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.

Related products

Izzo

Cuica 06''x20cm inox

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!

€69.00

Gope

Cuica 10''x30cm inox

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.

€233.00*

Details

Gope

Cuica 09''x28cm aluminium

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.

€144.00

Contemporânea

Cuica 08''x23cm inox

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.

€197.00*

Details

Gope

Cuica 10''x30cm aluminium

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!

€235.00*

Details

Gope

Cuica 06''x17cm aluminium

Mini Cuica 6'' - compact travel cuicaSmall, light mini cuica with black tension hoop, hide head on an aluminium ring and solidly constructed - everything's a size smaller here! The seam of the body is welded. Welded shells produce a higher and more audible part of shell sound. 6'' is not a size for joining a bateria, but great for sessions by the logfire, to take on your travels, when playing in a small round or for beginners who want to try playing a cuica and are looking for an inexpensive and fun option.

€48.00

Izzo

Cuica 10''x30cm inox

10'' Cuica with inox shell A 'fully-grown' cuica can fit in any bateria. The larger the resonating body is, the more audible you will be in larger percussion groups. Larger diameter cuicas can also be tuned lower and therewith produce a wider range of tones, which is especially nice if you want to use a wider sound spectrum e.g. in a Pagode or in smaller groups.The head with the little bamboo stick is mounted and ready to play, you might find it helpful to sand the dry bamboo stick a tad thinner with some sandpaper. This makes the head more responsive, keep in mind that the stick also becomes more sensitive when it's thinner.The body is made of stainless steel, the hardware is chromed, rustic and well made instrument. The Cuica is a lovable, difficult to play but very fun instrument, which is very common in Brazil and is becoming more and more popular outside the country as well.Something different!

€115.00*

Details

New

Gope

Reco Reco Simples black

Reco Reco Simples black with 3 springsIf you've ever listened to a Pagode session in Rio, you probably know how a typical reco reco sounds: dry and sharp, gritty and piercing – somewhat like a subtle caixa. It's an instrument that strongly defines the overall sound, adds a touch of "white noise," and requires a skilled hand to play.If the springs sound too metallic for your taste, you can dampen the tone or reverb by covering them with tape. Alternatively, you can gently press on the springs with your thumb to moderate the sound.A crisp companion for Pagode!

€24.00*

Details

New

Gope

Pandeiro 08'' Nylon Head

€43.80

New

Gope

Agogo Duplo reels purple

Agogo Duplo reels purple with stick - classic 2-bell agogo from GopeThe bells are comfortable to hold and can be muffled easily if you want to play softer tones. They can be pressed together to produce the characteristic click sound with little effort. Each bell also has 2 small muffling stickers on the inside to prevent lingering reverberation and unwanted overtones. Good-sounding agogô with a nice interval.A stick is included.Good to know:In Brazil, it is not common to tune agogos to certain tones or the same pitch; dissonance and individuality are quite normal and actually favoured. This means that each instrument can sound slightly different, even if it is the same model.

€39.00

New

Gope

Tamborim 06'' Frisado Linha Brasil

Powerful, thick-walled frame in Brazil's national colours for a rich, resonant sound with plenty of shell presence. This high-quality pro-tamborim features 6 tuning hooks and a nylon skin. The grooves ensure a powerful sound while keeping the weight minimal. The Linha Brazil color line is a tribute to the 2014 World Cup held in Brazil. Gope incorporated this vibrant design into their instrument range to celebrate the spirit and culture of the event.

€39.00*

Details

New

Gope

Rebolo 11''x55cm purple

Conical rebolo with hide head in the popular 11" size - GopeThis 11" rebolo is a top choice for Pagode enthusiasts. In Rio's Pagode circles, the 11" size reigns as the most popular, delivering the warm, authentic tones that define the genre whilst being compact and voluminous. The natural skin is highly favored among players for its rich sound and resonance, even though it may require a bit more refined technique compared to korino heads.Perfect for hand percussionists, this rebolo offers a fresh, vibrant style and exceptional tonal quality, we love the feel and Gope's funky, colorful designs. Whether you're a seasoned Pagode fan or exploring the groove for the first time, this rebolo ensures a superb playing experience.Elevate your sound with the drumhead trusted by Pagode players in Brazil and beyond – the ideal blend of tradition, quality, and style!

