Arrastão Marcante
Arrastão Meiao
Arrastão Repique
Alfaia
Sambapedia
Alfaia - correct pronunciation
Play
Function in the group
The Alfaias or Bombos - as they used to be called - are the heart and soul of every Maracatu group. The alfaias are divided into 3 subgroups. The marcantes are the drums with the largest diameter, they play the basic pattern. The marcantes are most frequently represented in a maracatu group. The meião is the centre drum. It plays a complementary part to the base of the marcante. The repique is the smallest of the three sizes, usually has the most complex pattern and plays the solos.
Techniques
A good playing position is to stand over the alfaia with your knees bent slightly forward. It is important to hit the head close to the centre and to make good use of the rebound that the head provides. Volume is achieved with a powerful blow that quickly allows the head to vibrate freely again and develop its sound. The movement pattern of the left hand is striking. In a complex twisting movement, the left hand is first brought to the head and then back up again. Only with a lot of practice is it possible to place controlled strokes on the skin.
Group configuration
A recommendation for the distribution of instruments in a group of 12 looks like this:
1 x Gongue, 1 x Caixa, 1 x Tarol, 1 x Ganzá or Xequeré, 5 x Marcante, 2 x Meião, 1 x Repique
Patterns
Luanda Marcante
Luanda Meaio
Luanda Repique
Parada Marcante
Parada Repique
Martelo Marcante
Martelo Meiao
Martelo Repique
Tips and tricks
Maintenance
Goatskins are sensitive to moisture, which is why an Alfaia should be protected from moisture and heat. Leaving the drum unprotected in the car in the sun will quickly ruin the skin. Storing it in a bag or drum case buffers the changes in climate and humidity. If you freshen up the wooden shell from time to time with a good furniture or floor oil, this will give the surface a shine and protection.
Tune
Medium-weight goatskins are mounted on the Alfaia. The two tension rings are connected with a nylon or hemp rope. You can change the tuning of the Alfaia by tightening or loosening the tension cord. The cross tension then defines the pitch. There is a film that explains the tensioning process in detail. With a little practice, you will soon be able to bring the Alfaia to the desired pitch without much effort.
Beater / Sticks
The pair of beaters for the alfaia consists of two differently shaped wooden sticks. For the main hand, i.e. usually the right hand, a sturdy stick with a round, spherical head is used. The left hand, on the other hand, uses a stick of roughly the same length, but somewhat thinner, without a specially shaped round head. As this type of beater is not available everywhere, many alfaia players use simple wooden beater for surdos. In the past, a thin, elasticated stick, the "bacalhau", was sometimes used for the left hand. With this stick, the left hand produces soft or whipping sounds on the skin, which can give the groove a very funky character.
Strap
Traditionally, the alfaia is hung on a cord over the shoulder of the "weak" hand, so right-handed people hang the alfaia over their left shoulder. As the drum dangles relatively freely next to the body when carried in this way, a comfortable shoulder strap is used today. Asymmetrically cut straps are practical as they hold the instrument in the playing position. Hip straps with two hooks are also an alternative.
Head
An alfaia should have a natural head, usually a medium-thick goathead or a thin calfhead. This is the only way to achieve the warm, powerful sound typical of the maracatu. Synthetic heads are less susceptible to heat and moisture, but the drum loses its authentic sound.
Barravento
Average rating of 3 out of 5 stars
Make your alfaia rumble! Hardwood sticks for Maracatu on hide headsA set of authentic Maracatu sticks typically has one thicker and one thinner stick: the baqueta and the bacalhão (lit. codfish).- both sticks are slightly curved to an anatomical and comfy to hold shape- slightly roughened, strong hard wood produces the typical attack on the alfaiaPlease note:The sticks are not produced industrially but are handmade by a small workshop. The colour of the wood might be different from our product photo and the finish of the sticks is roughened and haptical.
Durastick
Average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars
Hardwood stick for Maracatu on natural skinsExcellent maracatu stick that can be used as a baqueta or as a bacalhão, depending on your taste.Good weight and well weighted balanceStable hardwoodLies well in the handIdeal sound on natural skinswell suited as a surdo beater for terceira voices on hide headsnot suitable for nylon and korino skins!
