types of asalato

gourd asalato

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These are asalato made using gourds of the Oncoba spinosa tree (fried egg tree). This is the traditional material used to make asalato in West Africa.

Some Japanese players and makers will purchase these gourds from West Africa, and strengthen them through adding varnish, sanding them, changing the rope, or changing the inside seed filling. These are often called "custom asalato" or "semi-custom asalato", depending on the degree of changes made.

gourd asalato demo (PANMAN Custom 5cm)

plastic asalato

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Asalato made of plastic are louder and more durable than gourd asalato.

plastic asalato demo (Ghotama 4.6cm)

silent asalato

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Also called "manner mode" asalato.

Cork and rope asalato are used for practicing in locations in which it would not be socially acceptable to make noise, such as in an apartment with shared walls.

These asalato are very quiet, and not intended for performance settings.

cork asalato demo (L'ATELIER DE - 5cm Cork)

rope asalato demo (ASALATO TAIWAN - Ghost 5cm)

wood asalato

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Asalato made from wood generally have a warmer sound than asalato made from plastic, however, this varies wildly depending on the exact model.

other asalato made from organic materials

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Asalato have been made from other materials, such as bamboo or plastic reinforced with hemp.

bamboo asalato demo (ASALATO BPL - LOOPS 4.8cm)

other types of asalato

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Many people have created their own unique asalato, using different materials such as metal or vinyl. These have different properties depending on the exact model.