Best Cabasas of 2025

Hayden Bryant Avatar
Hayden Bryant
Last Updated: 5 Feb 2025

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Cabasas are percussion instruments that produce a rattling sound when played. They consist of a cylinder-shaped body with small metal beads or chains wrapped around a metal cylinder inside. Cabasas are commonly used in Latin American, Caribbean, and African music genres. They can add a unique texture and rhythm to a musical composition and are often used in ensembles or as a solo instrument. Cabasas come in various sizes and materials, including wood, plastic and metal, and are easy to play, making them a great addition to any musician's collection.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

PURE GEWA Club Salsa F835250 Cabasa with Grip Cover #TOP 1
PURE GEWA Club Salsa F835250 Cabasa with Grip
ftb score rating icon 9.9
LP Latin Percussion Standard Wood Cabasa Cover #TOP 2
LP Latin Percussion Standard Wood Cabasa
ftb score rating icon 9.8
A-Star AP6101 Small Wooden Beaded Cabasa Shaker Cover #TOP 3
A-Star AP6101 Small Wooden Beaded Cabasa Shaker
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Cabasas

#TOP 1

PURE GEWA Club Salsa F835250 Cabasa with Grip

F835250
Brown
16,5 cm x 6 cm
PURE GEWA Club Salsa F835250 Cabasa with Grip Cover
PURE GEWA Club Salsa F835250 Cabasa, Brown

The PURE GEWA Cabasa F835250 is designed for ease of use and comfort. Its wooden body combined with a metal surface offers durability and a unique sound quality, making it perfect for various musical styles. The metal ball chain ensures a smooth sound production, allowing you to create rhythmic patterns effortlessly. With a length of 18 cm and a diameter of 8 cm, it fits comfortably in your hand, while the rubber grip enhances your playing experience by providing a secure hold, letting you focus on your performance.

What We Like
Durable wooden and metal design
Comfortable rubber grip
Produces smooth sound
Compact size for easy handling
Ideal for various musical styles
#TOP 2

LP Latin Percussion Standard Wood Cabasa

LP234A
Natural
-inch
LP Latin Percussion Standard Wood Cabasa Cover
LP Latin Percussion LP861760 Standard Wood Afuche/Cabasa

The LP Standard Wood Cabasa is a delightful addition to your percussion collection. Its natural wood construction not only enhances its aesthetic appeal but also contributes to a warm sound that resonates beautifully. Featuring a stainless steel cylinder, it ensures durability while producing crisp, clear sounds. The steel bead chains provide a rich texture, allowing you to create a variety of rhythms. This cabasa is perfect for adding unique layers to your music, making it a versatile choice for any musician.

What We Like
Durable stainless steel cylinder
Rich texture from steel beads
Warm sound from wood material
Versatile for various music styles
#TOP 3

A-Star AP6101 Small Wooden Beaded Cabasa Shaker

A-Star
AP6101
Brown
Small
A-Star AP6101 Small Wooden Beaded Cabasa Shaker Cover
A-Star AP6101 Small Wooden Beaded Cabasa Afuche Shaker, Brown

The A-Star Cabasa Shaker is a versatile percussion instrument renowned for its metallic tone. It features knitted beads that create a distinctive rattling sound when rotated, enhancing your musical performances. The tapered wooden handle ensures a comfortable grip, making it easy for you to twist and shake during use. With its rounded bead chains, this cabasa is designed for comfort, allowing you to focus on your rhythm without discomfort. Its compact size makes it suitable for various music genres, whether you are on stage or practicing at home.

What We Like
Distinctive metallic tone
Comfortable grip and design
Versatile for many music genres
Compact and portable size
#TOP 4

TIGER CAB14-NT Large Wooden Cabasa with Steel Beads

CAB14-NT
Natural
Large
TIGER CAB14-NT Large Wooden Cabasa with Steel Beads Cover
TIGER CAB14-NT Large Wooden Cabasa/Afuche - Steel Beads - Shaker Shekere

The TIGER CAB14-NT Cabasa is a delightful musical instrument that makes it easy for you to create interesting percussive sounds. Its tapered wooden handle offers comfort, allowing you to play for extended periods without discomfort. You can shake or twist it to produce a variety of sounds, making it a versatile addition to any musical ensemble. With loops of steel balls over a steel cylinder, this instrument adds a rich texture to your music, making it hugely popular in schools, theatres, and recording studios.

What We Like
Easy to use
Comfortable wooden handle
Versatile sound options
Popular in educational settings
#TOP 5

Meinl Percussion Small Turbo Cabasa Instrument

CA5BK-S
Cabasa
Meinl Percussion Small Turbo Cabasa Instrument Cover
Meinl Percussion Turbo Cabasa Instrument - Small Shaker Instrument with Bead Chain - With Sound Ports - Wood / Stainless Steel, Black (CA5BK-S)

The Meinl Turbo Cabasa is a delightful Latin American shaker instrument that you can easily shake or play with your hand. Its five sound ports in the resonating chamber enhance the volume, allowing you to produce a rich and resonant sound. Measuring 18 cm in length and 8 cm in diameter, this small-sized cabasa is perfect for all ages. With a padded wooden handle, you will enjoy a comfortable playing experience, making it ideal for extended sessions without discomfort.

