The timbal is a conical hand drum played with both hands. It is used most often for Afro-Brazilian rhythms, like axé and samba-reggae. The timbal is lightweight and made of lacquered wood or aluminium with a tunable synthetic skin on one end. The timbal is designed to play loud, rapid phrases and solos with powerful slaps. The sound of a timbal varies from a clear, well-defined high tone to a strong, deep bass. The timbal is available in different lengths; longer timabls produce deeper bass tones.
The timbal is carried using a shoulder strap. The playing technique is similar to that of a conga or djembé.