Durastick
Average rating of 3.6 out of 5 stars
Hardwood stick for Maracatu on natural skins - large headTraditional Maracatu stick, a powerful stick for strong accents as a baqueta.Good weight and well weighted balanceSturdy hardwoodLies well in the handIdeal sound on natural skinsalso well suited as a surdo stick for marcação voices on hide heads (surdo 1+2)not suitable for nylon and korino skins!
Artcelsior
Average rating of 0 out of 5 stars
Easy to use, soft padding, all-rounder strap:an inexpensive alternative for instruments that can be played on 1 hook. Use this strap in Rio Style Samba to play caixa (played half-high or down / traditional grip), repinique (hand-stick), cuica or surdo.The open hook system is widely popular in Brazil because it allows you to quickly attach and detach or change your instrument.The strap is seamlessly adjustable and also suitable for kids as a hip strap or use two of them worn over cross over both shoulders like a harness strap, as you can adjust them very short.
available as a variant
Jorginho
Average rating of 4 out of 5 stars
Shoulder strap with 1 open hook - breathable paddingA strap for all instruments that are played in a slightly tilted position in front of the body, for example surdo or repinique in Samba de Enredo (Rio style), or caixa with traditional grip (open grip). The strap is continuously and easy to adjust, suitable for both left-handed and right-handed players.The strap is sewn in a V-shape along the open hook. As a result, the strap fits more comfortably and the instrument tilts to the desired playing position. Breathable padding material provides additional comfort. Jorginho builds functional straps in simple and proven quality. The open hook system is the most common in Brazil for quick attachment and detachment of the instrument.Strap width: 5 cmMax. Length of strap: approx. 160 cm
available as a variant
Macapart
Average rating of 5 out of 5 stars
LUXO shoulder strap with 1 open hook - breathable padding The LUXO has been developed especially for instruments which are played in inclined position slightly lateral to your body, e.g. the Rio style caixa played in low position, the repinique or the surdo. The strap is sewn together above the hook in an angle allowing the instrument to stay in a stable position without drifting to the middle of your body. No more fiddling around to keep your instrument in the right position! With the LUXO your instrument hangs stable and you can go ahead playing without distraction!You will find it really comfortable to play techniques like the traditional grip on the caixa or the Rio style repinique using this strap. Also Maracatuzeiros will like this strap as it brings your alfaia in the perfect inclined playing position which the technique to play them requires. Rio sambistas will also appreciate, especially during parades or long rehearsals. The strap does not work for match grip techniques. Its fit is super-comfy with thick breathable padding. You can adjust the length by deplacing the thorn in an eyelet.Macapart straps are made by a percussionist in Rio who has very high demands on functionality, quality and design. The open hook system is ideal for fast instrument changings and the most commonly used system in Brazil.
available as a variant
Macapart
Average rating of 5 out of 5 stars
Universal strap - all-rounder samba strap with 1 hookSamba strap for all instruments that are played on one hook, e.g:Rio Samba Caixa traditional grip, played half up or downRepinique Rio Samba (stick + hand)Repinique Samba Reggae (2 sticks), use as a hip strap and hang the repinique low on 1 hook low or thread it through one rod and hook it onto the adjacent rod to stabilise)Surdo (1 beater)CuicaThe open hook system is the most commonly used type of straps in Brazil, practical above all because you can quickly put your instrument on and take it off again or change it.The strap is continuously adjustable and can also be used as a hip strap for younger kids. 2 straps can be used as cross-body harnesses for kids, as they can be adjusted very short.The size XS-M has a total length of 152cm
available as a variant
Barravento
Average rating of 5 out of 5 stars
Hide head 20''- wood rim, Barravento - ideal for bumbos de Maracatu / alfaia skinBarravento tans his skins in a special way that allows the hide heads to be slightly roughened at the end. This gives these skins a high degree of authenticity in terms of sound characteristics, especially with Maracatu. Deep, strong bass sounds and a rustic look are typical for Barravento skins.Information about mounting hide heads:Natural heads tend to twist when they are unmounted due to different air humidity and temperature. When you are ready to put the head on your instrument and see that it is twisted, moisten (not soak!) the head carefully with a kitchen sponge, then put it on a flat surface and push the drum shell in the rim from above. Put your drum loosely back together and wait until the head is dry before putting any tension on it. Let it dry slowly in the air (best overnight), don't use heaters, hairdryers and don't leave it in the sun as it will make the head brittle and prone to tear.
