Musical Shakers Lose Their Grip

Photo: The Music House for Children

 It was sad to see Woodstock Percussion, Inc. in the news today. Normally I would love to see this Shokan, New York company in the headlines.  Owners and founders, Diane & Garry Kvistad, are musicians who started their company about 25 years ago with the idea that they could have a successful business and share their success with those in need in their community.  They started their business with others in mind, and continue to encourage their employees to do the same.  In fact, any employee who contributes to one of Woodstocks’ chosen charitable food banks, homeless shelters, court advocates, and arts programs finds their contribution matched by The Woodstock Charitable Chimes Fund.  
  

In addition to this corporate attitude of giving back, they produce a lovely line of musical chimes called Chimes of Hope.  Proceeds from the purchase of these chimes goes to organizations that support research and a cure for breast cancer. 

It is always a bonus to purchase something that has the ability to enhance people’s lives in more than one way.  Companies like Woodstock Percussion are easy to like when they walk the talk of social responsibility, and also produce quality musical percussion instruments along the way (beautiful chimes, bells, gongs, drums, and more).

Today, however, they announced that they are recalling about 11,000 of their colorful plastic Gripper Shakers that were sold in catalog, web and retail stores across the USA and Canada.  Only shakers sold during the eight-month period starting in August 2010 and through March 2011 are involved in this recall.  These can be identified by the mark “B4” that appears on the top of the shaker.

photo: Amazon.com

Woodstock received a report that the handles on two shakers had separated from the body of the music maker.  This exposed some sharp edges that could create a laceration hazard. When the body separates from the handle, the small metal balls inside, along with a plastic plug also become accessible, creating a small part-choking hazard.  Fortunately no injuries were reported, but because the shakers are marketed for use by young children, the product is being removed from store shelves.  It is unclear at this time if this instrument will become available at a later date.  For now, all consumers who purchased these 5-1/2 inch, blue or green Gripper Shakers during the time frame indicated, are asked to discontinue use immediately and contact Woodstock Percussion for a full refund.  For further details on the recall in the USA, click here.


To access the recall notice from Health Canada here.


You can connect with Woodstock Percussion, Inc. toll free at (866) 543-2848., or on their website found at www.woodstockchimes.com