I have used the shakers for a short time, and i am pretty happy. I cannot make a judgement on build quality, as i have only had them for a few weeks. The sound of them is pretty good, i have recorded with them, and played live and they sound pretty smooth. You may be able to get some slightly cheaper ones, but i wouldn't bother, as you can hear in the sound samples, the cheaper you go, the worse they sound. Worth a punt , you shouldn't be disappointed...........