Tamborim Beater

A tamborim is a small percussion instrument from Brazil, used in samba music and other styles of Brazilian music. They are played with a flexible plastic beater, which is basically a bundle of two or more thin plastic rods.

I bought a tamborim beater in Brazil that is made with two high quality flexible plastic sticks. Unfortunately, these plastic sticks are rather hard to come by outside of Brazil. I've searched everywhere but I can't seem to find the same material. Companies like LP and Meinl make tamborim sticks, but they are poor quality and don't last very long. They also cost about $5 or more. I've found that you can make a better beater with plastic coat hangers and stuff you can find around the house!

Step 1 Materials and Tools

Like I said, you can probably find all the materials you need around your house.

You'll need:

2 or 3 plastic coat hangers
Electrical tape
A file(or the sidewalk)
Wire cutters(or something else that can cut plastic)

Comments

[SuriSean]

Well, I just finished building a tamborim from a 6" pvc ring, some music wire, some hardware parts and anaconda skin... it looks neat, and it sounds nice. For the very few of you that do not have anoconda skin, rontgen pictures make great drumskins! I am not sure how to do a tutorial on how i did it all though, but am willing to share information!

[chapa-de-frente]

nice, now i can make a tamborim and beater!

[justinrobert]

I LOVE YOU! OBRIGADO!

[eshneto]

 I love playing tamborim. Ta caraca tá caraca tá... or teco teco teleco teleco teco, ah ah ah!

[Cardinal Fang]

Tamborims (or "tams) have a loud, fairly high pitched "crack" when hit. You can fake one on many things including pots and pans. Not quite the same as a real tam, but good enough if you're improvising.

[gmoon]

Anyone have a link where I might hear a Tamborim? That's such a cool little drum--and I though a bodhrán was small....

[drumperry]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NqS_f702stM

[rikkdbomb]

yeah this is cool and all but who the hell has a tamborim... i wish this was on how to make a tamborim, not just a drumstick. those are easy to buy, but I guess you wanted something specific to the instrument.

[drumperry]

This was intended for people who already have a tamborim and don't want to spend the extra money on a stick. Also, for a school or community samba group to save money.

[joejoerowley]

I love the Tamborim. It is a great instrument. Very Loud!!

[drumperry]

Yeah, this beater I made is even louder than the one I got in Brazil too!

[!Andrew_Modder!]

lol, tam beater :-P

[Tonamel]

Now if only I could make the tamborim as cheaply and easily!