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Category

Brazilian music & home

Berimbau, pandeiro and hammock: a Brazilian way of life for your home. Here are the buying criteria worth knowing.

Music

Berimbau (capoeira instrument)

Best for: capoeira & percussion

What we looked at: The sound depends on the gourd size (cabaça) and the tension of the steel wire. A medium gourd is the most versatile, a large one sounds deeper.
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Music

Samba pandeiro

Best for: samba & choro

What we looked at: The pandeiro has drier-sounding jingles than a tambourine. A tunable head (via screws) is important because a natural skin head reacts to humidity.
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Home

Brazilian hammock (rede)

Best for: balcony & garden

What we looked at: The Brazilian rede is woven from fabric (not a net) and is therefore more comfortable and easier on the back. Pay attention to load capacity and length so it sags properly.
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Sound & home: what matters

The berimbau depends on the gourd size

The size of the gourd resonator determines the pitch. For beginners a medium gourd is the most flexible.

A pandeiro is not the same as a tambourine

The Brazilian pandeiro has drier-sounding jingles (platinelas) than a European tambourine – important for samba and choro.

A hammock needs to be hung correctly

A fabric hammock (rede) needs enough distance between the hanging points and sturdy hooks. For balconies there are models with a stand that need no wall mounting.

Frequently asked questions

Is a berimbau suitable for beginners?

Yes, but the right gourd size and a tunable wire make getting started easier.

How much space does a hammock need?

For a classic rede, allow about 3–4 m between the hanging points, otherwise it hangs too taut.

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