Izzo
Average rating of 5 out of 5 stars
Head 14'' goat skin - aluminium rimHide head for surdo, alfaia, rebolo, tantanInformation about mounting hide heads:Natural heads tend to twist when they are unmounted due to different air humidity and temperature. When you are ready to put the head on your instrument and see that it is twisted, moisten (not soak!) the head carefully with a kitchen sponge, then put it on a flat surface and push the drum shell in the rim from above. Put your drum loosely back together and wait until the head is dry before putting any tension on it. Let it dry slowly in the air (best overnight), don't use heaters, hairdryers and don't leave it in the sun as it will make the head brittle and prone to tear.Information for hide heads on aluminium rims:Natural heads tend to twist when unmounted, especially with when temperature and humidity changes. This can happen as well with heads on wood rims as with skins in aluminium rims. The aluminium hoops are grouted in a way that leaves a small open joint gap. This is not a defect nor a broken seam, but a tiny tolerance which is there on purpose so that the head can expand or tighten without damaging the hoop or the head when air moisture changes. If you have received a twisted head with an open gap on the aluminium rim, then that is quite normal and with only a few steps the head will easily fit on your instrument shell: Slightly moisten the head, wait a couple of minutes, then fit it on the shell and put your instrument back together loosely. Only put tension on the head once it has dried completely and in a natural way; this will usually take overnight. As soon as there is tension on the head, wrinkles and the twist will disappear and the head will easily adjust to the shape of the instrument shell. If you have any questions about mounting a head, please contact us.Purchasing replacement heads:If you are buying a replacement head for your instrument, we advise that you get a head from the same brand as your instrument as they should fit without any trouble. If you buy a head from a different brand, you might find that the fit slightly differs or even doesn't go on the shell well or at all. Please understand that we cannot offer warranty in this case.
Izzo
Average rating of 0 out of 5 stars
Head 16'' hide head on aluminium rimInformation about mounting hide heads:Natural heads tend to twist when they are unmounted due to different air humidity and temperature. When you are ready to put the head on your instrument and see that it is twisted, moisten (not soak!) the head carefully with a kitchen sponge, then put it on a flat surface and push the drum shell in the rim from above. Put your drum loosely back together and wait until the head is dry before putting any tension on it. Let it dry slowly in the air (best overnight), don't use heaters, hairdryers and don't leave it in the sun as it will make the head brittle and prone to tear.Information for hide heads on aluminium rims:Natural heads tend to twist when unmounted, especially with when temperature and humidity changes. This can happen as well with heads on wood rims as with skins in aluminium rims. The aluminium hoops are grouted in a way that leaves a small open joint gap. This is not a defect nor a broken seam, but a tiny tolerance which is there on purpose so that the head can expand or tighten without damaging the hoop or the head when air moisture changes. If you have received a twisted head with an open gap on the aluminium rim, then that is quite normal and with only a few steps the head will easily fit on your instrument shell: Slightly moisten the head, wait a couple of minutes, then fit it on the shell and put your instrument back together loosely. Only put tension on the head once it has dried completely and in a natural way; this will usually take overnight. As soon as there is tension on the head, wrinkles and the twist will disappear and the head will easily adjust to the shape of the instrument shell. If you have any questions about mounting a head, please contact us.Purchasing replacement heads:If you are buying a replacement head for your instrument, we advise that you get a head from the same brand as your instrument as they should fit without any trouble. If you buy a head from a different brand, you might find that the fit slightly differs or even doesn't go on the shell well or at all. Please understand that we cannot offer warranty in this case.
Durastick
Average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars
Hardwood stick for Maracatu on natural skinsExcellent maracatu stick that can be used as a baqueta or as a bacalhão, depending on your taste.Good weight and well weighted balanceStable hardwoodLies well in the handIdeal sound on natural skinswell suited as a surdo beater for terceira voices on hide headsnot suitable for nylon and korino skins!
