Caixa de Maracatu
Sambapedia
Caixa de Maracatu - correct pronunciation
Playing
Function in the group
In the traditional maracatu, where rustling and shaking instruments such as the ganzá and xequeré were rare, the caixa provided the tonal counterpart to the bass drums. The caixas were usually divided into two distinct parts. The caixa de guerra and the higher pitched tarol played different patterns. This division is rarely found today. In maracatu estilizado, the caixa is often used as a signalling device to indicate a change in the musical sequence with a characteristic rhythmic figure.
Techniques
Depending on the playing position, it is advisable to hold the stick in a matched grip (both hands holding the stick in front of them in the same way) or in a traditional grip (left hand holding the stick loosely in the arch between the thumb and forefinger, fingers turned loosely inwards, right hand holding the stick as in the matched grip). Good stick technique is important for maracatu, as the patterns contain many rolls.
Traditionally, the patterns are played with the right hand, while the left hand contributes with soft fills for the typical swing. For fast and complex grooves, the 'hand to hand' technique offers more possibilities.
General info
Configurator
Old records of the maracatus in Recife reveal astonishing figures. 50 years ago, a maracatu group consisted of no more than 20 drummers. Groups of less than 10 drummers were not uncommon. A group of 10 would consist of 6 bass drums, a caixa de guerra, a tarol, a gongue and a lead singer. By the beginning of the 21st century, groups could consist of up to 100 percussionists, and the distribution of instruments has also changed. The high frequencies, once covered only by the caixas, are now shared by the abé (shekeré), ganzá and the caixas.
Tips and tricks
Maintenance
Because the caixa de maracatu takes a long time to tune and especially to change the skin, it is advisable to store and transport the instrument carefully in a bag or case. This will prevent damage to the percussion or resonance head.
Tuning
The pitch of the head and the resonator is achieved by loosening or tightening the string tension. Changing the string tension always affects the head and the resonance head. To change the head, the entire string tension must be loosened until the head can be removed and replaced with the new one. Some time is needed to tune or change the head. To give the caixa a crisp sound, you will need a few tools: a set of small screw clamps (at least 4, preferably 6) and shims. First of all, use your muscles to pull the tensioning rope to an even basic tension. Then place the screw clamps evenly on the wooden rings. (Don't forget the shims and be careful not to pinch the rope). Tighten the clamps and apply pressure to the heads. You can check the pitch of the heads in between. When you have achieved a sound that is slightly higher than the one you want, you have reached the string tension. Tighten the basic tension of the string again and adjust the skin tension with the cross tension of the string. Once the string tension is set, you can loosen the screw clamps. After loosening the clamps, the tension is set again.
Strap
Traditionally, the caixa is carried with a strap over the left shoulder. It then hangs freely in front of the body. This playing position requires a special technique. The complex patterns of the maracatu estilizado are difficult to play in this way. A comfortable playing position is achieved by using a hip belt with 2 hooks. In this position, with the drum almost horizontally in front of the body, it is easy to play with both the traditional grip and the modern matched grip. A more relaxed playing position can be achieved by attaching a leg rest to the caixa.
Sticks
The Caixa de Maracatu can be played with sticks of any length and thickness. When choosing the hardness of the sticks, it is important to remember that the instrument has a wooden tension ring. Hard sticks, e.g. made of carbon fibre, leave clear marks on the wood of the tension ring.
Heads
The diameter of the Caixa de Maracatu follows the international standard head sizes of 14', 13' and 12'. Any synthetic head from the major brands can be fitted. White coated heads are the most popular, as are synthetic heads that mimic the sound of natural heads.
Durastick
Average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars
Snare sticks - American HickoryClassical Hickory wood drumsticks, 40,5 cm long with a diameter of 14,5 mm.American Hickory is the preferably used wood for drumsticks of all kind.
