Some history
Capoeira is an ancient martial game that dates back roughly 300–400 years and has evolved into a martial art. Across Brazil, millions of capoeiristas practice this art in groups and schools, making it one of the country’s national sports. Its elegance and spectacular techniques have attracted fans worldwide. Known for its openness and inclusivity, Capoeira has spread far beyond Brazil’s borders.
Capoeira originated on Brazil’s colonial sugar plantations, with roots tracing back to the African slaves brought to the region. What began as public displays of strength, courage, and initiation rituals among young men eventually transformed into a form of resistance against oppression. Slaves disguised their martial training as dance, intertwining combat techniques with music and movement—a connection that remains inseparable to this day.
The three main currents in Capoeira
You can find three large types of Capoeira: Angola, Regional and the socalled Contemporânea (contemporary Capoeira).
Capoeira Music
The Berimbau
All styles are performed in a circle, or roda, where two capoeiristas engage at a time, accompanied by live Capoeira music. The roda follows specific rituals and rules. Capoeira can be practiced indoors in schools, gyms, or community centers—or outdoors in parks, public spaces, or even on the beach.
- Gunga: the largest and lowest-pitched.
- Médio: the mid-sized and mid-pitched.
- Viola: the smallest and highest-pitched.
The berimbau’s components include the verga (wooden stick), arame (wire), cabaça (gourd resonator), caxixi (small shaker), dobrão (coin), and baqueta (stick). Proper handling and tuning are essential—ask your mestre for guidance.
Special features:
Wedded sets, or berimbaus casados, are hand-picked combinations of perfectly matched parts. The selection process is meticulous, making these unique instruments highly valued.
The Pandeiro
Pandeiro reciclado 10'' paper skin
€129.00*
Handmade pandeiro made from 100% recycled materials - with paper head - vegan!A vegan pandeiro completely made of recycled materials in hand-made quality? Yup, you read that right! The frame is made of upcycled wood that was already destined for being discarded. The jingles are made of old metal components like beer caps and old can bases, the hardware of refurbished scrap metal parts. And the main feature: a head entirely made of recycled paper. The sound is really good, has nice, full mids, a pleasant attack and responds easily. The pandeiro is also in our absolute lightweight category. The jingles are particularly interesting: they have something delicate and rustic at the same time about them, and in their own way go with all Brazilian styles. With a good amount of street character, the pandeiro fulfils the somewhat rawer sound requirement sought for in Capoeira, for example, but at the same time the interleaves made from cans of dry milk add an unexpected lightness that will allow the pandeiro to sound-sparkle at any Choro session. All materials are, of course, thoroughly cleaned and tested before going into production. Like any other handmade pandeiro, the vegan paper pandeiro brings its own distinct sound personality, depending on the availability of the materials. Manufacturer Vagner Oliveira is one of our long-time suppliers of exquisite handmade pandeiros with high-quality sound characteristics. In his demo video you can hear the lower pitches as well as the ease with which the pandeiro accepts and reproduces beautiful tones very well.frame made of upcycled woodhardware made from upcycled scrap metaljingles and interleaves made of recycled scrap metal componentshead made from recycled paperbassy soundsvegan friendlyUser information:The pandeiro is not suitable for high tunings! Although the paper skin is not overly delicate, it is generally more susceptible to tearing than a natural hide due to its nature. We therefore recommend proceeding slowly and carefully during the tuning, especially when tuning for the first time, and possibly ordering a replacement skin with the instrument. For torn paper skins, no warranty can be provided, as the appropriate use is not traceable.
Pandeiro 10'' Hide head
€59.00*
10'' pandeiro with wood frame and hide headBack to the roots - simple construction and solid sound for sessions! Suitable for travels, Capoeira and freestylers or as an affordable option for beginners! The construction is kept simple and sympathetic, the sound pleasantly puristic. The jingles are made of steel sheet and have no interleafs. The sound is raw and well composed! The hardware is epoxy coated.
Pandeiro 08'' Hide head
€52.00*
8'' pandeiro with animal head - compact little travel buddy
An inexpensive and good-sounding travel pandeiro! 8'' is the right size for people with small hands or if you just want to have a compact instrument with you when you are on holidays. This pandeiro also works for Capoeira, for kids or simply for session playing - we can't think of any reason against a small pandeiro that fits in every handbag! Beginners often don't yet want to invest much, a small pandeiro offers a first impression and is also suitable if you are on a tight budget. It is light and rustically made, has a pretty hide head and black hardware. Rustical sound qualities through steel sheet jingles.
