Contemporanea Timbal 14" x 90cm wood Cara de Cobra White - 16 shots. - Pro Timbal

Historical Context and Positioning in the Range

Born and popularized in Salvador de Bahia, the timbal has established itself as a sonic signature of afro blocks and street ensembles. Its role is central in the aesthetic of timbalada and samba-reggae: a percussive, powerful, and danceable playing style designed to carry sound far, interact with other percussion instruments, and structure collective energy. In a Brazilian bateria, it stands out for its ability to quickly shift from rhythmic support to accentuation while remaining extremely mobile.

Who This Timbal Is For

This timbal is intended for both beginner and advanced percussionists seeking an intuitive, immediately musical instrument focused on ensemble playing. It is particularly suited to Brazilian styles (samba-reggae, "timbalada") and all situations requiring a mobile percussion instrument with strong projection: parades, batucadas, animations, ensemble rehearsals, amplified stage performances. Bare-hand playing also makes it an excellent choice for musicians sensitive to "touch": nuances, articulation, attack placement, and accent management quickly become very rewarding.

Features and Innovations

As a membranophone with a conical shell, the timbal is designed to offer two complementary registers within a single instrument. Striking near the edges produces precise and sharp high-pitched sounds, perfect for fast phrases, calls, and responses within an ensemble. Playing in the center of the drumhead develops rounder low-pitched sounds, ideal for establishing the groove and adding weight to the pulse.

Its lightweight design promotes quick handling and reduces fatigue during long sessions, a key point for street contexts. The strap carrying provides real stability: the instrument stays well positioned, helping maintain consistent striking even while walking, turning, or playing in confined spaces. The result: an instrument designed for movement without compromising sound presence.

Sound

The conical shape directly influences the response: the attack is clear, projection is natural, and the timbal easily "cuts through" the percussion section. Played bare-handed, it highlights the precision of gestures and differentiation of striking zones. Near the edge, the drumhead responds with more brightness and definition, making breaks, calls, and variations very distinct. In the center, the timbal delivers a denser bass, useful for stabilizing the pattern and providing a solid rhythmic foundation.

In samba-reggae contexts, this duality makes the timbal a true driving force: it can support the structure, send signals, color transitions, and reinforce accents without changing instruments. Whether outdoors (where projection is crucial) or on stage (where it is easily miked or amplified), it maintains a clear presence with dynamics that encourage lively and danceable playing.

Technical specifications

Instrument size	Large	Depth	90 cm
Category	Brazilian	Color	Multicolor
Type	timbao	Hardware	Chromed
Material	wood	Diameter	14 "
Skin type	Synthetic

Family	membranophone	Transport and playing on the move	strap for carrying during parades
Playing style	bare hands	Origin and roots	Salvador de Bahia
Playing principle	high sounds on the edges and low sounds in the center	Usage context	timbalada
Typical use	rhythmic patterns and calls in samba-reggae ensembles	Associated rhythms	samba-reggae
Design	lightweight (easier to carry than a djembe during movement)