Can you play Maracatu on a surdo?
It is possible, but: you can just as well play badminton using a tennis racket or play on a simple little flute while marching in a brass band not much of a ball to me!All music styles develop their own authentic range of instruments in the course of time, so it should be more or less understood that playing Samba or Maracatu calls for the original instruments!
What is the right size for me?
The most common sizes range from 18'' to 22'' with a height of 35-50cm. Smaller (16'') and larger drums ( up to 28') are the exemption! Light weighted 14" alfaias are perfect for children.The following sizes can be related to all 3 alfaia voices: Marcante : 22'', Meio : 20'', Repique : 18''.
Minor changes commonly made regarding a smaller or larger diameter are no problem, as they can be compensated by an appropriate
tuning, but a solid and deep rhythmic groove can only be accomplished with the perfect
sized drum.
The tight patterns of a Repique for example require an alfaia with a short and
explicit higher pitched sound. All in all, the most important factor is to create a musical
experience of wholeness: on the one hand the single voices must be heard individually
within the group, and on the other hand all voices must be able to melt into one whole
powerful thunderstorm of rhythm and energy!
How thick should the head be?
The batter head should be a bit thicker than the resonant head, - a moderate thick goat skin with a fairly smooth structured surface is sufficient. Too thick skins from older goats or calvesproduce a too hard, clacking sound similar to the sound of a wooden stick used on a Conga. Natural heads get smoother by the time and develop a fuller and warmer sound.
Is it difficult to tune an alfaia?
A bit of skill, technique and practise is all you need to be able to tune your instrument in notmore than a few minutes.
Please see this tuning instructions for hints and help!
Source: www.kalango.com
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