Pandeiro Gopinho 06'' green
€27.80*
Gopinho by Gope – Samba for the Next Generation!Gopinho 6” Pandeiro: As small as a tamborim, this little pandeiro is easy to handle and perfect for young players, delivering authentic Brazilian percussion in a kid-friendly size.Meet Gopinho, Gope’s special line of kids’ percussion instruments! Designed for young sambistas, these small-sized, fully functional drums are lightweight, great-sounding, and loads of fun.With real Samba instruments in a size that fits little hands, Gopinho makes it easy for kids to explore rhythms, develop musical skills, and experience the joy of Brazilian percussion. Whether at home, in music class, or playing with a bloco, these drums offer a fantastic introduction to the world of Samba.Start the beat early – with Gopinho, the next generation of sambistas is ready to groove.
Pandeiro Gopinho 08'' green
€29.40*
Gopinho by Gope – Samba for the Next Generation!Gopinho 8” Pandeiro: Small, light, compact, this handy little pandeiro is easy to handle and perfect for young players, delivering authentic Brazilian percussion in a kid-friendly size.Meet Gopinho, Gope’s special line of kids’ percussion instruments! Designed for young sambistas, these small-sized, fully functional drums are lightweight, great-sounding, and loads of fun.With real Samba instruments in a size that fits little hands, Gopinho makes it easy for kids to explore rhythms, develop musical skills, and experience the joy of Brazilian percussion. Whether at home, in music class, or playing with a bloco, these drums offer a fantastic introduction to the world of Samba.Start the beat early – with Gopinho, the next generation of sambistas is ready to groove.
Pandeiro 12'' Hide head
€79.00*
12'' pandeiro with wood frame and hide headBack to the roots - simple construction and solid sound for sessions! Suitable for travels, Capoeira and freestylers or as an affordable option for beginners! The construction is kept simple and sympathetic, the sound pleasantly puristic. The jingles are made of steel sheet and have no interleafs. The sound is raw and well composed! The hardware is epoxy coated.
Pandeiro 08'' Hide head
€87.00*
Handy and light 8'' goat skin head pandeiro - 4 jingle setsA low-priced and nice and light travel pandeiro with a decent sound! 8'' pandeiros have the ideal size for travelling or for people with small hands. Or if you want to take a compact instrument in little luggage on your holidays. Or for Capoeira. Or for kids. Actually, there is absolutely nothing we could think about which is against having a pandeiro that fits in every handbag! It is also suitable for pandeiro beginners, it is light, sturdy and loves being played on beach or by a campfire!
Pandeiro Extra Light 10'' Hide head
€187.00*
Extra Light 10'' Pandeiro with brass jinglesOne of Contemporanea´s top class pandeiros!Like all super-light pandeiros the tension hoop is made of flat material. Whenever you see a flatrim pandeiro, the head is wrapped around a a piece of wire instead of being pressed an a ring. Naturally this saves weight! The 5 pairs of jingles are made of brass. A further characteristic of this instrument is its flat wood frame which is especially suitable for percussionists with smaller hands simply because it it easier to hold. If you have big hands you will probably find it more comfortable to hold a pandeiro with a wider frame.Light pandeiros are ideal for playing the Marcos Suzano technique!Also beginners will enjoy learning with a light pandeiro. The strength to hold a pandeiro in its playing position still needs to be developed and heavy instruments are often considered frustrating in an early stage of learning.Beautiful sound and classic look - an absolute blast!Have more fun playing - go superlight!
Pandeiro Extra Light 09'' Hide head
€162.00*
Extra Light 9'' PandeiroThe smaller brother of Contemporanea´s 10'' Extra Light modell - one of their top line pandeiros!Like all super-light pandeiros the tension hoop is made of flat material. Whenever you see a flatrim pandeiro, the head is wrapped around a a piece of wire instead of being pressed an a ring. Naturally that saves weight! The 5 pairs of jingles are made of chrome sheet. A further characteristic of this instrument is its flat wooden frame which is especially suitable for percussionists with smaller hands simply because it it easier to hold. If you have big hands you will probably find it more comfortable to hold a pandeiro with a wider frame.Light pandeiros are perfect for playing the Marcos Suzano technique!Also beginners will enjoy light pandeiros because the strength to hold a pandeiro in its playing position still needs to be developed and heavy instruments are often considered frustrating in an early stage of learning.Very nice sound and classic look - an absolute blast!Light pandeiro - happy playing!
