The Repinique (sometimes misspelled as repenique) was introduced into Rio baterias in the 1950's. Also known as a repique , this is a cylindrical metal drum similar to but lighter than a kettle drum, with skins at both ends and a very dry tone.

The original repiniques were longer than modern ones, and covered with a hide head to give a low mellow tone. We sell repiques with plastic heads, but you can buy ready made hide skins for repiniques here.

In samba the repinique is played with a short wooden stick and a hand, in other Brazilian styles such as samba reggae it is played with a pair of whippy sticks made of plastic.

The function of a repinique drum in samba is to complement the tamborins and to support the surdos. The repinique is also used as a solo instrument, calling in the rest of the drums, and setting the speed for the whole samba band.