand and flipping the other pod across the back of the hand -- you have to see it!

    These instruments are also called Asalato, and have been recently popularized by the Japanese group Hifana. Check out this video and see what's possible on this simple instrument! (video)

      $6.00
    Caixixi
    Basket rattle with handle, from West Africa or Brazil. Colors and patterns vary, please let us choose one for you.

      Small -- $6.00

      Large -- $12.00

    Miscellaneous African instruments

    Assorted fork rattles, dancers rattles and anklebells, seed pod rattles, spider eggcase rattles, cowbells, stick drums, agogo bells, shakers and many more. Got an unusual request? Let us know what you need.