Pandeiro Choro 11''
€252.00*
Choro Pandeiro 11'' - the top modell by Contemporanea!You have big hands and are searching for fuller and more voluminous sound than a 10'' provides? This superlight 11'' pandeiro with top sound might be what you are looking for!Superlight pandeiros have a differently contructed type of tension hoop: it is made of flat material. The skin is pulled over a piece of wire and not pressed into a ring like usually, that saves weight! The 5 pairs of jingles are made of strong brass producing the Choro-typical tinkling sound. Each pair has a thin brass interleaf inbetween. The transparently varnished wood frame is ornamented with handmande inlay ornaments looking especially beautiful with the gold-plated tension hooks and and nicely picked hide heads.Light pandeiros are especially suitable for playing the Marcos Suzano technique!A light pandeiro is a good choice for pandeiristas of any level! If you are just starting to play the pandeiro, your muscles will have to build up in order to hold the pandeiro in the right playing position. With a too heavy pandeiro you will lose your motivation soon and holding it is very tiring. Advanced players and professional percussionists have a stable technique and can take full advantage of a light instrument!A very aesthetic high quality pandeiro with great sound and excellent design - all in all a very successful pandeiro!
Pandeiro 08'' Hide head
€128.00*
Contemporanea´s small basic pandeiro modell!A mini-allrounder: For beginners, for kids, small hands, as a travel companion, on stage, on the beach or by a camp fire - an 8'' pandeiro is always a good idea!Nice and solid instrument made of 2 layered and transparently varnished woodframe and 5 chromed pairs of triple-layered jingles. Inbetween the jingles there is an extra interleaf for even better sound. The goatskin head is even and has a warm and thick sound. The basic modell by Contemporanea is well manufactured and has the typical slightly muffled typical Contemporanea-style jingle sound.Nice instrument!
Pandeiro 10'' Hide head
€78.00*
Pandeiro 10'' - wood frame with hide head - IzzoAre you new to the pandeiro or Capoeira scene and looking for a versatile, affordable pandeiro that meets proper quality requirements without ripping a hole in your wallet? Izzo has once again managed to design an instrument that fulfils all these criteria, is musically up to the task and offers really good value for money. The jingles sound tight and clean, Izzo's skins are medium thick with lovely basses. Solid design, not overly heavy and convincing details. Great pandeiro for beginners, also very suitable for capoeiristas, sambistas, percussionists or as a schooling instrument. A real allrounder among the pandeiros in the lower price range: versatile, authentic with solid sound characteristics at a fair price.
Pandeiro pine 10''
€75.00*
10'' pine wood pandeiro with natural skin
Solid hide head pandeiro with simple wooden frame made of pine and goat skin head for Samba, Capoeira, Samba de Mesa etc. Chrome sheet jingles sound bright, light and a little bit rustic. Versatile and inexpensive hide head pandeiro, ideal first instrument for beginners, as a travel instrument for sambistas or Capoeira pandeiro for your roda de bamba.
The pandeiro, resembling a tambourine, is a versatile hand drum with jingles arranged to produce a distinct sound. Originating in the Arab world, it adapted to Brazilian culture and features prominently in Capoeira rodas, usually with two pandeiros in the ensemble.
