MEINL Premium Fiberglass Shekere

I recently really applied myself to shekere after years of playing percussion. I own 2 traditional shekeres and two Meinl shekeres. This one I would recommend for someone new to shekere if you wanted a synthetic to practice on. Pros: The shape on this one is great especially if you have smaller hands. I'm 5'7" and I tend to gravitate to a smaller stick. The neck on this is a perfect size for me and is good if younger people use it. The shell is totally solid, unbreakable and waterproof. I have played it in the rain. The sound is softer than both of my traditional shekeres. It also has an adjustable net, which is good for beginners working on their technique. Cons: The shell is heavy and a little thick. When people who know, pick it up they almost always comment on that. And compared to a traditional gourd that has been hollowed out, they are right. But I use this the most to practice because practice is training, and if you can play this, you can easily play a larger gourd shekere when necessary. The second drawback is the string used in the net. The string is thinner than is common. Most makers use a number 2 nylon thin twine. This one has less than that and the knots on the bottom started to come undone after a while. If you buy it hit those knots with a dab of super glue to keep them from unwinding. If the net ever breaks apart I would probably pay someone to re-string it because the shape is so good.