What material is the Schlagwerk Havana Shaker Long made from?

The shaker is constructed using two aluminium cigar tubes. These tubes are connected by elastic bands to provide flexibility and a unique hand-feel.

What are the dimensions of this shaker?

The instrument measures approximately 2.5 x 5 x 17 cm. Its long profile distinguishes it from more compact shaker models.

Is the Havana Shaker Long loud or soft?

It is designed to produce a soft and consistent sound. The precisely matched filling ensures it remains balanced rather than overpowering in acoustic settings.

Where is the Schlagwerk Havana Shaker Long manufactured?

It is produced by Schlagwerk, a well-known percussion manufacturer based in Germany. The brand is known for high-quality components and precision engineering.

How do the elastic bands affect the performance?

The elastic bands connect the two aluminium tubes. This allows for a degree of flexibility and movement between the chambers, providing an ergonomic grip and a specific tactile response.

Does this shaker use a multi-chamber system?

No, it features a single-chamber system per tube. This design is intended to deliver the best quality and most consistent sound for rhythmic applications.

What is the typical price for this instrument?

The typical price range for the Schlagwerk Havana Shaker Long is approximately £22. This places it in the mid-range of professional hand percussion.

Can the filling of the shaker be changed?

The manufacturer description does not indicate that the tubes are user-serviceable. The filling is precisely matched at the factory for a specific sound profile.

Is the 'cigar tube' design just for looks?

While the design adds an authentic aesthetic touch, the aluminium cigar tube shape also dictates the internal volume and the travel path of the filling, which affects the sound.

How does this compare to the Meinl Spin Spark Shaker?

The Havana Shaker Long focuses on a soft, consistent sound using aluminium tubes. In contrast, the Meinl Spin Spark is a black nickel shaker designed for different textures and sound effects.

Is this shaker suitable for recording?

Yes, its soft and consistent sound makes it ideal for studio environments. It provides a steady rhythmic layer without the harsh peaks that can be difficult to mix.

What makes the 'Long' version different from other Havana shakers?

The 'Long' designation refers to the 17 cm length. Longer shakers typically allow the internal filling to travel further, which can result in a more 'legato' or sustained shake sound compared to short shakers.

Gear article

Schlagwerk Havana Shaker Long

The Schlagwerk Havana Shaker Long is a high-quality hand percussion instrument manufactured in Germany, constructed from two aluminium cigar tubes. It is designed to deliver a soft, consistent rhythmic texture for acoustic and studio environments, retail for approximately £22.

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Background and Design

The Schlagwerk Havana Shaker Long represents a creative approach to percussion design by the German manufacturer Schlagwerk. Utilising the form factor of real cigar tubes, the instrument provides a unique aesthetic that distinguishes it from standard cylindrical shakers. The long version offers a specific ergonomic profile and internal volume compared to shorter variants.

The construction consists of two aluminium tubes held together by elastic bands. This flexible connection allows the two chambers to move slightly against one another, which can be utilised by the player to subtly alter the response and feel of the instrument during performance.

Technical Specifications

The shaker measures approximately 2.5 cm in depth, 5 cm in width, and 17 cm in length. It features a single-chamber system within each tube, containing a precisely matched filling. The choice of aluminium for the casing provides a durable yet lightweight housing that responds quickly to rhythmic movements.

Sound Character

Characterised by its soft and consistent output, the Havana Shaker Long is voiced for precision. The internal filling is selected to ensure that the 'attack' and 'decay' of the shake remain uniform, avoiding the harsh or metallic overtones sometimes found in heavier steel or plastic shakers. Its length provides a slightly different travel path for the filling, resulting in a sound suited for controlled acoustic sessions.

Target Audience and Use Cases

This instrument is primarily suited for:

Acoustic singer-songwriters requiring a subtle rhythmic backing.
Percussionists looking for a visually unique 'cigar tube' aesthetic for live performance.
Studio recording artists needing a shaker with a consistent, non-intrusive high-frequency response.
Educators and hobbyists looking for professional-grade German percussion at a mid-range price point.

Comparative Analysis

Within the percussion market, the Havana Shaker Long occupies a niche between basic plastic instruments, such as Stagg or Meinl Egg Maracas, and more aggressive metal shakers like the Meinl Spin Spark. While egg maracas offer a sharper, localized sound, the Havana Shaker's dual-tube design provides a broader, softer texture. Compared to other auxiliary percussion like the Fender Blues Deluxe Harmonica or the Sonor Orff NG31 Glockenspiel, this shaker serves as a fundamental time-keeping tool rather than a melodic lead instrument.

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Frequently asked questions

What material is the Schlagwerk Havana Shaker Long made from?: The shaker is constructed using two aluminium cigar tubes. These tubes are connected by elastic bands to provide flexibility and a unique hand-feel.
What are the dimensions of this shaker?: The instrument measures approximately 2.5 x 5 x 17 cm. Its long profile distinguishes it from more compact shaker models.
Is the Havana Shaker Long loud or soft?: It is designed to produce a soft and consistent sound. The precisely matched filling ensures it remains balanced rather than overpowering in acoustic settings.
Where is the Schlagwerk Havana Shaker Long manufactured?: It is produced by Schlagwerk, a well-known percussion manufacturer based in Germany. The brand is known for high-quality components and precision engineering.
How do the elastic bands affect the performance?: The elastic bands connect the two aluminium tubes. This allows for a degree of flexibility and movement between the chambers, providing an ergonomic grip and a specific tactile response.
Does this shaker use a multi-chamber system?: No, it features a single-chamber system per tube. This design is intended to deliver the best quality and most consistent sound for rhythmic applications.
What is the typical price for this instrument?: The typical price range for the Schlagwerk Havana Shaker Long is approximately £22. This places it in the mid-range of professional hand percussion.
Can the filling of the shaker be changed?: The manufacturer description does not indicate that the tubes are user-serviceable. The filling is precisely matched at the factory for a specific sound profile.
Is the 'cigar tube' design just for looks?: While the design adds an authentic aesthetic touch, the aluminium cigar tube shape also dictates the internal volume and the travel path of the filling, which affects the sound.
How does this compare to the Meinl Spin Spark Shaker?: The Havana Shaker Long focuses on a soft, consistent sound using aluminium tubes. In contrast, the Meinl Spin Spark is a black nickel shaker designed for different textures and sound effects.
Is this shaker suitable for recording?: Yes, its soft and consistent sound makes it ideal for studio environments. It provides a steady rhythmic layer without the harsh peaks that can be difficult to mix.
What makes the 'Long' version different from other Havana shakers?: The 'Long' designation refers to the 17 cm length. Longer shakers typically allow the internal filling to travel further, which can result in a more 'legato' or sustained shake sound compared to short shakers.