Cabasa

The cabasa is a fun percussion instrument that makes a rattling sound when you shake or twist it. It is made with loops of steel ball chain wrapped around a wooden cylinder, which is attached to a long handle. This instrument was created by Martin Cohen, the founder of Latin Percussion, a company that makes many musical instruments.

The cabasa is often used in Latin jazz and bossa nova music. Skilled players can create precise rhythms by placing one hand on the metal chain for pressure and twisting the handle with the other hand. Besides Latin music, many band and orchestra pieces also include the cabasa.

In Africa, a similar instrument called the agbe is made from dried gourds with beads. In Latin America, a version called cabaça uses a gourd covered with beads and has a single handle. These instruments are also used in music therapy to help people with physical or neurological disabilities improve their hand movements by playing the instrument. Modern versions include special foot pedals made by Meinl Percussion.