customization
After purchasing asalato, some players will customize them to suit their own needs.
custom shake contents
The inside contents of the gourds can be changed for different shake sounds. These can include small metal or plastic beads, acacia seeds, huayruro seeds, small pebbles, polypellets, among others.
zile (static climbing rope)
The rope used to string many asalato used in Japan is called static climbing rope, zile, or climbing accessory cord. It is a strong and sturdy non-flexible rope used for mountain climbing. A commonly used diameter for the rope is 5mm, but individual player preferences may vary.
wood putty around holes
If the asalato gourds are leaking seeds from the holes used to string the gourds together, wood putty can be added around the holes to make them smaller so that the seeds don’t fall out.
tape around middle of gourd
Tape can be placed around the middle of the gourd to dampen the sound and make the asalato last longer. This can be moleskin, bandage tape, masking tape, among others.
shea butter
Some asalato players use shea butter on the gourds, to help prevent them from cracking.