Abstract: A percussive response unit, and percussion instruments with same, including a rod having a rod shaft and a first retaining element, such a first head, disposed at a first rod end and having a first head width. At least a first striker set of at least one striker is disposed along a first portion of the rod shaft and is positionable near the first head. Each striker defines an opening that is larger than the outer diameter of the rod shaft to enable at least one direction of movement. A second retaining element such as a second head is connected to the second rod end to secure the first striker set on the rod shaft. Other embodiments include percussion instruments with multiple internal resonance cavities, internal resonance members, and internal and/or external strikers.

Abstract: A percussive response unit, and percussion instruments with same, including a rod having a rod shaft and a first retaining element, such a first head, disposed at a first rod end and having a first head width. At least a first striker set of at least one striker is disposed along a first portion of the rod shaft and is positionable near the first head. Each striker defines an opening that is larger than the outer diameter of the rod shaft to enable at least one direction of movement. A second retaining element such as a second head is connected to the second rod end to secure the first striker set on the rod shaft. Other embodiments include percussion instruments with multiple internal resonance cavities, internal resonance members, and internal and/or external strikers.

Abstract: There is provided a rhythm shaker for producing percussive sound. The shaker has a shell that envelops a hollow interior that contains a number of percussive particles. The rhythm shaker's shell has an internal surface on which the enclosed sound producing material can strike the shell and make a sound where the sidewalls of the shell have at least two different thicknesses which, when struck by the enclosed sound producing material, produces a different sound depending on the thickness of the shell where struck.

Abstract: There is provided a rhythm shaker for producing percussive sound. The shaker has a shell that envelops a hollow interior that contains a number of percussive particles. The rhythm shaker's shell has an internal surface on which the enclosed sound producing material can strike the shell and make a sound where the sidewalls of the shell have at least two different thicknesses which, when struck by the enclosed sound producing material, produces a different sound depending on the thickness of the shell where struck.