EQ plays a good part. youtube will probly be your answer. either for tutorials or maybe quality.

get in touch with some close friends or get into the scene. just going to shows and meeting new people is really what its all about. go build your social network in real time, people will connect with you. they understand.

wow thats so dope. they have a whole line of em. ide like to check somethin of this magnitude out

I havnt had any issues with 8.3. I think VSTs and memory play a big part with ableton crashing. I recently upgraded my computer to find memory (or lack there of) being the main issue. Some pirated material will also mess with your DAW big time causing crash conflicts.

Find a really good sample first. this is key unless your recording it yourself.
a little reverb and a simple delay can really add space to make them sound more authentic. Ping pong effects as well
Run a Spectrum anal on your shakers and boost the EQ that is needed.