Durastick
Average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars
Caixa Sticks MA - American HickoryGet the best beat out of your caixa! American Hickory has been the preferred wood for drum stick production for many years. The MA hickory caixa sticks are 37 cm long and have a diameter of 15 mm. The round tips are especially suitable for the steady playing techniques of Samba percussion. The surface of the tip hitting the head is always the same - no matter in which angle the tip touches the head. Like this also the sound stays nice and steady. Round tips are also a popular stick type for beginners as in the beginning you are focussing on a lot of things at the same time and don't need to worry too much about the playing position. Also, the playing technique with those sticks is quite easy.
Izzo
Average rating of 0 out of 5 stars
Samba Reggae and Maracatu snare drum 14'' x 15 cm - aluminiumThis caixa de guerra is the typical Samba Reggae snare drum which is played in Bahian blocos, but has everything a caixa needs in a Maracatu, a multi-percussion or even an ensemble gig. It is commonly played with a 2-hooked hip strap and has a strong voluminous sound. Very solid and good quality instrument, the body of the caixa is designed in brushed aluminium giving it a neat matt appearance. Both rims are chromed, the snare wires are traditionally tied and dont' have a lifting-mechanism. Saves tuning it every time and also less weight!
Ivsom
Average rating of 5 out of 5 stars
12" Supernylon head by Ivsom, percussion head for caixa, repinique, charutinho, timbal, repique mor etc.Fibreglass coated head with dry, short and crisp sound characteristics. The fibreglass coating on the underside filters out unwanted overtones, so if you like your sound nice and rock-dry and crisp - this is your go-to. Not suitable as a resonance head!
Contemporânea
Average rating of 0 out of 5 stars
Snare head 14″ coated for a dry, compact sound with fewer overtones
Contemporânea
Average rating of 2 out of 5 stars
11‘’ nylon skin - single-layer nylon skin
Contemporânea
Average rating of 0 out of 5 stars
Samba Reggae snare drum 14'' x 15 cm with snare wiresThis caixa is the typical Samba Reggae snare drum which is played in Bahian Blocos with powerful sound and accustical volume. Instruments by Contemporanea are generally produced with thicker material as other brands, which has an impact on the sound (massive), the weight (a few grammes more) and the price. It is commonly played with a 2-hooked hip strap and has a strong voluminous sound. Very solid and good quality instrument, the body of the caixa is all shiny and polished giving it a smart appearance. The hardware is chromed, the snare wires are traditionally tight-adjustable (without lifting mechanism).Strong voluminous sound!
KALANGO
Average rating of 5 out of 5 stars
Gigbag for caixas, snare drums and caixas de MaracatuSpecifically designed for transport protection, against wheather conditions and for safe storage. The bag is rugged but lightweight and provides fast and convenient protection from the elements and as shock protection. - Caixa / snare bag for 14'' x 17 cm caixas and for 13'' and 14'' caixas de Maracatu- gig bag with plenty of padding, water repellent strong nylon material- detachable shoulder strap- sturdy metal hooks, eyelets and zippers- plastic nobs on the bottom of the bag protect against grime and moisture- good fitting High quality, well padded bag, suitable for all caixa brands in this size sold on our website. Tip:How to pack your caixa quick and easy without damaging your bag:The bags are designed with enough space and good fit, if you try and stuff or push your caixa into your bag, the tension rods will very probably tear the material. Here is how to get it right - put your caixa down with the ends of the rods facing downwards. Then gently pull the bag over the top of the instrument, like this nothing gets stuck and the padding remains unharmed.
Gope
Average rating of 0 out of 5 stars
Inexpensive Caixa 14'' x 15cm made of sheet steel with snare wires - Gope MAPU seriesLot's of sound for little money! This caixa has a simplified construction that allows for a very reasonable price. The classic 12'' format is ideal for Samba Reggae groups, beginners and schools. The reduced build and simple materials save costs. The shell, which is made of 0.65 mm galvanized carbon steel sheet with a slimmed-down head rest and coated rim / galvanised rods, is an affordable instrument and with rustic, full sound qualities.