€187.60

New

Gope

Agogo Duplo purple

Agogo Duplo purple with stick - classic 2-bell agogo from GopeThe bells are comfortable to hold and can be muffled easily if you want to play softer tones. They can be pressed together to produce the characteristic click sound with little effort. Each bell also has 2 small muffling stickers on the inside to prevent lingering reverberation and unwanted overtones. Good-sounding agogô with a nice interval.A stick is included.Good to know:In Brazil, it is not common to tune agogos to certain tones or the same pitch; dissonance and individuality are quite normal and actually favoured. This means that each instrument can sound slightly different, even if it is the same model.

€39.00

New

Gope

Agogo Duplo Selfie blue

Agogo Duplo Selfie blue with stick - classic 2-bell agogo from GopeThe bells are comfortable to hold and can be muffled easily if you want to play softer tones. They can be pressed together to produce the characteristic click sound with little effort. Each bell also has 2 small muffling stickers on the inside to prevent lingering reverberation and unwanted overtones. Good-sounding agogô with a nice interval.A stick is included.Good to know:In Brazil, it is not common to tune agogos to certain tones or the same pitch; dissonance and individuality are quite normal and actually favoured. This means that each instrument can sound slightly different, even if it is the same model.

€39.00

New

Gope

Rebolo cónico 12''x45cm orange

Rebolo 12'' x 45 cm with natural skin, conical orange aluminium shellStylish bass drum for your Samba Pagode in orange from Gope. Natural skin for authentic bass and a powerful pulse for your samba de mesa session.

€189.00

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Rebolo 06''x20cm Gopinho

Gopinho by Gope – Samba for the Next Generation!Gopinho 6” Rebolo: Small, light and compact - this little rebolo 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.

€21.71

New

Gope

Rebolo 11''x55cm green

€187.60

New

Gope

Rebolo 10''x45cm black

Conical rebolo with hide head in a compact 10" size - GopeA 10" rebolo is a must-have for Pagode fans who prefer a more compact size. Easy to handle with a warm, full, and authentic sound, it’s the perfect contrast to the larger tan tan or surdo in a Pagode setup. The natural hide head offers smooth resonance, soft attack, and versatile tones – though it might take a little more finesse to play than a korino head.This rebolo brings fresh energy to every session! With its vibrant style and Gope’s funky colors, it’s a proper eye-catcher. Whether you’re a seasoned Pagode pro or just starting to explore the grooves, this rebolo guarantees fun, style, and top-notch sound.

€148.80

New

Gope

Pandeiro Super Light 10'' orange

Pandeiro 10'' Super Light, orangeUltra-light Pagode pandeiro with a 10'' diameter, featuring a transparent "cristal" head and a lacquered wooden frame for crisp, precise sounds. Professional sound meets durable hardware: a powder-coated rim and modern, bright-sounding jingles. A true power pandeiro – with an impressively lightweight frame that shines in any Samba session!Another genius lightweight from Gope, designed for top sound and comfort.

€149.00*

Details

New

Gope

Tamborim 06'' Frisado black

Tamborim 6'' Frisado (with grooved frame) - blackStrong, thick-walled frame for a rich sound and a lot of body in the sound. Solid professional tamborim with 6 tension hooks.

€39.00*

Details

New

Gope

Tamborim 06'' Frisado purple

Powerful, thick-walled frame in funky lilac for a rich, resonant sound with plenty of shell presence. This high-quality pro-tamborim features 6 tuning hooks and a transparent cristal drumhead. The grooves ensure a powerful sound while keeping the weight minimal.

