IMO shakers are a must for the right themed pins. I have a RS, when I purchased it, the owner didn't know anything about it, or about pin repairs. He was amazed that I took off the glass to look under the pf. The bar was stuck on the glass from spilled drinks. Over all the pin was in great shape. When I got home, I hooked the wires up and wammo, shaky, shaky! The shaker give the feel of being on a bulldozer. It's a must for this pin. As for most pins that came with shakers, I feel it's a must to have too. Also, I love to a newbie play it for the first time, I get weird looks and comments that they think the pin is broken.