Durastick
Average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars
Caixa Sticks MA - American HickoryGet the best beat out of your caixa! American Hickory has been the preferred wood for drum stick production for many years. The MA hickory caixa sticks are 37 cm long and have a diameter of 15 mm. The round tips are especially suitable for the steady playing techniques of Samba percussion. The surface of the tip hitting the head is always the same - no matter in which angle the tip touches the head. Like this also the sound stays nice and steady. Round tips are also a popular stick type for beginners as in the beginning you are focussing on a lot of things at the same time and don't need to worry too much about the playing position. Also, the playing technique with those sticks is quite easy.
Durastick
Average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars
Snare sticks - American HickoryClassical Hickory wood drumsticks, 40,5 cm long with a diameter of 14,5 mm.American Hickory is the preferably used wood for drumsticks of all kind.
Izzo
Average rating of 0 out of 5 stars
Samba Reggae and Maracatu snare drum 14'' x 15 cm - aluminiumThis caixa de guerra is the typical Samba Reggae snare drum which is played in Bahian blocos, but has everything a caixa needs in a Maracatu, a multi-percussion or even an ensemble gig. It is commonly played with a 2-hooked hip strap and has a strong voluminous sound. Very solid and good quality instrument, the body of the caixa is designed in brushed aluminium giving it a neat matt appearance. Both rims are chromed, the snare wires are traditionally tied and dont' have a lifting-mechanism. Saves tuning it every time and also less weight!
Ivsom
Average rating of 5 out of 5 stars
12" Supernylon head by Ivsom, percussion head for caixa, repinique, charutinho, timbal, repique mor etc.Fibreglass coated head with dry, short and crisp sound characteristics. The fibreglass coating on the underside filters out unwanted overtones, so if you like your sound nice and rock-dry and crisp - this is your go-to. Not suitable as a resonance head!
Contemporânea
Average rating of 0 out of 5 stars
Snare head 14″ coated for a dry, compact sound with fewer overtones
Contemporânea
Average rating of 2 out of 5 stars
11‘’ nylon skin - single-layer nylon skin
Contemporânea
Average rating of 0 out of 5 stars
Samba Reggae snare drum 14'' x 15 cm with snare wiresThis caixa is the typical Samba Reggae snare drum which is played in Bahian Blocos with powerful sound and accustical volume. Instruments by Contemporanea are generally produced with thicker material as other brands, which has an impact on the sound (massive), the weight (a few grammes more) and the price. It is commonly played with a 2-hooked hip strap and has a strong voluminous sound. Very solid and good quality instrument, the body of the caixa is all shiny and polished giving it a smart appearance. The hardware is chromed, the snare wires are traditionally tight-adjustable (without lifting mechanism).Strong voluminous sound!
KALANGO
Average rating of 5 out of 5 stars
Gigbag for caixas, snare drums and caixas de MaracatuSpecifically designed for transport protection, against wheather conditions and for safe storage. The bag is rugged but lightweight and provides fast and convenient protection from the elements and as shock protection. - Caixa / snare bag for 14'' x 17 cm caixas and for 13'' and 14'' caixas de Maracatu- gig bag with plenty of padding, water repellent strong nylon material- detachable shoulder strap- sturdy metal hooks, eyelets and zippers- plastic nobs on the bottom of the bag protect against grime and moisture- good fitting High quality, well padded bag, suitable for all caixa brands in this size sold on our website. Tip:How to pack your caixa quick and easy without damaging your bag:The bags are designed with enough space and good fit, if you try and stuff or push your caixa into your bag, the tension rods will very probably tear the material. Here is how to get it right - put your caixa down with the ends of the rods facing downwards. Then gently pull the bag over the top of the instrument, like this nothing gets stuck and the padding remains unharmed.
Gope
Average rating of 0 out of 5 stars
Inexpensive Caixa 14'' x 15cm made of sheet steel with snare wires - Gope MAPU seriesLot's of sound for little money! This caixa has a simplified construction that allows for a very reasonable price. The classic 12'' format is ideal for Samba Reggae groups, beginners and schools. The reduced build and simple materials save costs. The shell, which is made of 0.65 mm galvanized carbon steel sheet with a slimmed-down head rest and coated rim / galvanised rods, is an affordable instrument and with rustic, full sound qualities.