€45.01*

Details

New

Gope

Rebolo 11''x55cm reels turquoise

€187.60

New

Gope

Reco Reco Linha Brasil 4 springs

Reco Reco Aluminium with 4 Springs - Linha BrasilLooking for the authentic sound of a Reco Reco? If you've experienced a Pagode session in Rio or watched one online, you know that unmistakable dry, sharp, and crisp tone—like a subtle caixa. This reco reco features a high-quality, neatly finished aluminium body, designed to deliver that signature sound.The four springs can be easily taped to reduce reverberation or muffled with your thumb for versatile sound control. Part of the Linha Brasil series, this reco reco pays tribute to the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.Key Features:Material: Aluminium body with 4 springsPerfect for: Pagode and Samba de MesaDimensions: 28 cm x 9.8 cm x 7 cm (including springs)Bring the joy of Pagode to your music with this fun and iconic Brazilian percussion instrument!

€59.00*

Details

New

Gope

Agogo Duplo reels turquoise

Agogo Duplo Reels green with stick - classic 2-bell agogo from GopeThe bells are comfortable to hold and can be muffled easily if you want to play softer tones. They can be pressed together to produce the characteristic click sound with little effort. Each bell also has 2 small muffling stickers on the inside to prevent lingering reverberation and unwanted overtones. Good-sounding agogô with a nice interval.A stick is included.Good to know:In Brazil, it is not common to tune agogos to certain tones or the same pitch; dissonance and individuality are quite normal and actually favoured. This means that each instrument can sound slightly different, even if it is the same model.

€39.00

New

Gope

Pandeiro Super Light 10'' blue

Pandeiro 10'' Super Light, blueUltra-light Pagode pandeiro with a 10'' diameter, featuring a transparent "cristal" head and a lacquered wooden frame for crisp, precise sounds. Professional sound meets durable hardware: a powder-coated rim and modern, bright-sounding jingles. A true power pandeiro – with an impressively lightweight frame that shines in any Samba session!Another genius lightweight from Gope, designed for top sound and comfort.

€149.00

New

Timbra

Rebolo / Tan Tan cónico 12''x50cm yellow

Authentic Rio - conical tan tan 12" x 50cm with natural skinThe rich bassy heartbeat is the foundation of every Samba de Mesa ensemble! A Pagode session on the beach, in a bar or on stage - a tan tan or a rebolo are an essential part of it. Compact hand surdo that can be played as a tan tan or as a rebolo. Tan tans with natural skins sound particularly beautiful and are the standard in Rio's scene. Timbra is a top brand that builds beautiful, very well-made instruments that are particularly popular for stage gigs due to their stylish appearance. Chrome-plated hardware on a lacquered shell, comfort rim and clean edges - a great, traditional instrument with a modern finish and top sound!

€166.01

New

Timbra

Rebolo / Tan Tan 12''x50cm blue bike

Authentic Rio - slightly conical tan tan 12" x 50cm with natural skinThe rich bassy heartbeat is the foundation of every Samba de Mesa ensemble! A Pagode session on the beach, in a bar or on stage - a tan tan or a rebolo are an essential part of it. Compact hand surdo that can be played as a tan tan or as a rebolo. Tan tans with natural skins sound particularly beautiful and are the standard in Rio's scene. Timbra is a top brand that builds beautiful, very well-made instruments that are particularly popular for stage gigs due to their stylish appearance. Chrome-plated hardware on a lacquered shell, comfort rim and clean edges - a great, traditional instrument with a modern finish and top sound!

