Contemporanea CL-SUA08 Surdo Metal Light 20" X 40CM- 8 Tension Rods
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Information
Information
Manufacturer Information
Contemporanea
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Safety manager:
BAHIA STEEL
Email: bahiasteel@bahiasteel.com
Address:
Historical Context and Positioning in the Range
Born in the samba schools of Rio, the surdo is the pulse of the batucada. This "Metal Light" model follows the line of modern metal surdos: lighter than wooden versions, more resistant to climatic variations, and easy to transport. It targets groups that prioritize mobility, reliability, and controlled volume in parades or on stage.
Who This Surdo Is For
Designed for beginners as well as intermediate percussionists, this surdo is suitable for workshops, street bands, music schools, and carnival groups. Its 20" diameter fits the roles of "segunda" or rhythmic support in samba-enredo, samba-reggae, axé, and batucada styles, while remaining comfortable for smaller players.
Features and Innovations
The lightweight metal shell offers an excellent stiffness-to-weight ratio, reducing fatigue during long marches. The 8 tension rods distribute tension evenly, facilitating precise tuning even for novices. The steel hoops provide solid head retention and stable striking, while the refined shell edges promote consistent response across the surface. Strap attachment points (depending on configuration) make carrying during parades intuitive.
Sound Characteristics
The metal delivers direct projection and a sharp attack, ideal for cutting through a dense ensemble. Compared to wood, aluminum produces a tighter low end with controlled sustain that avoids muddiness in the lower spectrum. The 40 cm depth provides sufficient air column for a pronounced punch without trailing.
Synthetic heads ensure tuning stability and consistent sound in humid or hot conditions. When tuned low, you get a round and clear "boom" to mark the downbeat; with slightly higher tension, the response gains definition to interact with caixas, repiniques, and tamborims.
Technical specifications
| Instrument size | Large | Depth | 40 " |
| Category | surdo | Color | Grey |
| Type | surdo | Finishing | Aluminum |
| Material | aluminium | Hardware | Polished steel |
| Skin type | Synthetic | Diameter | 20 " |
| Shell material | lightweight metal (aluminum) | Keys/nuts | standard for quick tuning |
| Construction | rigid shell for better projection | Configuration | striking head + resonant head |
| Finish | brushed/clear metal look | Styles | samba, batucada, samba-reggae, axé |
| Number of tension rods | 8 | Audience | beginners to intermediate players, music schools, street bands, and ensembles |
| Hoops | high-strength steel | ||
Questions frequently asked
Is the Contemporanea CL-SUA08 surdo suitable for a street batucada?
Its lightweight aluminum shell reduces fatigue during transport. The 20-inch diameter and 40 cm depth provide direct projection suitable for samba ensembles and parades.
What is the sound of a 20-inch metal surdo?
The metal shell produces a sharp attack and a tighter low end compared to wood. The 40 cm depth favors a pronounced punch with controlled sustain.
Can this surdo be used as a segunda?
This model is suited for the role of segunda or rhythmic support in a samba-enredo, a batucada, or a samba-reggae ensemble.
How many tuning rods does this Contemporanea surdo have?
The 8 tuning rods distribute tension evenly on the synthetic heads and facilitate homogeneous tuning. The steel hoops securely hold the batter and resonant heads in place. Higher tension yields more definition to interact with caixas and repiniques.
Do the heads remain stable outdoors?
The synthetic heads maintain tuning stability against humidity and heat.