Durastick
Average rating of 3.6 out of 5 stars
Hardwood stick for Maracatu on natural skins - large headTraditional Maracatu stick, a powerful stick for strong accents as a baqueta.Good weight and well weighted balanceSturdy hardwoodLies well in the handIdeal sound on natural skinsalso well suited as a surdo stick for marcação voices on hide heads (surdo 1+2)not suitable for nylon and korino skins!
Artcelsior
Average rating of 0 out of 5 stars
Easy to use, soft padding, all-rounder strap:an inexpensive alternative for instruments that can be played on 1 hook. Use this strap in Rio Style Samba to play caixa (played half-high or down / traditional grip), repinique (hand-stick), cuica or surdo.The open hook system is widely popular in Brazil because it allows you to quickly attach and detach or change your instrument.The strap is seamlessly adjustable and also suitable for kids as a hip strap or use two of them worn over cross over both shoulders like a harness strap, as you can adjust them very short.
available as a variant
Izzo
Average rating of 0 out of 5 stars
Head 22'' goatskin - aluminium rimInformation about mounting hide heads:Natural heads tend to twist when they are unmounted due to different air humidity and temperature. When you are ready to put the head on your instrument and see that it is twisted, moisten (not soak!) the head carefully with a kitchen sponge, then put it on a flat surface and push the drum shell in the rim from above. Put your drum loosely back together and wait until the head is dry before putting any tension on it. Let it dry slowly in the air (best overnight), don't use heaters, hairdryers and don't leave it in the sun as it will make the head brittle and prone to tear.Information for hide heads on aluminium rims:Natural heads tend to twist when unmounted, especially with when temperature and humidity changes. This can happen as well with heads on wood rims as with skins in aluminium rims. The aluminium hoops are grouted in a way that leaves a small open joint gap. This is not a defect nor a broken seam, but a tiny tolerance which is there on purpose so that the head can expand or tighten without damaging the hoop or the head when air moisture changes. If you have received a twisted head with an open gap on the aluminium rim, then that is quite normal and with only a few steps the head will easily fit on your instrument shell: Slightly moisten the head, wait a couple of minutes, then fit it on the shell and put your instrument back together loosely. Only put tension on the head once it has dried completely and in a natural way; this will usually take overnight. As soon as there is tension on the head, wrinkles and the twist will disappear and the head will easily adjust to the shape of the instrument shell. If you have any questions about mounting a head, please contact us.Purchasing replacement heads:If you are buying a replacement head for your instrument, we advise that you get a head from the same brand as your instrument as they should fit without any trouble. If you buy a head from a different brand, you might find that the fit slightly differs or even doesn't go on the shell well or at all. Please understand that we cannot offer warranty in this case.
Izzo
Average rating of 5 out of 5 stars
Head 20'' goat skin - aluminium rim - IZZOInformation about mounting hide heads:Natural heads tend to twist when they are unmounted due to different air humidity and temperature. When you are ready to put the head on your instrument and see that it is twisted, moisten (not soak!) the head carefully with a kitchen sponge, then put it on a flat surface and push the drum shell in the rim from above. Put your drum loosely back together and wait until the head is dry before putting any tension on it. Let it dry slowly in the air (best overnight), don't use heaters, hairdryers and don't leave it in the sun as it will make the head brittle and prone to tear.Information for hide heads on aluminium rims:Natural heads tend to twist when unmounted, especially with when temperature and humidity changes. This can happen as well with heads on wood rims as with skins in aluminium rims. The aluminium hoops are grouted in a way that leaves a small open joint gap. This is not a defect nor a broken seam, but a tiny tolerance which is there on purpose so that the head can expand or tighten without damaging the hoop or the head when air moisture changes. If you have received a twisted head with an open gap on the aluminium rim, then that is quite normal and with only a few steps the head will easily fit on your instrument shell: Slightly moisten the head, wait a couple of minutes, then fit it on the shell and put your instrument back together loosely. Only put tension on the head once it has dried completely and in a natural way; this will usually take overnight. As soon as there is tension on the head, wrinkles and the twist will disappear and the head will easily adjust to the shape of the instrument shell. If you have any questions about mounting a head, please contact us.Purchasing replacement heads:If you are buying a replacement head for your instrument, we advise that you get a head from the same brand as your instrument as they should fit without any trouble. If you buy a head from a different brand, you might find that the fit slightly differs or even doesn't go on the shell well or at all. Please understand that we cannot offer warranty in this case.
