The shaker, known as „ganzá" in Brazil, is the link between the various instruments played in a percussion ensemble. The fine and continuous pulse of the ganzá binds together the different sounds of the tan-tan, rebolo, repenique de mao and tamborim when played at spontaneous sessions on the beach, in a bar or even at concerts on stage. The subtle and compact sound of the ganzá is also essential for samba reggae and small batucada groups, whereas in larger and louder Rio Samba groups one prefers the stronger and more penetrating sound of the rocar or chocalho.
