I was wandering round the supermarket the other day and I saw the Butternut Squashes.

I've been buying and making lots of percussion instruments recently. (Bongos, agogo x 2, cuica, several cowbells, clave, bass clave, triangles, guiro. Plus lots of shakers)

I'm in a latin phase you see.

So I thought that the squashs would make a nice Maracas.... shaker ... thingys. I've got egg shakers and home made things in tins & film canisters but I need greater variety in my shakers.

Maybe I could make a Cabasa..... from a watermelon??

Cabasas are sooooo expensive.

And I'd rather make my own.

Any one know how to dry a squash skin ...... or a watermelon or marrow... in such away as to make a nice resonant (and hygienic!) percussion instrument.

Or maybe I should just cut out the middle man and grow some gourds!!!

Thank you very much in anticipation of your help and interest.