Best Cabasas of 2025

Nicole Kim Avatar
Nicole Kim
Last Updated: Jan 10, 2025

* We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

Cabasas are percussion instruments that produce a rattling sound when shaken or twisted. They consist of a cylindrical-shaped body made of wood or plastic with a series of metal beads or chains wrapped around it. Cabasas are played by holding the handle and twisting or shaking the instrument back and forth, causing the beads to strike the body and create a rhythmic sound. They are commonly used in various genres of music, including Latin, jazz, and pop. Cabasas are popular among percussionists and are also a great addition to any musical ensemble.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Meinl Percussion Turbo Cabasa CA5BK-S Cover #TOP 1
Meinl Percussion Turbo Cabasa CA5BK-S
ftb score rating icon 9.9
On-Stage Cabasa Cover #TOP 2
On-Stage Cabasa
ftb score rating icon 9.8
LP234-BK Afuche/Cabasa Mini Black Cover #TOP 3
LP234-BK Afuche/Cabasa Mini Black
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Cabasas

#TOP 1

Meinl Percussion Turbo Cabasa CA5BK-S

CA5BK-S
Black
Small
Meinl Percussion Turbo Cabasa CA5BK-S Cover
Meinl Percussion Turbo Cabasa Instrument with Sound Ports for Extra Projection and Stainless Steel Cylinder, 2-Year Warranty, Black, Small (CA5BK-S)

The Meinl Cabasa is a professional percussion instrument with patented sound ports for increased volume and projection. With less effort needed to be heard, you can relax while playing and stay in rhythm effortlessly. The stainless steel beaded chain allows for various sounds by rubbing, shaking, spinning, or tapping. The chains' fluid motion enables expressiveness and accuracy. Made of durable hardwood, this small-sized cabasa is comfortable to handle, making it a versatile addition to any percussion collection.

What We Like
Patented Sound Ports
Effortless to Play
Versatile Sound Options
#TOP 2

On-Stage Cabasa

HPCS3500
Brown
On-Stage Cabasa Cover
On-Stage Cabasa (HPCS3500) Brown

The On-Stage Cabasa is a steel cylinder wrapped with steel-bead loops, producing a variety of percussive sounds that fit with a wide variety of musical styles and genres. It creates a loud and full sound that will stand out in a mix of instruments during a performance. The contoured wood handle reduces hand fatigue for long-lasting playing comfort.

What We Like
Fits with a wide variety of musical styles and genres
Creates a loud and full sound that stands out in a mix of instruments
Contoured wood handle reduces hand fatigue for long-lasting playing comfort
#TOP 3

LP234-BK Afuche/Cabasa Mini Black

LP234-BK
Black
Mini
LP234-BK Afuche/Cabasa Mini Black Cover
Latin Percussion LP234-BK Afuche/Cabasa Mini Black

The Latin Percussion Mini Cabasa is a compact percussion instrument with a 2-3/4" diameter, featuring a plastic frame and handle. You can rotate the beads around the textured steel or spin and shake the instrument to create different sounds. This cabasa is ideal for quiet environments and smaller hands, offering versatility in producing rhythmic effects. Its portable size makes it convenient for musicians on the go, providing a unique way to add texture to your music.

What We Like
Compact Size
Versatile Sound
Portable
#TOP 4

Wooden Hand Percussion Set for All Ages

Nuanchu-Instrument-01
Silver
Wooden Hand Percussion Set for All Ages Cover
5 Pcs Cabasa Music Instrument for Baby Shower Gifts Wooden Hand Percussion Instrument Set with Stainless Steel Breads Latin Percussion Instrument Classical Wood Claves Rhythm Sticks Egg Shakers

This 5-piece percussion instrument set is made of high-quality, safe and sturdy wood materials, featuring smooth surfaces, rounded edges, and exquisite workmanship. The set includes wooden rhythm sticks, egg shakers, and a cabasa with non-slip features and an intimate design. Suitable for people of all ages, these instruments exercise rhythm and promote brain development. They are ideal teaching tools for parents and teachers, and can be used for musical instrument study or performance.

