World Playground Ltd Hand Painted Brown Coconut Maraca / Rumba Shaker Instrument

I ordered 4 of these as I run a Drumming Circle and thought they would make a good accompaniment and fun ending to our Group. They were quite expensive and handmade and so I felt they would be good quality. I was wrong. Although they arrived reasonably quickly, they were very shoddily made, with very rough handles, some coming away from the head itself, and apart from one, had very few seeds in to make any decent rattling sound. I contacted the seller to return and requested a refund. Only to find I have to pay extortionate postage for returning. I have since bought replacement, exceptional quality hand made fair trade rattles online from the Eden Project at less than half the retail price of these. With postage both ways, these will have cost me more than I paid for the replacements! Total waste of money. Don't bother to buy these. You are likely to get splinters apart from anything else!

Totally unique items made from natural products. We noted that the coconut shells were different sizes but that gives variety in the pitch of the "shakes". Light-weight and very decorative, pleasant to look at when not being used with Miranda's DVD. One problem though. Between wrapping and opening at Christmas, a handle parted company with its shell. Quickly and easily remedied with some tissue and UPVA glue.

This was exactly the item I needed.Well made colorfully painted.Makes a lovely sound.

Ordered 2 (as Maraca's are often played in pairs.) They arrived in the same box but two totally different sizes. I realise they are coconuts (and as such are invariably different sizes) but you would think they would realise if you order two that they should select as near as possible. Also told that although they admit its their fault as they don't say anything warning people on their advert. I would have to pay to send them back. They did offer to send two the same size but I still had to pay for sending the originals back!!

Sounds lovely, much softer than most maracas due to the use of seeds rather than peas or ball bearings inside. Looks lovely, the Aboriginal painting is very attractive. Also feels very nice, the wood and coconut are smooth and provide a nice aural and tactile experience for children.

All OK. Best Regard.

good value