What materials are used to make the Schlagwerk Havana Shaker Short?

The shaker is primarily constructed from two authentic aluminium cigar tubes. These tubes are held together by elastic bands to allow for flexible handling during play.

What are the dimensions of this shaker?

The Havana Shaker Short measures approximately 2.5 cm in depth, 5 cm in width, and 12 cm in height. This compact size makes it highly portable and easy to hold.

Where is the Schlagwerk Havana Shaker Short manufactured?

This percussion instrument is manufactured by Schlagwerk, a company based in Germany. It is designed and built using premium components to ensure high quality.

What kind of sound does the Havana Shaker Short produce?

It produces a soft and consistent shaker sound. The filling is precisely matched to the aluminium tubes to ensure the audio output remains smooth rather than harsh.

How does the 'cigar tube' design affect the instrument?

Beyond the authentic visual aesthetic, the aluminium tubes provide a specific metallic resonance. The single-chamber system within the tubes helps maintain a clear and focused sound.

Why are the two tubes connected by elastic bands?

The elastic bands provide flexibility, allowing the player to manipulate the tubes slightly during use. This design choice also ensures the two components stay together as a single unit.

How much does the Schlagwerk Havana Shaker Short typically cost?

The typical price for this model is approximately £19. This makes it an affordable professional-grade percussion option.

Is this shaker suitable for loud live performances?

While it can be used live, it is specifically designed for soft and consistent sounds. In very loud environments, it may require a microphone to be heard clearly alongside drums or electric guitars.

How does this compare to a Meinl Spin Spark Shaker?

The Havana Shaker Short offers a more traditional, soft rhythmic sound using aluminium tubes. The Spin Spark Shaker is typically used for more experimental, adjustable metallic effects.

Is the filling inside the shaker adjustable?

No, the filling is precisely matched and sealed within the single-chamber system. It is designed to provide a consistent sound out of the box without the need for modification.

Can the tubes be separated?

The tubes are connected by elastic bands intended to keep them together. While they can be stretched, the instrument is designed to be played as a dual-tube unit.

What makes this different from plastic egg maracas?

Unlike plastic egg maracas from brands like Stagg or Meinl, the Havana Shaker uses aluminium for a different tonal quality. It also features a unique cylindrical shape rather than the standard egg or maraca form.

Gear article

Schlagwerk Havana Shaker Short

The Schlagwerk Havana Shaker Short is a specialised hand percussion instrument manufactured in Germany, constructed from dual aluminium cigar tubes. It features a single-chamber system with a precisely matched filling designed to produce soft, consistent rhythmic textures.

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Overview and Design

The Schlagwerk Havana Shaker Short is a distinct entry in the field of hand percussion, notable for its unconventional construction. Produced by the German manufacturer Schlagwerk, the instrument is built using two authentic aluminium cigar tubes. These tubes are connected via elastic bands, a design choice that provides structural flexibility and allows the player to manipulate the interaction between the two chambers during performance.

Measuring approximately 2.5 x 5 x 12 cm, the shaker is compact and ergonomic. The use of premium components and a single-chamber system within each tube ensures a high level of build quality and sonic reliability.

Mechanics and Sound Character

The sound of the Havana Shaker Short is defined by its internal filling, which has been precisely matched by the manufacturer to complement the aluminium housing. Unlike larger or plastic-bodied shakers that may produce harsh or erratic transients, this model is engineered for a soft and consistent output. The aluminium walls provide a crisp, metallic edge to the attack, while the internal volume remains controlled and mellow, making it suitable for studio environments where subtle percussion is required.

Target User and Applications

This instrument is particularly well-suited for percussionists, acoustic performers, and studio musicians who require a sophisticated, non-intrusive shaker sound. Its aesthetic, mimicking actual cigar tubes, also makes it a popular choice for performers seeking a unique visual element on stage. Because the two tubes are linked by elastic, players can experiment with different grip styles to achieve varying degrees of resonance and rhythmic precision.

Comparison to Alternatives

When compared to standard plastic egg maracas like those from Meinl or Stagg, the Havana Shaker offers a more refined, metallic timbre and greater durability due to its aluminium construction. While effects-heavy units like the Meinl Spin Spark Shaker provide more experimental sounds, the Havana Shaker Short focuses on traditional rhythmic consistency. It stands as a more professional, aesthetically unique alternative to basic entry-level percussion, typically positioned at a accessible price point of approximately £19.

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Frequently asked questions

What materials are used to make the Schlagwerk Havana Shaker Short?: The shaker is primarily constructed from two authentic aluminium cigar tubes. These tubes are held together by elastic bands to allow for flexible handling during play.
What are the dimensions of this shaker?: The Havana Shaker Short measures approximately 2.5 cm in depth, 5 cm in width, and 12 cm in height. This compact size makes it highly portable and easy to hold.
Where is the Schlagwerk Havana Shaker Short manufactured?: This percussion instrument is manufactured by Schlagwerk, a company based in Germany. It is designed and built using premium components to ensure high quality.
What kind of sound does the Havana Shaker Short produce?: It produces a soft and consistent shaker sound. The filling is precisely matched to the aluminium tubes to ensure the audio output remains smooth rather than harsh.
How does the 'cigar tube' design affect the instrument?: Beyond the authentic visual aesthetic, the aluminium tubes provide a specific metallic resonance. The single-chamber system within the tubes helps maintain a clear and focused sound.
Why are the two tubes connected by elastic bands?: The elastic bands provide flexibility, allowing the player to manipulate the tubes slightly during use. This design choice also ensures the two components stay together as a single unit.
How much does the Schlagwerk Havana Shaker Short typically cost?: The typical price for this model is approximately £19. This makes it an affordable professional-grade percussion option.
Is this shaker suitable for loud live performances?: While it can be used live, it is specifically designed for soft and consistent sounds. In very loud environments, it may require a microphone to be heard clearly alongside drums or electric guitars.
How does this compare to a Meinl Spin Spark Shaker?: The Havana Shaker Short offers a more traditional, soft rhythmic sound using aluminium tubes. The Spin Spark Shaker is typically used for more experimental, adjustable metallic effects.
Is the filling inside the shaker adjustable?: No, the filling is precisely matched and sealed within the single-chamber system. It is designed to provide a consistent sound out of the box without the need for modification.
Can the tubes be separated?: The tubes are connected by elastic bands intended to keep them together. While they can be stretched, the instrument is designed to be played as a dual-tube unit.
What makes this different from plastic egg maracas?: Unlike plastic egg maracas from brands like Stagg or Meinl, the Havana Shaker uses aluminium for a different tonal quality. It also features a unique cylindrical shape rather than the standard egg or maraca form.