Meinl BE1R birimbao

General

The Meinl BE1R berimbau is a string instrument that originates from Africa, although it’s now mostly found in Brazil. The berimbau is often used in the African/Brazilian martial art of capoeira, where this instrument can set the tempo of the fight. This berimbau made of high-quality fibreglass, which gives it an unusual sound that is sure to intrigue your audience. Furthermore, Meinl has even thrown in a free carrying bag for the instrument.

Anatomy of the berimbau

The berimbau consists of a number of different parts. The fibreglass bow is called the 'verga', and it forms the basis of the berimbau. The string is called the 'arame' and it runs along the entire length of the bow, at the bottom of which we find the 'cabaça', an open ball that lets the vibrations resonate. The 'dobrão' is a small metal plate that you press against the string, or 'arame', to change the instruments pitch. Finally, the wooden beater is called the 'baqueta', and you use this to play the instrument.

Playing the berimbau

You hold the wooden beater and the rattling caxixi in your right hand, while your left hand supports the bow and uses the little metal disc to adjust the tension of the string. Meanwhile, you can press the opening of the 'cabaça' against your body to close it off, so that when you move the entire instrument to and away from your body, you get an intriguing wah-wah effect.