The Atabaque
Atabaque Capoeira 75cm
€489.99*
Traditional atabaque de Capoeira 75 cm with rope tuning Beautiful, hand worked unique pieces made of solid wood planks and sisal ropes. Atabaques are Brazilian hand drums with a rich tradition and African roots. In Brazil atabques are played in Capoeira and ritual Candomblê music. The rope tuning system is especially popular amongst capoeiristas. You can tune the drum by knocking in or loosening the wooden wedges held by a metal hoop. The body is built in traditional barrel style and is boardered by several iron hoops on different levels. The atabaques are made one by one, very nice quality and solid artinsan work by Mestre Negão who manufactures them in his small workshop in São Paulo. Mestre Negão is Capoeirista and instrument builder making exceptional skills. In no more than a small room of his house he creates a lovely selection of beautiful instruments. The atabaques have hand picked, partly shaven skins, solid bodies and a wooden stand with rubber edge that goes with the drum.Dimensions:Instrument height without stand: approx. 75cmInstrument height with stand: approx. 94cmDiameter of head: approx. 9,5''Due to all instruments of this series being artisanally manufactured, some small deviations may occur._____Resetting Atabaque Rings – A Quick GuideTemperature and humidity fluctuations (e.g., indoor heating in winter) can cause the wood to shrink, loosening the rings on your atabaque – this is normal and easy to fix.How to reset the rings:✔ Tools: A flat old file or a piece of hard wood (e.g., oak) and a small hammer.✔ Technique: Work from top to bottom (from the smaller towards the larger diameter), positioning the tool at a fairly vertical angle, almost parallel to the atabaque’s body, to avoid damage. Tap the ring evenly all around. Do not force or tilt too much – the ring should remain parallel to the ground. The better the contact with the body, the more stable the tension.Why is this necessary?Resetting rings is a traditional technique from barrel-making – just like old beer or wine barrels, where metal rings need to be tapped back into place when the wood dries.Gaps between the staves?If the Atabaque shrinks and the rings come loose, tension is lost, causing gaps between the staves. Resetting the rings restores stability and keeps the body together.
Atabaque Capoeira 90cm
€587.00*
Traditional atabaque de Capoeira 90cm with rope tuning Beautiful, hand worked unique pieces made of solid wood planks and sisal ropes. Atabaques are Brazilian hand drums with a rich tradition and African roots. In Brazil atabques are played in Capoeira and ritual Candomblê music. The rope tuning system is especially popular amongst capoeiristas. You can tune the drum by knocking in or loosening the wooden wedges held by a metal hoop with a wood or rubber hammer. The body is built in traditional barrel style and is boardered by several iron hoops on different levels. The atabaques are made one by one, very nice quality and solid artinsan work by Mestre Negão who manufactures them in his small workshop in São Paulo. Mestre Negão is Capoeirista and instrument builder making exceptional skills. In no more than a small room of his house he creates a lovely selection of beautiful instruments. The atabaques have hand picked, partly shaven skins, solid bodies and a wooden stand with rubber edge that goes with the drum.Dimensions:Instrument height without stand: approx. 90cmInstrument height with stand: approx. 110cmDiameter of head: approx. 9,5''Due to all instruments of this series being artisanally manufactured, some small deviations may occur._____Resetting Atabaque Rings – A Quick GuideTemperature and humidity fluctuations (e.g., indoor heating in winter) can cause the wood to shrink, loosening the rings on your atabaque – this is normal and easy to fix.How to reset the rings:✔ Tools: A flat old file or a piece of hard wood (e.g., oak) and a small hammer.✔ Technique: Work from top to bottom (from the smaller towards the larger diameter), positioning the tool at a fairly vertical angle, almost parallel to the atabaque’s body, to avoid damage. Tap the ring evenly all around. Do not force or tilt too much – the ring should remain parallel to the ground. The better the contact with the body, the more stable the tension.Why is this necessary?Resetting rings is a traditional technique from barrel-making – just like old beer or wine barrels, where metal rings need to be tapped back into place when the wood dries.Gaps between the staves?If the Atabaque shrinks and the rings come loose, tension is lost, causing gaps between the staves. Resetting the rings restores stability and keeps the body together.