€166.01

New

Timbra

Rebolo / Tan Tan 12''x50cm red

€166.01

New

Timbra

Timbal 14''x80cm yellow

14'' x 80 cm timbal with 16 high-tension hooks, aluminium shell80cm timbals are the perfect alternative if you find the 90cm models too big and heavy, without compromising on sound – the difference in sound is so small that even trained ears will hardly notice it.Compact timbal for crisp, high tunings, clear and smacky slaps, powerful open tones, rich basses – this model from the top brand Timbra with 16 hooks can withstand the highest tuning! Many Axé Pop bands, Samba Reggae blocos and also Samba schools in Rio have been following the trend of tuning timbals extremely high for quite some years. In order to better distribute the high forces that occur when tuning high and to avoid overloading the shell, the tension is distributed to the shell by using more hooks. An additional reinforcing ring helps to balance the pressure. The shell is built for tunings that would not be possible with a traditional timbal. Very well made instrument.A true visual standout and a tonal masterpiece, robust and high-quality, crafted in the authentic Bahian style – this timbal fits perfectly into diverse musical worlds, from Samba Reggae blocos and Rio style batucadas to Brazilian, jazz, pop, or world music bands.

€246.00*

Details

New

Timbra

Timbal 14''x80cm green

€246.00*

Details

New

Timbra

Timbal 14''x90cm yellow

14'' x 90 cm timbal with 16 high-tension hooks, aluminium shellCrisp tuning, clear and smacky slaps, powerful open tones, rich basses – this model from the top brand Timbra with 16 hooks can withstand the highest tuning! Many Axé Pop bands, Samba Reggae blocos and also Samba schools in Rio have been following the trend of tuning timbals extremely high for quite some years. In order to better distribute the high forces that occur when tuning high and to avoid overloading the shell, the tension is distributed to the shell by using more hooks. An additional reinforcing ring helps to balance the pressure. The shell is built for tunings that would not be possible with a traditional timbal. Very well made instrument.More material, like tension hooks and reinforcing elements, naturally adds some weight. But once the timbal is on the stand on stage, the extra weight is no longer an issue – every gram is worth it for the sound! And with a good strap, you can still carry it comfortably as usual.A true visual standout and a tonal masterpiece, robust and high-quality, crafted in the authentic Bahian style – this timbal fits perfectly into diverse musical worlds, from Samba Reggae blocos and Rio style batucadas to Brazilian, jazz, pop, or world music bands.

€264.00*

Details

New

Timbra

Timbal 14''x90cm green

Timbal 14'' x 90 cm mit 16 Spannhaken für hohe Spannung, AluminiumkesselHöchste Stimmung, klare und knackige Slaps, kräftige open Tones, satte Bässe - das Modell mit 16 Spannhaken der Top-Marke Timbra hält knackig-hohe Stimmungen aus! Viele Axé-Popbands, Samba Reggae Blocos und auch Sambaschulen in Rio folgen seit einigen Jahren dem Trend, Timbals extrem hoch zu stimmen. Um die hohen Kräfte, die beim Hochstimmen entstehen, besser zu verteilen und den Kessel nicht zu überlasten, wird die Spannung über mehr Spannhaken auf den Kessel verteilt. Ein zusätzlicher Verstärkungsring hilft bei der Kräfteverteilung. Der Korpus ist für die Stimmungen gebaut, die mit einer traditionellen Timbal nicht realisierbar wären. Sehr gute Verarbeitung.Mehr Material, wie Spannhaken und Verstärkungselemente, bedeutet natürlich auch mehr Gewicht. Doch sobald die Timbal auf der Bühne im Ständer steht, spielt das keine Rolle mehr – jeder zusätzliche Gramm ist es für den Sound wert! Mit einem guten Gurt kannst Du die Timbal natürlich auch einfach wie gewohnt tragen.Ein echtes optisches Highlight, ein klangliches Vergnügen, robust und hochwertig verarbeitet, im original Bahian Style – diese Timbal hat seinen Platz in verschiedenen musikalische Welten, von Blocos und Baterias hin zu Brasil-, Jazz-, Pop- oder Weltmusikbands.

€264.00*

Details

Cuica - product guide

What size?

Inox or steel sheet?

Goat skin head or synthetic head?