Carlinhos Brown Creates and Adapts His Own Instruments

The award-winning multi-instrumentalist adapts, creates and gives new meaning to his instruments

Carlinhos Brown is an incredibly versatile and creative artist, especially when it comes to music. He has built his career out of incredible musical performances, social work and percussion.

He was the first Brazilian musician to be named Ibero-American Ambassador of Culture and to become a member of the US Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. And he’s also a singer, composer, arranger, instrumentalist and coach on The Voice Brazil and The Voice Kids.

As well as creating rhythms using totally surprising objects, Carlinhos researches the sound of existing instruments to create new ones. Don’t miss the video showcasing just some of his innovations!

Surdo Virado

The Surdo Virado drum is one of Carlinhos’ many adaptations. He turned a surdo on its side to extract the greatest possible sound, using the whole body of the instrument (totó, shell and rims).

This allows you to simulate the sound of an entire drum kit, for example.

"Adapt instruments and create your own musical concept." - Carlinhos Brown

ASA

The first instrument Carlinhos created from scratch was the ASA. He wanted a melodious percussion instrument that allowed him to create a range of sounds.

He uses the entire body of the instrument to create an orchestra of drums with different tones.

Love Carlinhos Brown’s creations? If you want to discover your inner percussionist with Carlinhos, don’t miss his online course: Introduction to Percussion: Discover the Magic of Rhythm.

English version by @studiogaunt

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