Jorginho
Average rating of 4 out of 5 stars
Shoulder strap with 1 open hook - breathable paddingA strap for all instruments that are played in a slightly tilted position in front of the body, for example surdo or repinique in Samba de Enredo (Rio style), or caixa with traditional grip (open grip). The strap is continuously and easy to adjust, suitable for both left-handed and right-handed players.The strap is sewn in a V-shape along the open hook. As a result, the strap fits more comfortably and the instrument tilts to the desired playing position. Breathable padding material provides additional comfort. Jorginho builds functional straps in simple and proven quality. The open hook system is the most common in Brazil for quick attachment and detachment of the instrument.Strap width: 5 cmMax. Length of strap: approx. 160 cm
available as a variant
Izzo
Average rating of 5 out of 5 stars
Head 18'' goat skin - aluminium rimInformation about mounting hide heads:Natural heads tend to twist when they are unmounted due to different air humidity and temperature. When you are ready to put the head on your instrument and see that it is twisted, moisten (not soak!) the head carefully with a kitchen sponge, then put it on a flat surface and push the drum shell in the rim from above. Put your drum loosely back together and wait until the head is dry before putting any tension on it. Let it dry slowly in the air (best overnight), don't use heaters, hairdryers and don't leave it in the sun as it will make the head brittle and prone to tear.Information for hide heads on aluminium rims:Natural heads tend to twist when unmounted, especially with when temperature and humidity changes. This can happen as well with heads on wood rims as with skins in aluminium rims. The aluminium hoops are grouted in a way that leaves a small open joint gap. This is not a defect nor a broken seam, but a tiny tolerance which is there on purpose so that the head can expand or tighten without damaging the hoop or the head when air moisture changes. If you have received a twisted head with an open gap on the aluminium rim, then that is quite normal and with only a few steps the head will easily fit on your instrument shell: Slightly moisten the head, wait a couple of minutes, then fit it on the shell and put your instrument back together loosely. Only put tension on the head once it has dried completely and in a natural way; this will usually take overnight. As soon as there is tension on the head, wrinkles and the twist will disappear and the head will easily adjust to the shape of the instrument shell. If you have any questions about mounting a head, please contact us.Purchasing replacement heads:If you are buying a replacement head for your instrument, we advise that you get a head from the same brand as your instrument as they should fit without any trouble. If you buy a head from a different brand, you might find that the fit slightly differs or even doesn't go on the shell well or at all. Please understand that we cannot offer warranty in this case.
Izzo
Average rating of 0 out of 5 stars
24'' hide head on aluminium ringImportant information for fitting natural goatskin heads:Natural skins tend to twist when unmounted since the manufacturers moisten them before pulling them onto a wooden or aluminium rim. When drying off, the ring naturally deshapes a little. When leaving the high humidity in Brazil and arriving to our dry European climate with low humidity and room heating, the skin twists even more. This is a normal irregularity of natural products and no damage! You can easily fit the head on your drum by moistening (not soaking!) the inner part - not the ring - carefully with a regular kitchen sponge or cloth. Pull it over the drum shell and let it dry slowly overnight by air. Don´t force it by using a heater or hairdryer or exposing it to the sun, this will only make the head brittle and prone to tear. Like this, you will be able to enjoy your goat skin head for a long time!Information for hide heads on aluminium rims:Natural heads tend to twist when unmounted, especially with when temperature and humidity changes. This can happen as well with heads on wood rims as with skins in aluminium rims. The aluminium hoops are grouted in a way that leaves a small open joint gap. This is not a defect nor a broken seam, but a tiny tolerance which is there on purpose so that the head can expand or tighten without damaging the hoop or the head when air moisture changes. If you have received a twisted head with an open gap on the aluminium rim, then that is quite normal and with only a few steps the head will easily fit on your instrument shell: Slightly moisten the head, wait a couple of minutes, then fit it on the shell and put your instrument back together loosely. Only put tension on the head once it has dried completely and in a natural way; this will usually take overnight. As soon as there is tension on the head, wrinkles and the twist will disappear and the head will easily adjust to the shape of the instrument shell. If you have any questions about mounting a head, please contact us.Purchasing replacement heads:If you are buying a replacement head for your instrument, we advise that you get a head from the same brand as your instrument as they should fit without any trouble. If you buy a head from a different brand, you might find that the fit slightly differs or even doesn't go on the shell well or at all. Please understand that we cannot offer warranty in this case.
