The gentle sound of falling rain, created with one simple movement. A rainstick, also known as a rainmaker, is a unique sound and percussion instrument suitable for both children and adults. From a compact 20 cm rainstick for children to an impressive 100 cm model for meditation, yoga and music, each size has its own character.
At Australian Treasures, you will find handmade rainsticks in different sizes and styles. But which rainstick should you choose? In this guide, we explain the differences.
What is a rainstick?
A rainstick is a long, tube-shaped instrument that recreates the sound of falling or flowing rain when slowly turned upside down. Small particles inside the instrument move through the tube, creating its characteristic soothing sound.
Our rainsticks are handmade from bamboo in Indonesia, on the islands of Java and Bali. As a result, every rainstick is slightly different. They can be used as musical instruments, but their painted designs and carved details also make them beautiful decorative objects.
Which rainstick size should you choose?
One of the main differences between rainsticks is their length. In general, the longer the rainstick, the longer it takes for the contents to travel through the instrument when you tilt it. Larger rainsticks therefore create a longer-lasting rain sound.
20 cm rainstick – compact and fun for children
The 20 cm rainstick is our most compact model. Its small size makes it easy to hold and particularly suitable for children.
You don't have to use it only by slowly turning it upside down. Thanks to its compact size, a 20 cm rainstick can also be used as a shaker or percussion instrument.
It is a fun choice for musical activities, rhythm games and discovering different sounds.
Suitable for: children, beginners, percussion and use as a shaker.
40 cm rainstick – compact yet versatile
Would you like a little more sound while still having a rainstick that is easy to handle? Then the 40 cm rainstick is a great intermediate size.
This rainstick is also very suitable for children and can be used as a shaker. Its additional length creates a slightly longer rain sound compared with the 20 cm model.
Suitable for: children and adults, musical activities, rhythm, percussion and use as a shaker.
60 cm rainstick – the versatile medium size
The 60 cm rainstick is a great choice if you are mainly looking for the characteristic soothing sound of falling rain. Its length produces a longer sound than the compact models.
This size is particularly interesting for adults who want to use a rainstick for relaxation, mindfulness, meditation or yoga, as well as for musicians who want to combine the sound of rain with other instruments.
Suitable for: adults, music, relaxation, mindfulness, meditation and yoga.
80 cm rainstick – a longer rain experience
With an 80 cm rainstick, the rain sound lasts noticeably longer. Slowly tilt the rainstick and listen as the sound travels from one end of the instrument to the other.
This size is ideal for peaceful sessions where sound plays an important role. Think of meditation, yoga, sound healing or relaxation. A longer rainstick can also create an atmospheric background when combined with other world music instruments.
Suitable for: meditation, yoga, mindfulness, sound healing, relaxation and music.
100 cm rainstick – for a long, full rain sound
If you really want to take your time and enjoy the sound, consider a 100 cm rainstick. It is an impressive instrument, both in terms of sound and appearance.
Because of its length, it takes longer for the contents to move through the rainstick. This creates a beautiful, long-lasting rain sound.
The 100 cm rainstick is especially suitable for meditation, yoga, healing, mindfulness and relaxation sessions, as well as being a unique sound instrument for musicians.
Suitable for: adults, longer sound sessions, meditation, yoga, mindfulness, healing and world music.
Painted or carved rainstick: what is the difference?
In addition to choosing a size, you can choose between painted and carved rainsticks.
Painted rainsticks
Our painted models are hand-painted and stand out because of their colourful appearance. Since they are handmade, patterns and details may vary from one rainstick to another.
This makes them not only musical instruments, but also attractive decorative pieces.
Carved rainsticks
With a carved rainstick, more emphasis is placed on the textured surface and carved details. This gives the instrument a natural and robust appearance.
Because each rainstick is handmade, every piece has its own individual character.
Choosing between painted and carved is therefore mainly a matter of personal preference: would you prefer a colourful hand-painted instrument or the more natural appearance of a carved rainstick?
Rainsticks for meditation, yoga and relaxation
You don't need to learn a complicated technique to play a rainstick. In fact, slowly tilting the instrument and listening to its sound is what makes it so accessible.
Many people experience the soft, flowing sound as calming and relaxing. This makes a rainstick a great addition to:
- meditation and mindfulness
- yoga sessions
- sound healing and sound sessions
- relaxation exercises
- music lessons and educational activities
- world music and percussion
You can use a rainstick on its own or combine it with other sound and world music instruments.
Combine a rainstick with a didgeridoo and other instruments
Rainsticks combine beautifully with a didgeridoo. The deep drone of the didgeridoo and the gentle sound of falling rain can create an atmospheric soundscape together.
You can also combine rainsticks with thunder tubes/thunderboxes, drums, shakers and other percussion and world music instruments. This allows you to combine different natural sounds and rhythms.
Also beautiful as decoration
A rainstick doesn't always have to be played. Thanks to the bamboo, handmade finish and painted or carved decorations, it can also be used as a beautiful decorative object in your home, practice room, yoga studio or music room.
The rainsticks can be hung up using the attached loop when they are not in use.
Includes a nylon carrying bag
Our rainsticks come with a nylon carrying bag. This makes it convenient to store and transport your instrument to music lessons, workshops, yoga classes or meditation sessions.
Which rainstick is right for me?
If you are looking for a rainstick for a child or want a compact percussion instrument, the 20 cm or 40 cm models are excellent choices.
If you want a versatile rainstick with a longer rain sound, the 60 cm model is a great all-round option.
If you mainly want to use your rainstick for relaxation, meditation, yoga or sound sessions and would like to enjoy a longer-lasting rain sound, consider the 80 cm or 100 cm models.
After choosing the right size, all you need to decide is whether you prefer the colourful appearance of a painted rainstick or the natural, textured look of a carved rainstick.
Discover our rainstick collection
From a small shaker for children to a long rainstick for meditation and music, Australian Treasures offers a wide selection of handmade models.
View our complete rainstick collection and choose the size and style that best suits your needs.