Shopping for djembe drums can be daunting, if you don't know what you need. A drum's personality is created by its size, tuning mechanism, shell composition and head type. The drum is your voice; hence, it should be an extension of yourself. This buying guide should shed some light on the subject, allowing you to find your perfect drum.
Picking the material for your shell
Many different shell materials are available for a djembe, in both natural and synthetic varieties. It is vital to keep in mind the conditions where you will perform as you decide one way or the other. If you opt for a natural or wood body material, it has to be one that was specifically treated to prevent rot or bugs in the drum. Use caution when purchasing a traditionally made drum, as this can sometimes be a problem in some parts of the world. The drum's body is generally manufactured out of a type of fiberglass These man-made drums are quite sturdy; they play well and hold up admirably despite poor conditions. The tonal qualities are slightly different and less "earthy" but you can still project just fine when you play.
Choosing your drum head
Djembe drum heads are traditionally made of skin, usually goat hide. They are adequate, especially for traditional drums, but they do need additional maintenance. Natural skin heads have a very rich sound and in a drier environment work very well. But if you live in a highly humid climate, you would do better to choose a drum with a synthetic head. Most synthetic heads are made of Mylar, or other types of polyester films. A synthetic head is designed to reproduce the tone and feel of its natural counterpart; additionally, it sounds great when used in the studio. For causal players, the climate versatility of synthetic heads is their most attractive feature.
Selecting a tuning method
Most manufactured drums come with some form of mechanical tuning, which essentially means that they use bolts instead of rope. This is a popular design since it is very easy to understand the way to tune and put on different drum heads -- just unscrew the bolts then take off the head. In terms of a drum tuned with rope, additional practice is required. If you have this type of tuning, you should find a professional to assist you the first couple of times until you feel comfortable with the procedure of tuning and changing the skin. It is important to tune your drum correctly so as not to damage it. A more authentic and unique sound body is created when using traditional rope tuning along with a head that is natural.
Picking the material for your shell
Many different shell materials are available for a djembe, in both natural and synthetic varieties. It is vital to keep in mind the conditions where you will perform as you decide one way or the other. If you opt for a natural or wood body material, it has to be one that was specifically treated to prevent rot or bugs in the drum. Use caution when purchasing a traditionally made drum, as this can sometimes be a problem in some parts of the world. The drum's body is generally manufactured out of a type of fiberglass These man-made drums are quite sturdy; they play well and hold up admirably despite poor conditions. The tonal qualities are slightly different and less "earthy" but you can still project just fine when you play.
Choosing your drum head
Djembe drum heads are traditionally made of skin, usually goat hide. They are adequate, especially for traditional drums, but they do need additional maintenance. Natural skin heads have a very rich sound and in a drier environment work very well. But if you live in a highly humid climate, you would do better to choose a drum with a synthetic head. Most synthetic heads are made of Mylar, or other types of polyester films. A synthetic head is designed to reproduce the tone and feel of its natural counterpart; additionally, it sounds great when used in the studio. For causal players, the climate versatility of synthetic heads is their most attractive feature.
Selecting a tuning method
Most manufactured drums come with some form of mechanical tuning, which essentially means that they use bolts instead of rope. This is a popular design since it is very easy to understand the way to tune and put on different drum heads -- just unscrew the bolts then take off the head. In terms of a drum tuned with rope, additional practice is required. If you have this type of tuning, you should find a professional to assist you the first couple of times until you feel comfortable with the procedure of tuning and changing the skin. It is important to tune your drum correctly so as not to damage it. A more authentic and unique sound body is created when using traditional rope tuning along with a head that is natural.
About the Author:
Thinking of buying a djembe drum? The Djembe Drum Shop has a number of djembe drums, both modern and traditional, in various sizes and styles - check out www.djembedrumshop.com.
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