Brazilian Berimbau, Viola Tone (High), Small Size Gourd with Pirographed Finish

I play percussion, mostly hand percussion stuff like congas, bongos, djembe, cajon, darbuka, but also a lot of other small percussion items. This is a bit of a departure for me, but I love the thing. I'm picking it up fairly quickly; I believe that just about any of my fellow percussionists could do the same, if they want to add something different to their repertoire.Now, in fairness, I must tell you that if you are not used to doing it, stringing one of these things up is a DOG. But, like mounting a new head on a conga, it's something that you can do, and something that gets a little easier each time.The sound is unique and beautiful. The possibilities are limited only by one's imagination. The instrument itself, while not so elaborately decorated as the one depicted, is quite striking. The cabaca had a few spots where the varnish might have been better, but that is nitpicking. Bottom line is that I absolutely love this berimbau. It has such a natural, handmade, folkloric feel to it that it is a pleasure just to hold; then you begin to play it, and that exotic sound thrills you. I would recommend this product. Just be aware, if you are new to this instrument, you may need someone to help you string it properly, especially if you are not very strong. (I'm six feet two and 200 pounds, fairly muscular, and I needed my wife's help the first time out.)

I got this for my wife. It is her first berimbau. She loves it. It sounds great (even her teacher commented on the sound) and she plays it all the time. It was a good berimbau for her to start with because it is easy to string (after the first week or so, I know she had a couple of bruised knees and a lot of frustration but that's a given with your first berimbau!) and it's pretty light. It looks good, too, with the pictographs. People give her complements all the time. The caxixi is the shorter version and she says that's easier to play with as well, it's easy to hold, plus it has a cool stripe on the side. The berimbau came faster than I expected and it arrived in good shape. The gourd was packed well. All together a great experience.

Poor quality in packaging. Came with stick sticking out of packaging. Gourd and basket missing. String off and loose. No instructions. Disappointed and returning it

Love it

This is a beautiful berimbau. It has a great sound and it's light, easy to hold and fairly easy to arm. It's especially great for beginners who can't hold a super heavy berimbau. It came quickly and the customer service from Virtual Capoeira is awesome. I had an issue with my verga and they fixed it for me right away and even sent me a bunch of tips about how to care for my verga and keep it in good shape. Every berimbau is different - another friend ordered from them and his verga is also pictographed but has its own unique design. Awesome!!