If you're looking for something really small to have in your percussion bag of tricks for backing up ukulele or other small instruments, look no further!  Traditionally, castanets have been known (and rightfully so) for being used in Flamenco music. The instrument seems to have gotten boxed in there and I hope this article frees them from the box they've been placed in by accident. Truth be told they can be used in nearly every genre of music and are made in different sizes materials. The photo you see is my first set that I got used off eBay a few years ago. 
     My first exposure to them was by my paternal grandmother who had a very vintage set. She tried to spark my interest but I was a teen into hard rock at the time and I brushed them off.  I rekindled my interest in hand percussion for health benefits in 2017 and slowly I wound my way to checking out castanets. 
       They do come in different sizes for different sized hands. To see what size you would use go here tho I would ignore the price range they give. I've purchased sets for under $15 on Amazon Warehouse.  
        How to hold them? Look no further than here where you'll learn how to tell your hi from your low castanet.  Now- the cord that they usually come with I always find too cumbersome and stiff. I use shoestrings as suggested in this next video I'll share with you which also shows you how to string your castanets right here  
          When you start to play try going with moderately paced songs that you know really well. Just play the pulse ((main beat) to begin with and then embellish as you feel comfortable with! 

   #castanets #ukulelepercussion #busking 

         The washboard as a percussion instrument goes back many decades- and can be a very fun instrument  that will stand out in a crowd! I picked up two different ones on eBay that were being sold as used.  One is okay, but the other, tone wise, is the one most sought after by "serious" washboard percussionists. 
             The first one I purchased used is a "Woodstock Country Band" washboard. It had a good sound, came with a little rust, but nothing that couldn't be cleaned off via playing or using a little elbow grease.  Washboards are very light on their own, and can be played using wire brushes as shown in the photo above, or by placing metal thimbles on your fingers and brushing them against the metal surface. (kids: be sure to ask permission before taking metal thimbles out of Moms sewing cabinet!)  
                Unbelievably enough, I got what is considered to be the creme de la creme of washboards for a mere $5.00 + shipping on eBay.  Obviously the seller was unaware of what they had and considered "The "Zinc King" made by National Washboard Co (model # 703 ) to be mere junk.  This is the most desired washboard for it's tone and durability.  Once mine arrived and I started knocking around with it, I understood why it's so in demand. 
                 You can play the washboard in 2 positions: by adding a strap so it hangs around your neck with the washboard hanging vertically on your upper body, and by laying the board across your lap. I prefer the latter as I can lay other accessories on the upper part, such as a service bell, a pair of castanets, or a shaker. (If you were to play vertical, you'd need to attach the service bell permanently to the board)  
                    Thrift stores and yard sales can be great places to find washboards and other percussion instruments so be sure to check those out.