Atabaque Rum 11''x120cm with stand
€398.00*
Atabaque 120 cm - Rum (biggest size, lowest voice) with wood standAtabaques are commonly found in Candomblé - the ritual drumming of Brazil's heritage. The traditional Brazilian hand drums are usually played in a set of three voices: Lê , Rumpi , Rum. But also in Capoeira or in Samba de Roda one can find atabaques. In the set, this atabaque is a Rum, the largest size used for the lowest voice.The atabaques are solidly built and can be used for many different music styles. A simple wooden shell and carefully picked skins in the right strength help feature the atabaque's typical warm and open sound.A simple wooden stand comes with the instrument.Dimensions:Instrument height without stand: approx. 127cmInstrument height with stand: approx. 139cm_____Resetting Atabaque Rings – A Quick GuideTemperature and humidity fluctuations (e.g., indoor heating in winter) can cause the wood to shrink, loosening the rings on your atabaque – this is normal and easy to fix.How to reset the rings:✔ Tools: A flat old file or a piece of hard wood (e.g., oak) and a small hammer.✔ Technique: Work from top to bottom (from the smaller towards the larger diameter), positioning the tool at a fairly vertical angle, almost parallel to the atabaque’s body, to avoid damage. Tap the ring evenly all around. Do not force or tilt too much – the ring should remain parallel to the ground. The better the contact with the body, the more stable the tension.Why is this necessary?Resetting rings is a traditional technique from barrel-making – just like old beer or wine barrels, where metal rings need to be tapped back into place when the wood dries.Gaps between the staves?If the Atabaque shrinks and the rings come loose, tension is lost, causing gaps between the staves. Resetting the rings restores stability and keeps the body together.
Atabaque Rumpi 10''x100cm with stand
€369.00*
Atabaque 100cm - Rumpi (medium voice) with wood standAtabaques are commonly found in Candomblé - the ritual drumming of Brazil's heritage. The traditional Brazilian hand drums are usually played in a set of three voices: Lê , Rumpi , Rum. But also in Capoeira or a Samba de Roda one can find atabaques. In the set, this atabaque is a Rumpi which plays the middle voice.The atabaques are solidly built and can be used for many different music styles. A simple wooden shell and carefully picked skins in the right strength help feature the atabaque's typical warm and open sound.A simple wooden stand comes with the instrument.Dimensions:Instrument height without stand: approx. 97cmInstrument height with stand: approx. 117cm___Resetting Atabaque Rings – A Quick GuideTemperature and humidity fluctuations (e.g., indoor heating in winter) can cause the wood to shrink, loosening the rings on your atabaque – this is normal and easy to fix.How to reset the rings:✔ Tools: A flat old file or a piece of hard wood (e.g., oak) and a small hammer.✔ Technique: Work from top to bottom (from the smaller towards the larger diameter), positioning the tool at a fairly vertical angle, almost parallel to the atabaque’s body, to avoid damage. Tap the ring evenly all around. Do not force or tilt too much – the ring should remain parallel to the ground. The better the contact with the body, the more stable the tension.Why is this necessary?Resetting rings is a traditional technique from barrel-making – just like old beer or wine barrels, where metal rings need to be tapped back into place when the wood dries.Gaps between the staves?If the Atabaque shrinks and the rings come loose, tension is lost, causing gaps between the staves. Resetting the rings restores stability and keeps the body together.
Atabaque Lê 9''x80cm with stand
€322.00*
Atabaque 80cm - Lê (high voice) with wood standAtabaques are commonly found in Candomblé - the ritual drumming of Brazil's heritage. The traditional Brazilian hand drums are usually played in a set of three voices: Lê , Rumpi , Rum. But also in Capoeira or in Samba de Roda one can find atabaques. In the set, this atabaque is a Lê, thus the smallest size.The atabaques are solidly built and can be used for many different music styles. A simple wooden shell and carefully picked skins in the right strength help feature the atabaque's typical warm and open sound.A simple wooden stand comes with the instrument.Dimensions:Instrument height without stand: approx. 77cmInstrument height with stand: approx. 85cm___Resetting Atabaque Rings – A Quick GuideTemperature and humidity fluctuations (e.g., indoor heating in winter) can cause the wood to shrink, loosening the rings on your atabaque – this is normal and easy to fix.How to reset the rings:✔ Tools: A flat old file or a piece of hard wood (e.g., oak) and a small hammer.✔ Technique: Work from top to bottom (from the smaller towards the larger diameter), positioning the tool at a fairly vertical angle, almost parallel to the atabaque’s body, to avoid damage. Tap the ring evenly all around. Do not force or tilt too much – the ring should remain parallel to the ground. The better the contact with the body, the more stable the tension.Why is this necessary?Resetting rings is a traditional technique from barrel-making – just like old beer or wine barrels, where metal rings need to be tapped back into place when the wood dries.Gaps between the staves?If the Atabaque shrinks and the rings come loose, tension is lost, causing gaps between the staves. Resetting the rings restores stability and keeps the body together.
