SHOW ME YOUR SHEKERE!

[seisporocho1]

vasikgreif,
Michael Plusnik put out a shekere instructional dvd a while back and is putting out a second one.
I felt the first video was really basic so if you are a beginner, that will help you tons. I believe its called "How to play Shekere". I think cd baby sells it...not sure.

Good luck.

[slinginit]

I've been making shekeres for over 17 years. Here's my latest batch. The striped one is called "Jester" with 660 beads. The others are part of a burst series each with 720 beads. They are cobalt burst, honey gold burst, and summer green burst.

[KidCuba]

Nice looking shekeres! What sort of cord are you using for the top "foundation" ring"?

[slinginit]

Thanks so much KidCuba!! I use nylon parachute cord available from army/navy supply stores (or ebay). Ran out of black and white cord and unfortunately so did the store. But the local store carries a range of colors so I opted for beige. It's neutral and softens the contrast between the gourd and the net, plus it works well with either the white or black nylon twine (0.7mm) which I use for net assembly. I think the softer contrast of the net makes the bead colors pop against the gourd.

The gourds are stained and polyurethaned. I've been developing bursts and blends as a signature bead style as well as blending stains, manipulating stain coats, etc.. The gourd is my canvas. There are about 7 more burst designs planned but I need to move these first. I have sold about 40 shekeres nationwide and my prices are very reasonable; this is simply a fun creative outlet that funds itself. All proceeds go to purchasing gourds, beads, cord, polyurethane, stain, brushes, etc. and I donate most of what's left.

PM me if interested. I know this isn't the "instrument sale" section but I could post a more detailed rundown of each shekere if desired. The above shekeres are for sale but are also demontrative of what I can create - about half of my sales have been custom designs. Prices are directly and only related to the amount of materials needed, size of guord, etc.; there's no extra "fee" for developing something personal and unique.

[slinginit]

Some other examples of earlier concepts. I'm developing new colors and ideas but can do any number of these concepts below. Some were my own creations; others were custom ideas/requests for by customers. All of these are sold.

[slinginit]

I've been trying to put a new spin on shekere designs.

[slinginit]

Last round for now.

[slinginit]

Jus' a few more:

[slinginit]

Few more oldies and new designs.

*Note:* In the second picture down, that's a 2-Liter bottle for size reference.

[slinginit]

Finally, some collegiate designs.

[RitmoBoricua]

Nice work. One question: How can somebody get in touch with you to
buy one of these magnificent Shekeres?

[slinginit]

Just sent you a PM. I only check every few days or so.


Thank you for your interest!

[440ranch]

I bought one of the above, I love it!
It plays great, sounds big, looks cool, and it's really well made.

Slinginit is a good cat to do business with!

[slinginit]

Thanks, 440!!!

I do appreciate the shout out. I don't have any stock right now, all sold out.

Working on the next batch of gourds (staining, painting, polyurethane, etc.) Some new design and color concepts are coming out soon.

[rhythmrhyme]

The red shekere from this photo arrived at my door a few days ago.

Very nice instrument! The red and black looks great in person and the inside around the top of the shekere is also stained black, which is a nice touch. The gourd has a very nice tone to it when played with my palm and there is just enough room at the bottom of the skirt for my hand.

Thanks Slingit!!