What We Like
Enhances sound volume
Comfortable padded handle
Lightweight for easy handling
Available in multiple sizes
#TOP 6

Meinl Percussion Turbo Cabasa Shaker Instrument

PCA5BK-XS
Black
Meinl Percussion Turbo Cabasa Shaker Instrument Cover
Meinl Percussion Turbo Cabasa Instrument - Very Small Shaker Instrument with Bead Chain - With Sound Ports - Plastic / Stainless Steel, Black (PCA5BK-XS)

The Meinl Turbo Cabasa is a compact shaker instrument that delivers direct sound through its five sound ports, enhancing volume and clarity. Measuring just 15 cm in length, it is the smallest option available, making it perfect for travel or easy handling. The ergonomic synthetic handle ensures a comfortable grip during extended playing sessions, allowing you to enjoy music without discomfort. Weighing very little, this cabasa is designed for prolonged use, making it an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced players alike.

What We Like
Compact and lightweight design
Enhanced sound volume
Comfortable ergonomic handle
Available in multiple sizes
#TOP 7

Gewa Club Salsa Cabasa Large with Rubber Grip

F835260
brown
19 cm x 13 cm
Gewa Club Salsa Cabasa Large with Rubber Grip Cover
Club Salsa Cabasa Large

The Gewa Cabasa Large features a wooden body complemented by a metal surface, offering a robust and stylish design. Its metal ball chain allows for smooth and easy playing, making it ideal for both beginners and seasoned musicians. The instrument measures 18 cm in length and 12.5 cm in diameter, giving you a comfortable size to hold. Additionally, the rubber grip ensures that you can enjoy long playing sessions without discomfort. This combination of features allows you to focus on creating beautiful music.

What We Like
Comfortable rubber grip
Durable wooden body
Stylish metal surface
Easy to play
#TOP 8

Meinl Percussion Medium-Large Cabasa Instrument

CA5BK
black
Regular
Meinl Percussion Medium-Large Cabasa Instrument Cover
Meinl Percussion Turbo Cabasa Instrument - Medium-Large Shaker Instrument with Bead Chain - With Sound Ports - Wood / Stainless Steel, Black (CA5BK)

The Meinl Percussion Cabasa is a versatile shaker instrument that is perfect for adding rhythm to your music. Its five sound ports in the resonating chamber enhance the volume and clarity of the sound, making it easier for you to be heard. With an ergonomic, padded wooden handle, you can enjoy a comfortable playing experience, even during extended sessions. Weighing very little, this cabasa allows you to play for longer periods without discomfort, giving you the freedom to explore your musical creativity.

What We Like
Enhances sound volume
Comfortable padded handle
Lightweight for extended play
Available in multiple sizes
#TOP 9

ProKussion Orange Wooden Cabasa Shaker for Education

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

The ProKussion Cabasa Shaker is an excellent choice for educational purposes. Its high-quality wood and metal construction ensure durability, making it suitable for frequent use in classrooms or music studios. The ergonomically shaped handle provides you with a comfortable grip, allowing for easy play. You can shake or twist the shaker to produce sound, offering versatility for various musical styles and activities. This makes it a popular choice among teachers and performers alike.

What We Like
Durable wood and metal design
Comfortable ergonomic handle
Versatile sound production
Ideal for educational settings
Popular in schools and studios
#TOP 10

Nino Percussion Medium Cabasa for Children

NINO702
Kids Compact Cabasa
Nino Percussion Medium Cabasa for Children Cover
Nino Percussion Cabasa Instrument Medium - Medium Musical Instrument for Children from 4 Years - Birch Wood, Natural (NINO702)

The Nino Percussion Cabasa is an excellent musical instrument designed for children aged four and above, making it perfect for early music education. Its easy-to-play design allows young learners to explore rhythm and sound effortlessly. This versatile instrument also makes a fantastic gift for both children and teenagers, encouraging creativity and musical expression. With metal beads arranged in multiple rows, the cabasa produces its signature sound, captivating young musicians and inspiring them to enjoy music.

What We Like
Easy for young children to play
Great gift for kids and teens
Produces authentic cabasa sound
Promotes music education
Suitable for children from 4 years
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What instrument is a cabasa?

A cabasa is a popular hand percussion instrument with a thin wooden handle and a cylindrical body covered in loops of steel ball chain. Percussionists play the cabasa by shaking it.

2. What is the origin of the cabasa?

The cabasa is thought to have originated in Africa. The cabasa has strong resemblance to the African Shekere. Roots of the instrument can also be traced to native Latin American instruments.

Editor's Notes

During our cabasa research, we found 35 cabasa products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 5,690 customer reviews through our big data system to write the cabasas list. We found that most customers choose cabasas with an average price of £20.70.

The cabasas are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of cabasas, including Gewa, Latin Percussion, A-Star, Tiger, Meinl Percussion.

Written by
Hayden Bryant Avatar

Hayden was born in Liverpool, and he never left his hometown until university. In his freshman year at the University of Manchester, Hayden was the group leader of a popular music group. Hayden is responsible for the popularity of his music, and this is because of his natural ability to play with keys and strings. He graduated with BFA in 2016 and returned in 2018 as a lecturing staff in the School of Music.