Atabaque Lê 90cm
€347.00*
Handmade atabaque 90 cm - Lê (small size)The Atabaque is the traditional Brazilian handdrum. Its home is in the Candomblé and it usually is played in a set of 3 - Lê , Rumpi and Rum. But it is also found in Capoeira and Samba de Roda, where it gives the rhythms its soulful sounds.In the ritual drumset of 3, this Atabaque is the Lê, the smallest size drum. Our atabaques are manufactured in one of the most known ateliers of Rio de Janeiro, handmade one by one. The art of building them has been passed on over many years. A solid shell and well selected skins in the right thickness are what make the atabaques sound in their typical warm and open way.The instrument comes with a simple iron stand.Dimensions:Instrument height without stand: approx. 90cmInstrument height with stand: approx. 110cmDiameter of head: approx. 9,5''Due to all instruments of this series being artisanally manufactured, some small deviations may occur.___Resetting Atabaque Rings – A Quick GuideTemperature and humidity fluctuations (e.g., indoor heating in winter) can cause the wood to shrink, loosening the rings on your atabaque – this is normal and easy to fix.How to reset the rings:✔ Tools: A flat old file or a piece of hard wood (e.g., oak) and a small hammer.✔ Technique: Work from top to bottom (from the smaller towards the larger diameter), positioning the tool at a fairly vertical angle, almost parallel to the atabaque’s body, to avoid damage. Tap the ring evenly all around. Do not force or tilt too much – the ring should remain parallel to the ground. The better the contact with the body, the more stable the tension.Why is this necessary?Resetting rings is a traditional technique from barrel-making – just like old beer or wine barrels, where metal rings need to be tapped back into place when the wood dries.Gaps between the staves?If the Atabaque shrinks and the rings come loose, tension is lost, causing gaps between the staves. Resetting the rings restores stability and keeps the body together.
Atabaque Rumpi 100cm
€382.00*
Handmade atabaque 100 cm - Rumpi (medium size)The Atabaque is the traditional Brazilian hand drum. Its home is in the Candomblé and it usually is played in a set of 3 - Lê , Rumpi and Rum. But it is also found in Capoeira and Samba de Roda, where it gives the rhythms its soulful sounds.In the ritual drumset of 3, this Atabaque is the Rumpi, the middle size drum. Our atabaques are manufactured in one of the most known ateliers of Rio de Janeiro, handmade one by one. The art of building them has been passed on over many years. A solid shell and well selected skins in the right thickness are what make the atabaques sound in their typical warm and open way.The instrument comes with a simple iron stand.Dimensions:Instrument height without stand: approx. 100cmInstrument height with stand: approx. 112cmDiameter of head: approx. 9,5'' Due to all instruments of this series being artisanally manufactured, some small deviations may occur.___Resetting Atabaque Rings – A Quick GuideTemperature and humidity fluctuations (e.g., indoor heating in winter) can cause the wood to shrink, loosening the rings on your atabaque – this is normal and easy to fix.How to reset the rings:✔ Tools: A flat old file or a piece of hard wood (e.g., oak) and a small hammer.✔ Technique: Work from top to bottom (from the smaller towards the larger diameter), positioning the tool at a fairly vertical angle, almost parallel to the atabaque’s body, to avoid damage. Tap the ring evenly all around. Do not force or tilt too much – the ring should remain parallel to the ground. The better the contact with the body, the more stable the tension.Why is this necessary?Resetting rings is a traditional technique from barrel-making – just like old beer or wine barrels, where metal rings need to be tapped back into place when the wood dries.Gaps between the staves?If the Atabaque shrinks and the rings come loose, tension is lost, causing gaps between the staves. Resetting the rings restores stability and keeps the body together.
Skin for atabaque, 49cm unmounted
€33.32*
Skin for atabaque, diameter approx. 50cm - unmounted (without ring), thickness approx. 0.6 mm
Atabaques are standing drums used in Capoeira and Afro-Brazilian religions like Candomblé. The drum’s barrel-shaped body and hide head are tensioned using wedges or tuning hoops. In Capoeira, the Rumpi (medium-sized) drum is typically used, although traditional sets include the Rum (largest), Rumpi, and Lê (smallest).