What We Like
High-quality, safe and sturdy wood materials
Suitable for people of all ages
Ideal teaching tools for parents and teachers
#TOP 5

Nuanchu Wooden Hand Percussion Instrument Set

Multiple Colors
Nuanchu Wooden Hand Percussion Instrument Set Cover
Nuanchu 5 Pcs Wooden Hand Percussion Instrument Set Mini Wooden Cabasa with Stainless Steel Breads Musical Latin Instrument Classical Wood Percussion Claves Rhythm Sticks Egg Shakers for Adult

Nuanchu Percussion Set is a set of 5 wooden hand percussion instruments suitable for people of different ages to learn, such as baby, toddler, teenagers, adults, etc. Made of quality wood materials, the instruments are safe and sturdy to use with smooth surface, rounded edges, and exquisite workmanship. The claves musical instruments are with non-angular design, which won't scratch your hands during use. The end of cabasa's handle is wider, making it more comfortable to hold. All 3 musical instruments have a nonslip feature, bringing you a good experience. With 5 different instruments in one package, including 2 wooden rhythm sticks, 2 wooden egg shakers, and 1 wooden cabasa, the set provides a rich variety of sound for your performance or study. The set is also a good teaching tool for parents and teachers to teach kids to learn some knowledge and promote the gift of music.

What We Like
Safe and sturdy
Suitable for all ages
Non-slip design
Rich variety of sound
Good teaching tool
#TOP 6

Trademark Innovations Wooden Cabasa Instrument

CABASA
Natural
5.1"
Trademark Innovations Wooden Cabasa Instrument Cover
Trademark Innovations 5.1 Inch Wooden Cabasa Instrument Latin Percussion Instruments

Trademark Cabasa is a 5.1-inch wooden percussion instrument by Trademark Innovations. It features a wood handle and body covered in steel ball chain strands, producing a classic Latin percussion sound. This instrument is ideal for teaching rhythm in classrooms, musical games, band accompaniment, and more. With a rhythmic shake using one hand and tapping the metal beads with the other, you can create diverse sounds and rhythms effortlessly. Suitable for ages 14 and up, this cabasa offers an easy and enjoyable way to explore musical creativity.

What We Like
Classic Latin sound
Great for teaching rhythm
Easy to play
#TOP 7

Heysland Wooden Cabasa Percussion Musical Instrument Metal Beaded Chain and Cylinder Pop Hand Shaker for Band Music Education 3.5inch, (HL01M)

Generic
HL01M
3.5inch
3.5inch
Heysland Wooden Cabasa Percussion Musical Instrument Metal Beaded Chain and Cylinder Pop Hand Shaker for Band Music Education 3.5inch, (HL01M) Cover
Heysland Wooden Cabasa Percussion Musical Instrument Metal Beaded Chain and Cylinder Pop Hand Shaker for Band Music Education 3.5inch, (HL01M)

The Heysland Cabasa Percussion Instrument is a classic musical instrument perfect for band music education and classroom musical teaching. Its standard size measures 3.54" width and 7.28" length. The ribbed stainless steel cylinder and stainless steel beads provide effortless classic cabasa sounds. It is easy to play, just rub the metal beads by your hand over the cylinder to generate a unique percussion effect. You can also use it to create a special shaker effect that can blend with any other instrument. With its versatility, the Heysland Cabasa Percussion Instrument is ideal for musical games assist and music band accompaniment.

What We Like
Classic cabasa sounds
Easy to play
Versatile
#TOP 8

Mowind Wooden Cabasa Hand Shaker Percussion Instrument

MW011
beige,silver
Mowind Wooden Cabasa Hand Shaker Percussion Instrument Cover
Mowind Wooden Cabasa Hand Shaker Percussion Instrument with Metal Beads for Classroom Band 3.4" Size

Mowind Cabasa is a percussion instrument suitable for young musicians to play comfortably. It features a steel chain and cylinder, an ergonomically shaped handle, and creates the classic Cabasa sound. The compact size makes it ideal for classroom musical teaching, musical games assist, and music band accompaniment. The steel chain and cylinder produce a unique sound that adds rhythm to any music. The ergonomically shaped handle allows for a comfortable grip while playing for an extended period. The classic Cabasa sound is perfect for various musical genres. The compact size makes it easy to store and transport.

What We Like
Compact size
Ergonomic handle
Classic Cabasa sound
#TOP 9

Basic Beat BB07L Cabasa

BB07L
Black
large
Basic Beat BB07L Cabasa Cover
Basic Beat BB07L - Standard Large Cabasa with Authentic Sound, Comfort Grip, Black - Ideal for Music Enthusiasts & Professionals

The Basic Beat Cabasa is designed for both music enthusiasts and professionals. Its steel bead chains glide over a textured stainless steel cylinder, allowing you to create vibrant scraping sounds with a simple shake, spin, or rotation. Measuring 7.5 inches in length and 4.25 inches in width, it offers a comfortable grip thanks to its wooden base and handle. This means you can play for extended periods without discomfort. Whether you’re in a band or just enjoying music at home, the loud sound it produces ensures you’ll be heard clearly.

