To maximase the life span of your hide skins you can detune the drum after use. If the weather suddenly gets hotter and dryer the skin contracts and stretches, so it's best to leave a bit of slack whilst your surdo drum is in storage.

Please note that some makes of so called surdos made outside Brazil do not allow enough space between the tuning system and the body of the drum for a wooden hoop. Its always best to buy samba instruments and equipment made in Brazil.