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"Beautifully crafted instrument, with excellent materials. The shekere is sturdy, coated in a protective lacquer and has a beautifully woven beading skirt. Stan is a fantastic craftsman, a great communicator and delivers his products safely and with timeliness. Highly recommended."
Prof. V

“Stan's Chekeres are the best money can buy, period. They sound great, they look like works of art, and each one is made with nothing but love and care. You simply can't find a better instrument on the market today!”

Michael Spiro - Professional Musician, Professor, and Grammy Nominee

“hace casi un año q tengo estos fabulosos shekeres y estoy feliz de la vida los uso tanto en grabaciones como en directos y son MAGNIFICOS excelentemente trabajado por cachimboy mejor aun su amabilidad y trato los pedi desde España y me llegaron perfectos LOS RECOMIENDO!!!”

Luiz Dulzaides - Spain - Professional Musician

“Stan Corpus is an outstanding craftsman! He makes beautiful instruments like chekeres, cata, guiros, etc. I ordered a Chekere and I had some special requests about the sound that I wanted to have. The fact is that Stan is a great percussionist as well and he immediately understood which beads and what kind of calabash I needed. He built me the best chekere I have ever played, and I have played chekeres for a long time... Not only does the chekere sound great, but it also looks amazing. It is a real piece of art! 

Thank you very much, Stan!”

Michael de Miranda - Professional Musician, Instructor 

“Hey Cachimbo... beautiful instruments, Bro!

The Chekere you made for me is the perfect combination of artistic design and musicality. The gourd has a great balance and beautiful tone and taps sounds, and the bead net that makes it easy to get clear, crisp sounds at any volume and at any tempo.

You are a true master of your craft, and I am thankful and honored to play your instruments.

Blessings to you,

Jim Greiner”

Jim Greiner - Professional Musician-Spokesperson, and Shekere Facilitator

“Things to look for when getting a chekere...

1. Weight - can't be too heavy or too light

2. Durable beads

3. Skirt fit can't be too loose or too tight

4. Good quality gourd... not too thin or too thick. No rotting spots!

5. Good sound quality, you have to be able to hear the gourd over the sound of the beads

6. Good symmetry and balance

7. Good looks and craftsmanship

Cachimbo! You chekeres have all of the above qualities and features.

They are the best!!”

LembeNgoma - Afro Cuban musician

“I recently met Stan Corpus at the drum festival in Oakland. We immediately hit it off as we both have a common love of not only playing percussion and shekere's but making them as well. I was delighted when I picked up and played each and every one of Stan's Shekere's and played them. They all sounded great. I came back to his booth after doing a performance and played them again. Later in the week we got together and played at my house and my housemate loved his work so much she bought one as well. I have used his gear on several videos and performances and highly recommend his products for their craftsmanship, sound, and beauty as well.”

Mike Pluznick - World Percussionist, Professional Musician, Teacher, Barabajaba

“Shekere, Guiro, I took these on the Marc Anthony Tour. They were fantastic, they sounded great!”

Ricardo “Tiki” Pastillas - Professional Musician-Jenifer Lopez, Poncho Sanchez, Marc Anthony, Air Supply, Arturo Sandoval

“All the Chekeres sound great together! Thank you for your work!

You made some great sets! All the best to you!

Adrian”

Adrian Coberg (Ibae/R.I.P.) – Switzerland, Author, Researcher, Conjunto Folklorico Okantomi

“I have played percussion professionally for over 15 years and I have NEVER played sweeter sounding Chekeres than those made by Stan "Cachimbo" Corpus at Pacific Coast Percussion. Excellent balance, beautiful tone, and visually striking - Cachimbo puts his heart into every musical instrument he creates, and you can HEAR the difference and tone. They are fantastic. Great sound! 5 STARS!”

Robert Wallace - Instructor, Total Rhythm, Crying High, Micky Hart

"Stan is a true artisan. He demonstrates his devotion to his craft through his awareness of tradition and his attention to detail. He makes instruments that express an extraordinary balance between form and function, that fulfill the aesthetics of both sight and sound, that are pleasing to the eye as well as the ear!"

Takeo Wong - Afro Cuban Dance / Batalero

“These shekeres were made by Stan Corpus of Pacific Coast Percussion.

I've played most of Stan's shekeres and in my opinion are top notch, big time thumbs up.... producing incredible fat tones. Stan hand selects each gourd at a farm in Southern California.

Stan puts his heart and soul into his craft. Each gourd is specially prepared with Stan's unique preservation methods. I've seen his gourds hold water for hours and when emptied to my surprise the gourd's shell integrity and tone did not degrade.”

