Most of the instruments are well made, but not all.  The tamborine head is too easily broken, but my kids have yet to meet a tamborine they couldn't demolish within minutes, so I'll give that a pass, but the cymbals don't make much sound, but that's because they're the size that belly dancers use, but mounted on wooden pegs.  Meanwhile, the triangle is loud enough to bring the entire neighborhood running for dinner, and the maracas sound great, and can take a beating. (or give one, if left in the hands of one of my daughters).

I love the concept of this set, and it's executed well, but I've come to expect better from Melissa & Doug.  I was surprised that a single detail was left unchecked, but there are a few pieces in this set that just feel like they threw them together at the last minute to fill a space in the box.  The clapper thing sounds ok, but didn't last very long before breaking.  Most disappointing to me is that the wood block/striker just doesn't make any discernable sound other than "thud".  I remember having these in elementary school and they made a fun hollow sound, much cooler than this.  I know this company is better than this, and I think they know it too.  Maybe that's why they didn't bother listing the instruments in greater detail on the description.
Most of the instruments are well made, but not all. The tamborine head is too easily broken, but my kids have yet to meet a tamborine they couldn't demolish within minutes, so I'll give that a pass, but the cymbals don't make much sound, but that's because they're the size that belly dancers use, but mounted on wooden pegs. Meanwhile, the triangle is loud enough to bring the entire neighborhood running for dinner, and the maracas sound great, and can take a beating. (or give one, if left in the hands of one of my daughters). I love the concept of this set, and it's executed well, but I've come to expect better from Melissa & Doug. I was surprised that a single detail was left unchecked, but there are a few pieces in this set that just feel like they threw them together at the last minute to fill a space in the box. The clapper thing sounds ok, but didn't last very long before breaking. Most disappointing to me is that the wood block/striker just doesn't make any discernable sound other than "thud". I remember having these in elementary school and they made a fun hollow sound, much cooler than this. I know this company is better than this, and I think they know it too. Maybe that's why they didn't bother listing the instruments in greater detail on the description.