Berimbau (capoeira instrument)
🛒 Search on Amazon →What matters when buying
Gourd size
Medium for versatility, large for deep sound.
Wire (arame)
Sturdy steel wire, ideally one that can be re-tightened.
Accessories
A good set includes baqueta, dobrão and caxixi.
Wood (biriba)
Elastic biriba wood gives the right spring when played.
Buying advice in detail
The berimbau is the central instrument of capoeira. It sets the rhythm and determines the tempo and style of the roda. Cheap souvenir models often look similar but can barely be played.
Gourd size (cabaça)
Medium-sized gourds are good for beginners. Very large gourds sound deeper, very small ones brighter and more specialised.
Wood (biriba)
Biriba wood is traditionally used. The wood should have grown straight and be free of cracks.
Wire (arame)
The wire should be firmly seated. It can snap under tension if it is rusty or poorly made.
Accessories
The dobrão (coin or stone) and caxixi (rattle) are part of playing the instrument. If they come with it, you save time and money.
Playable or decoration?
Ask the seller whether the instrument is playable. Purely decorative berimbaus often have no clean sound.
When not to buy
- You are only looking for a decorative object: then a cheap model is enough, but do not expect a good sound.
- You cannot practise at home out of consideration for the neighbours.
- You want to learn capoeira: then a group or a teacher matters more than the instrument.
Use & care
- Protect from moisture and strong temperature swings so the gourd and wood do not crack.
- Check the wire from time to time and replace it if it rusts.
Frequently asked questions
What else do you need to play the berimbau?
Besides the bow: a beater (baqueta), a coin or stone (dobrão) and the rattle (caxixi).
Can a berimbau be tuned?
The tone can be adjusted via the wire tension and the position of the gourd.
How do you learn the berimbau?
Best in a capoeira group. There you learn basic rhythms and technique by playing together.
How loud is a berimbau?
Quite audible, depending on gourd size and playing style. In an apartment building, agree on practice times.
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