Severity
Moderate
ModerateActive
CPSC recall · Reported April 13, 2003
CPSC, Kindermusik International Announce Recall of "Fiddlesticks" Instruments
Some of the Fiddlesticks have caps that can become loose, allowing ball bearings to spill from the inside of the sticks. Both the caps and the ball bearings pose a potential choki…
Compiled from official public sources by the editorial team.
Verify with CPSC →
Kindermusik International, of Browns Summit, N.c. recalled Fiddlesticks are wooden rhythm instruments designed for use in the Kindermusik classroom … - a moderate-severity action.
CPSC, Kindermusik International Announce Recall of "Fiddlesticks" Instruments was recalled by Kindermusik International, of Browns Summit, N.c. in April 13, 2003. Reason: Some of the Fiddlesticks have caps that can become loose, allowing ball bearings to spill from the inside of …. Remedy: Consumers should stop using the Fiddlesticks immediately and return them to their Kinderm…. Verify recall #03534 with the CPSC before acting.
The recall
Kindermusik International, of Browns Summit, N.c. issued this moderate-severity CPSC recall-Some of the Fiddlesticks have caps that can become loose, allowing ball bearings to spill from the inside of ….
- Moderate
- severity level
- 32K units
- affected scope
- April 13, 2003
- reported
Sourced from official CPSC enforcement records. Verify recall #03534 with the agency before acting. Full product description, hazard, remedy, and related recalls are below.
Recall Insight
This CPSC action (record #03534) was formally reported on April 13, 2003. It is classified under Moderate severity, with a current status of Active. Kindermusik International, of Browns Summit, N.c. is listed as the recalling firm. Federal records list the affected scope as 32,000.
The documented reason for this recall is: Some of the Fiddlesticks have caps that can become loose, allowing ball bearings to spill from the inside of the sticks. Both the caps and the ball bearings pose a potential choking hazard to young children. Distribution information was not included in the agency filing, so consumers should assume broad potential exposure until the firm publishes point-of-sale details. The remedy documented by the agency is: Consumers should stop using the Fiddlesticks immediately and return them to their Kindermusik educator for a free replacement. Kindermusik will replace this product with either re-designed Fiddlestic… - consumers holding this product should act on that instruction rather than relying on general guidance.
Within the same product category the archive holds 6 closely related recalls, 6 from CPSC - clustering in a narrow category often points to a systemic quality-control or supplier issue rather than a one-off defect. Always verify the recall number against the official agency record before acting.
Household Products recalls over time
Where this recall sits in its category - 3,056 household products recalls on record
Of 101,704 recalls in the database, 24,878 are high severity, 72,426 moderate, and 4,400 low. This recall is classified moderate severity.
Counts reflect market size and reporting activity, not inherent danger, we do not rank products by risk from raw recall volume.
Affected scope
32,000
Related Recalls
6
6 from same agency
Product description
Fiddlesticks are wooden rhythm instruments designed for use in the Kindermusik classroom and at home. The recalled instrument is 7" long, 1" in diameter, and is made of wood. It is hollowed out in the middle. Steel balls are inserted into the middle of the instrument to create a shaker sound and the ends are capped with wooden plugs. They are primarily sold as part of a music instructional kit.
Reason for recall
Some of the Fiddlesticks have caps that can become loose, allowing ball bearings to spill from the inside of the sticks. Both the caps and the ball bearings pose a potential choking hazard to young children.
Remedy, what to do
Consumers should stop using the Fiddlesticks immediately and return them to their Kindermusik educator for a free replacement. Kindermusik will replace this product with either re-designed Fiddlesticks or an instrument of comparable value.
Recall Profile
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Agency | U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission |
| Severity class | Moderate |
| Status | Active |
| Recall number | 03534 |
| Date reported | April 13, 2003 |
| Date initiated | April 13, 2003 |
| Recalling firm | Kindermusik International, of Browns Summit, N.c. |
| Affected scope | 32,000 |
| Distribution | Not disclosed |
| Official source | CPSC notice → |
Profile values are sourced directly from the official CPSC enforcement record. Source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
What to do with this recall
Consumers should stop using the Fiddlesticks immediately and return them to their Kindermusik educator for a free replacement. Ki…
- Check the recall number (03534) and product description against the item you own. Search the archive
- Confirm the current status and remedy on the official CPSC notice before acting. CPSC notice
- Follow the documented remedy (refund, replacement, repair, or disposal) rather than general advice. What to do next
This page summarizes the official CPSC record for research and awareness; it is not legal, medical, or safety advice. Verify with the issuing agency before acting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What product was recalled? ▼
Fiddlesticks are wooden rhythm instruments designed for use in the Kindermusik classroom and at home. The recalled instrument is 7" long, 1" in diameter, and is made of wood. It is hollowed out in the middle. Steel balls are inserted into the middle of the instrument to create a shaker sound and the ends are capped with wooden plugs. They are primarily sold as part of a music instructional kit.. Recalled by Kindermusik International, of Browns Summit, N.c.. Units affected: 32,000.
Why was this product recalled? ▼
Some of the Fiddlesticks have caps that can become loose, allowing ball bearings to spill from the inside of the sticks. Both the caps and the ball bearings pose a potential choking hazard to young children.
What should consumers do? ▼
Consumers should stop using the Fiddlesticks immediately and return them to their Kindermusik educator for a free replacement. Kindermusik will replace this product with either re-designed Fiddlesticks or an instrument of comparable value.
Which agency issued this recall? ▼
This recall was issued by the CPSC on April 13, 2003. Severity: Moderate. Recall number: 03534.
How do I check if my product is affected by a recall? ▼
Check the product description and recall number (03534) against your product. Visit the official CPSC website for the most current information. You can also use our Recall Checker tool to search by product name or brand.
How do I report an injury from a recalled product? ▼
Report injuries to the issuing agency: CPSC at SaferProducts.gov, NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem, or FDA via MedWatch. Document the product (photos, model/serial numbers, purchase receipts) and seek medical attention. Injury reports help agencies track hazard patterns and may strengthen enforcement actions.
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Every figure on PlainRecalls is rendered directly from official FDA, CPSC and NHTSA recall records, no number is typed in by an editor. This recall: CPSC, reported April 13, 2003. Severity classes follow each agency's own taxonomy (FDA Class I/II/III; CPSC and NHTSA by hazard type), and related-recall context is computed across the full archive. See our editorial standards & corrections policy, the methodology behind these numbers, or report a data error. Data current as of July 2026.