The surdo is a large double-headed cylindrical drum which is played with a large padded
drum stick, while the left hand is used to muffle the sound and provide a rhythmic guide for
the player. The word 'surdo' literally means 'deaf', and the instrument is played to produce a
soft boom - like a heart beat - in the background of the ensemble. It provides a 'straight'
two-four rhythm, in which the main beat is muffled, while the second beat is accented. When there are additional players, a second surdo may be
used to play a syncopated rhythm every other measure.
REPINQUE
Picture
The
Repinique is another instrument used
mainly in Samba. The
repinique leads the other
instruments in a "bateria" of a Samba School
under the direction of the "Mestre de Bateria".
CUICAS
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Picture #2
These friction drums originated in Brazil.They make a variety of noises from frog croaks to dog barks or can be used to add an interesting rhythm to your music. These Cuicas are made from gourds and are reinforced with fibreglass.
TAMBPRIM/PANDERIO
Panderio
Tamborim 6" in wood or metal shell
Pandeiro 13" wood with goat or plastic head
Antique Percussion Instruments
Percussion Instruments of Asia
Percussion Instruments of Africa
Percussion Instruments of India
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