Sid Kipper plays scallop shells as a percussive accompaniment to some of his extremely funny songs. They are genuine Norfolk(UK) scallop shells. He also does likewise with two pairs of walnut shells which he attaches to his fingers and thumb like mini castanets. He takes these out of posh padded and lined case along with the story of his grandfather's virtuosity on those very instruments. Sid Kipper is not wholly loved by the British Folk fraternity as he basically takes the mickey out of many well known British folk songs by creating very funny parodies. He has quite a few CDs available if you can track down his website. He does complete shows. I am waiting for an opportunity to see one of his more recent works blowing the gaffe on the folk song collectors = "Vaughan Williams Stole My Folk Song".