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Cuica - product guide

Cuicas come in different sizes from 6'' to 10''. The standard size is the 9'' cuica. The larger the skin, the louder the instrument. Not only the size but also the skin´s thickness influences the sound. The 6'' cuica is built very simple and is extremely light-weighted. For playing in the bateria it is definitively not loud enough. If you want to get to know the cuica as an instrument or you´re just looking for a cheap and handy travel-instrument, this size is just right.

Some manufacturers produce cuicas from expensive inox (stainless steel) with brass hardware. Those instruments are very pretty and are definitively for a lifetime. Cuicas made out of steel sheet are a lot cheaper. They are galvanized (Artcelsior) or coated (Contemporânea). Cuicas have become quite expensive lately, so this material is an attractive and a more favourable alternative. The material of the body does not really have any influence on the sound of the cuica. Here the choice of the skin, the gambito (bamboo cuica stick) and last but not least of course your playing technique is much more important than any material choice.

Natural skins sound fantastic but can cause difficulties. The thickness of the skin is an important factor and influences the sound. A thicker skin is louder than a thin one but it doesn´t react so easy. A thin skin is great for playing melodies, but the sound is less loud. The little bamboo stick (gambito) is knotted into the skin and is exchangable when broken. Synthetic skins are quite practical. The gambito can be screwed into a thread which is attached to the skin, so it´s really easy to replace. The volume is pretty similar to a thick goat skin head. Still, a systhetic head can never replace a goat skin head.

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Izzo

Average rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars

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6" pocket-cuica, inox shellIt really is a pretty small cuica - but it's not a toy! The 6" cuica by Izzo is absolutely sound-compatible! Sure, for a large bateria you will have to go for a larger size, but for a small session or a weekend trip with some Pagodes, this one here is just perfect! The goatskin head is all ready to play with the gambito tied in. You might find it helpful to sand the bamboo stick down a little bit with a piece of sandpaper, with that the head will respond more easily. Keep in mind that the thinner the gambito is, the more sensitive it gets.The shell is made of stainless steel, the hardware is chromed, rustical and well made. Cuicas are funny little instruments, not so easy to play but always a big enrichment. You will see it a lot in Brazil, here it is becoming more and more popular.A very diverse, original an authentic instrument and a great supplement to have in any Samba session! 

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Average rating of 0 out of 5 stars

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Compact 8'' cuica by Contemporanea LightIt's always a good thing to have a cuica with you. It brings a totally different sound colour to your Roda de Samba. Also it is fun to play and cuica players are naturally born talents when it comes to animate your audience at gigs and street concerts. This 8'' cuica is a great instrument for spontaneous sessions or as a fearly compact travel companion, you can use it for any event from Samba de Mesa to Samba batucada playing in a bateria. Contemporanea Light uses brushed aluminium for their instruments which is the lower priced alternative to polished aluminium. The hardware is varnished.

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Average rating of 5 out of 5 stars

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10'' cuica with inox shell - ContemporaneaIt is absolutely great to have a cuica or even a cuica section in your bateria. It brings a totally different sound colour to your Samba. Also it is fun to play and cuica players are naturally born talents when it comes to animate your audience at gigs and street concerts. The 10'' size cuica is a great instrument for any occasion - spontaneous Samba de Mesa and Pagode sessions or of course in your Samba bateria. Contemporanea uses polished thick-walled stainless steel for their cuicas. The hardware is chromed.

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Cuica 06''x15cm aluminium
Contemp. Light

Average rating of 0 out of 5 stars

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Handy 6'' pocket-cuica by Contemporanea LightCuicas are great little instruments that bring totally different vibes to your music. 6" is the smallest cuica size and not usually found in baterias. However, this tiny one knows its job and produces a sweet sound! If you are interested in learning how to play the cuica and don't want to invest too much, you will get a pretty good idea with this 6'' version.Contemporanea Light uses brushed aluminium for their instruments. The hardware is varnished.

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Average rating of 0 out of 5 stars

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Compact 8'' cuica for all occasions by ContemporaneaIt is a lovely thing to have a cuica with your bateria. It brings a totally different sound colour to your Samba. Also it is fun to play and cuica players are naturally born talents when it comes to animate your audience at gigs and street concerts. The 8'' size cuica is a great instrument for spontaneous sessions or as a fearly compact travel companion, you can use it for any event from Samba de Mesa to Samba batucada playing in a bateria. Contemporanea uses polished thick-walled stainless steel for their cuicas. The hardware is chromed.

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Cuica 10''x30cm inox
Gope

Average rating of 4 out of 5 stars

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Cuica with inox shell in 10'' - hoop and 10 galvanised steel rodsWell made inox cuica in classical 10'' format and pretty hide head - makes a cuiqueiros heart beat faster instantly! 10 tension rods of zincked steel and a tension hoop painted in brass look. In terms of sound you'll have no problem at all finding your place in any well-sized bateria. This cuica is well made with a simple finish and neatly cut threads. The seam of the body is welded like all Gope instruments. Welded shells produce a higher and more audible part of shell sound than e.g. grooved shells as their shell vibrates better. Cuicas are a great enrichment for any Samba band. It is fun playing and watching them and they also bring a whole new soundscape to a Samba.Tip: If the stick is too thick, grab some sand paper and sand down the bamboo stick carefully until it's thinner. It does get more fragile, but you will find that the cuica will react more easily!With an overall height of 31.5cm, the cuica is unfortunately a tad too high for our 10''x30cm bags. 

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Cuica 10''x30cm aluminium
Gope

Average rating of 0 out of 5 stars

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Cuica with aluminium shell in 10'' - 10 brass tension rodsWell made light aluminium cuica in classical 10'' format and pretty hide head - makes a cuiqueiros heart beat faster instantly! 10 brass tension rods looking pretty good, in terms of sound you'll have no problem at all finding your place in a well-sized bateria. The seam of the body is welded. Welded shells produce a higher and more audible part of shell sound.Cuicas are a great enrichment for any Samba band. It is fun watching them but also, they bring a whole new soundscape to a Samba.Tip: Grab some sand paper and sand down the bamboo stick carefully until it's thinner. It does get more fragile, but you will find that the cuica will react more easily!

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Cuica 09''x28cm aluminium
Gope

Average rating of 0 out of 5 stars

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9'' allrounder CuicaIt’s not just the dancers who light up when a cuica joins in! This little friction drum brings singing, squeaking or whining tones into your bateria or Samba Pagode - adding loads of character and a playful, unmistakable sound.This lightweight 9'' cuica by Gope, a trusted maker from the São Paulo area, features a welded aluminum shell, a natural skin mounted on an aluminum ring, and powder-coated black hardware. Like all Gope instruments, the shell is welded at the seam - which enhances resonance and gives the drum a fuller, more vibrant tone as the body can vibrate more freely.With just an inch less in diameter than a 10'' cuica, the overall volume and tone ist quite similar and depends more on the shell’s material and build. That’s exactly where Gope shines: lightweight, sturdy, and great-sounding - perfect for anyone looking for a reliable cuica that's ready for the bateria but won’t weigh you down.

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Average rating of 0 out of 5 stars

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Average rating of 0 out of 5 stars

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Average rating of 0 out of 5 stars

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Average rating of 0 out of 5 stars

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Average rating of 0 out of 5 stars

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Average rating of 0 out of 5 stars

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Average rating of 0 out of 5 stars

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Average rating of 0 out of 5 stars

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