It produces a very bright metallic sound, which works well to cut through. Doesn't play quietly very well, but possible with some practice. Great effect trap.

I've used this instrument many times, in various situations, and I've never experienced any sort of problems with it. If you use it the way it's meant to be used and don't expect it to do things it was never meant to do then you shouldn't be disappointed at all.

The sound of this cricket device is very sharp- which may be good for cutting through other instruments but it sounds metallic and ugly on its own. You just shake the handle and the metal balls hit a metal bar. In the photo it looks like you might be able to spin the unit creating more gentle squeaks- but it does not. It's not a gentle trill- do you remember kabangers? I bought this hoping to be able to add some nature ambiance to my music. I think one would be much better off with those wooden cricket rasps- much more realistic. Great idea but falls short.