What We Like
Authentic sound quality
Comfortable wooden grip
Versatile playing techniques
Loud volume
#TOP 10

1to1 Music Cabasa Shaker

1to1 Music
PROK-O-M-C
Orange
1to1 Music Cabasa Shaker Cover
ProKussion Orange Wooden Cabasa Shaker (Medium)

The 1to1 Music Cabasa Shaker is perfect for educational purposes, featuring high-quality wood and metal construction. Its ergonomically shaped handle provides comfort during use. This versatile instrument can be shaken or twisted to create unique sounds, making it popular in schools, theatres, and recording studios. The Cabasa is not only a musical tool but also a fun way to explore different rhythms and textures.

What We Like
Educational purposes
High-quality construction
Versatile sound options
Buying Guide Image

Ready for the Course: How to Buy the Right Cabasas

Introduction to Cabasas

A cabasa, also known as afuche or afoxé, is a percussion instrument that originated in Africa and was later brought to Brazil and other parts of the world by enslaved Africans. The instrument is a hollow gourd with metal beads or seeds attached to the outside, which produce a characteristic rattling sound when the gourd is shaken or rotated. Cabasas are commonly used in various styles of music, including samba, reggae, and Afro-Cuban music.

Considerations for Choosing a Cabasa

When choosing a cabasa, there are several factors to consider, including size, material, and sound quality. Here are a few things to keep in mind when shopping for a cabasa:

  • Size: Cabasas come in different sizes, from small handheld models to large, floor-standing versions. The size of the cabasa you choose will depend on your personal preference and the type of music you plan to play. Smaller cabasas are more portable and easier to play, but may not produce as loud or full a sound as larger models.
  • Material: Cabasas can be made from various materials, including wood, metal, and plastic. Wooden cabasas have a warmer, more organic sound, while metal cabasas are louder and more resonant. Plastic cabasas are the most affordable option, but may not have the same durability or sound quality as other materials.
  • Sound quality: The sound quality of a cabasa is determined by the type and number of beads or seeds attached to the gourd. More beads or seeds will produce a louder, fuller sound, but may also make the cabasa more difficult to play. Some cabasas also have adjustable beads or seeds, which allows the player to customize the sound of the instrument.

Tips for Choosing the Right Cabasa

  1. Consider your budget and the intended use of the cabasa. If you are a beginner or only plan to use the cabasa occasionally, a plastic or budget-friendly model may be suitable. If you are a professional musician or plan to use the cabasa frequently, it may be worth investing in a higher-quality, wooden or metal cabasa.

  2. Try out different cabasas in person to get a feel for their size, weight, and sound quality. It can be difficult to judge the quality of a cabasa from online descriptions or photos, so it's best to try out the instrument in person if possible.

  3. Look for a cabasa with adjustable beads or seeds, which will allow you to customize the sound of the instrument.

  4. Check the overall quality of the cabasa. Look for a sturdy, well-made instrument with tight beads or seeds that do not rattle or fall off easily.

Conclusion

Choosing the right cabasa is a matter of personal preference and intended use. Consider the size, material, and sound quality of the instrument, and try out different cabasas in person before making a decision. With a little research and attention to detail, you can find a cabasa that suits your needs and enhances your musical performances.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How does a cabasa produce sound?

A cabasa produces sound through shaking. It is an idiophone percussion instrument, meaning it produces sound through the vibration of the instrument itself. Unlike drums, which use vibrating membranes, the cabasa creates its sound through the movement of its metal beads.

2. What is cabasa used for?

The cabasa is used to create a metallic, rattling sound. It is often associated with Latin jazz and is commonly used in bossa nova pieces. Skilled players can create precise rhythmic effects with the cabasa.

Editor's Notes

During our cabasa research, we found 24 cabasa products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 5,686 customer reviews through our big data system to write the cabasas list. We found that most customers choose cabasas with an average price of $20.97.

The cabasas are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of cabasas, including Meinl Percussion, OnStage, Latin Percussion, Nuanchu, Trademark Innovations. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 250 consumers with an average rating of 4.8.

Written by
Nicole Kim Avatar

Nicole Kim has been a music teacher and a private piano instructor for six years now. She is a very talented musician who plays piano to a high standard and won several awards in international piano competitions. Lately, she has been sharing her music expertise online, giving incredible tips on how to select the right musical instruments.