Yussef- Musician

“I am very happy you found a great Chekere maker as Stan, is one of the best. Because he truly, does an excellent job!

The carving he does on the gourds is highly professional that produces great tones, out of his instruments.

I have tried many Chekere's like you, and Stan's of Pacific Coast Percussion are my favorites, they have the best tone quality!”

Mr. Conga - Musician

"Looking for a custom made one of a kind Chekere's, cajons, catas, etc. contact Stan at Pacific Coast Percussion Music Instruments for all your specific percussion needs. Quality second to none, made by a musician/percussionist/craftsman to your specs! Stan is a man of high integrity who always takes care of business and his customers. As a professional percussionist, I highly recommend you visit his website and check out his products. You won't be disappointed. Thanks, Stan, for taking care of my percussion needs.”

Joe Gracia - Professional Musician/Multi-Percussionist 

“Stan makes the best checkeres on the market hands down!! I study and play Afro-Cuban folkloric traditional styles, but I also tour with an electronic band. I’ve used Stan’s checkere in a variety of musical settings and his work has proved time and time again its versatility and undeniable craftsmanship. On top of that, his work and his attention to detail are phenomenal. Big thanks to Stan for taking his time to get to know his customers and what they want. Endless gratitude for your hard work and keeping folkloric traditions alive!

Thanks Stan!! 

Rob Brandon”

Rob Brandon - Professional Musician/Audio Engineering

"The San Francisco Bay Area is filled with talented artisanal craftspeople, but Stan Corpus at Pacific Coast Percussion Instruments stands out among them. Stan’s work combines a deep knowledge of the history and lore of the instruments he produces with the production skills of a master, resulting in instruments of majestic sound and beauty. Stan is truly “The Man” when it comes to hand made percussion instruments. "

Dave Berger - Percussionist for the Oakland Stroke

Stan, 

I was so excited the first time I saw one of your handcrafted custom shekeres on Facebook.  I immediately recognized the instrument as a stunning work of art, worthy of display in a gallery.  Now that I have a shekere, I love to play it!  The shell, stained in rich red and yellow color, features exquisite wood burning designs.  The net has an eye-catching pattern of red, yellow, white, and green beads set off with an elegant row of cowrie shells. The instrument feels remarkably light and balanced, which makes it very comfortable to hold and play. The medium-sized gourd produces a resonant drum-like bass tone while the skirt of beads against the shell easily elicits clear sounds and distinct rhythms.  I am honored to have one of your professional shekeres, which is both a beautiful work of art and a traditional and versatile Afro-Cuban musical instrument.   

Professor Robert J. Damm, Mississippi State University MSU, Music Department 

Stan Corpus has spent many years perfecting his art of folkloric and traditional percussion instruments. His meticulous attention to detail in the creation of his instruments is quite evident. From gourd selection, tone, playability and general all-around highest quality of build and materials used. Not to mention a variety of beads and custom options he can make available. Whether you are new to Chekere, or an experienced player, or professional, Stan Corpus' instruments are of the finest quality. As many of the world's best players have commissioned Stan to create Chekeres and Agbes. His legacy as a master craftsman of traditional and folkloric instruments speaks for itself and through his art. The world community of musicians is extremely fortunate and blessed to have Stan with us as a teacher and craftsman. If you have been searching for the highest quality Chekere, you need not look any further. 

Jake J., Percussionist Long Beach CA

Stan was recommended to me by my teacher, Michael Spiro, when I asked him about finding handmade chekeres in the Bay Area. When I emailed Stan, his friendliness and enthusiasm stuck out to me immediately, and we set up a phone call. We talked for a good while getting to know each other and talking about all the details/needs/wants for my custom chekere. I couldn't believe how incredible it looked and sounded when I received it, exactly what I wanted and more! I also recently bought a Cuban-style cajon from Stan, and I was just as amazed and happy by the sound and look, and I always get compliments from friends and listeners on my Pacific Coast Percussion instruments. As a professional musician and a student of Afro-Cuban music, having authentic, handmade instruments like these is so important to get the sound I want and to bring me deeper into the music. The attention, friendliness and care Stan gives to his customers and the love and expertise he pours into his instruments has made him a pleasure to buy from these past few years. Gracias Cachimbo! -David "Pudge" Gervais

“Stan Corpus makes shekeres that are real musical instruments. They are undoubtedly beautiful to look at, but they also sound beautiful, with rich resonant tonal tonal properties that allow one a wide range of musical expression.”

Nikolas Kompridis