Izzo
Average rating of 5 out of 5 stars
Head 14'' goat skin - aluminium rimHide head for surdo, alfaia, rebolo, tantanInformation about mounting hide heads:Natural heads tend to twist when they are unmounted due to different air humidity and temperature. When you are ready to put the head on your instrument and see that it is twisted, moisten (not soak!) the head carefully with a kitchen sponge, then put it on a flat surface and push the drum shell in the rim from above. Put your drum loosely back together and wait until the head is dry before putting any tension on it. Let it dry slowly in the air (best overnight), don't use heaters, hairdryers and don't leave it in the sun as it will make the head brittle and prone to tear.Information for hide heads on aluminium rims:Natural heads tend to twist when unmounted, especially with when temperature and humidity changes. This can happen as well with heads on wood rims as with skins in aluminium rims. The aluminium hoops are grouted in a way that leaves a small open joint gap. This is not a defect nor a broken seam, but a tiny tolerance which is there on purpose so that the head can expand or tighten without damaging the hoop or the head when air moisture changes. If you have received a twisted head with an open gap on the aluminium rim, then that is quite normal and with only a few steps the head will easily fit on your instrument shell: Slightly moisten the head, wait a couple of minutes, then fit it on the shell and put your instrument back together loosely. Only put tension on the head once it has dried completely and in a natural way; this will usually take overnight. As soon as there is tension on the head, wrinkles and the twist will disappear and the head will easily adjust to the shape of the instrument shell. If you have any questions about mounting a head, please contact us.Purchasing replacement heads:If you are buying a replacement head for your instrument, we advise that you get a head from the same brand as your instrument as they should fit without any trouble. If you buy a head from a different brand, you might find that the fit slightly differs or even doesn't go on the shell well or at all. Please understand that we cannot offer warranty in this case.
Izzo
Average rating of 0 out of 5 stars
Head 16'' hide head on aluminium rimInformation about mounting hide heads:Natural heads tend to twist when they are unmounted due to different air humidity and temperature. When you are ready to put the head on your instrument and see that it is twisted, moisten (not soak!) the head carefully with a kitchen sponge, then put it on a flat surface and push the drum shell in the rim from above. Put your drum loosely back together and wait until the head is dry before putting any tension on it. Let it dry slowly in the air (best overnight), don't use heaters, hairdryers and don't leave it in the sun as it will make the head brittle and prone to tear.Information for hide heads on aluminium rims:Natural heads tend to twist when unmounted, especially with when temperature and humidity changes. This can happen as well with heads on wood rims as with skins in aluminium rims. The aluminium hoops are grouted in a way that leaves a small open joint gap. This is not a defect nor a broken seam, but a tiny tolerance which is there on purpose so that the head can expand or tighten without damaging the hoop or the head when air moisture changes. If you have received a twisted head with an open gap on the aluminium rim, then that is quite normal and with only a few steps the head will easily fit on your instrument shell: Slightly moisten the head, wait a couple of minutes, then fit it on the shell and put your instrument back together loosely. Only put tension on the head once it has dried completely and in a natural way; this will usually take overnight. As soon as there is tension on the head, wrinkles and the twist will disappear and the head will easily adjust to the shape of the instrument shell. If you have any questions about mounting a head, please contact us.Purchasing replacement heads:If you are buying a replacement head for your instrument, we advise that you get a head from the same brand as your instrument as they should fit without any trouble. If you buy a head from a different brand, you might find that the fit slightly differs or even doesn't go on the shell well or at all. Please understand that we cannot offer warranty in this case.