How to Choose the Right Djembe for Your Needs

Your Guide to buying the best Djembe

Overview

A Djembe is an African drum made from a single piece of wood and animal hide. It is an instrument that has been used for centuries throughout West Africa for music, ceremonies, and dancing. When buying a Djembe, it is important to consider size, material, and sound quality. This buying guide will provide you with all of the information you need to make an educated and informed purchase. It will cover the different types of Djembes, the materials used to make them, the size and sound considerations, and other important information. With this guide, you will be able to make the best choice for your own unique needs.

Key features

  1. Size of Djembe - The size of a djembe drum can range from 10" to 24" tall, and different sizes provide different tones. The smaller drums provide a higher and sharper tone, while the larger drums provide a lower and deeper tone.
  2. Wood Type - Choose a djembe made from either traditional African hardwoods, such as mahogany, or from newer woods such as birch, poplar, and maple. Different woods produce different sounds and have different levels of durability.
  3. Drum Head Material - Djembes come with heads made of traditional animal skin or synthetic materials, such as mylar or nylon. Animal skin provides a warmer and fuller sound, but is less durable than synthetic heads.
  4. Quality of Construction - Look for drums that are made with strong, durable wood and metal hardware. This will ensure that the drum is able to bear the tension of the head and withstand extended use.
  5. Design - Consider the design of the djembe, such as its shape, carving, and painting. Many drums come with beautiful designs, which can add to the overall aesthetic of the instrument.

See the most popular Djembe on Amazon

Important considerations

Pros

  • Portability - Djembe drums are lightweight and easy to transport, making them an excellent choice for those who travel or perform regularly.
  • Versatility - Djembe drums can be used in a variety of musical styles and settings, from traditional African music to modern pop songs.
  • Affordability - Compared to other drums, Djembes are relatively inexpensive and can be found in a variety of price ranges for any budget.
  • Durability - Djembe drums are usually made from durable woods such as mahogany and cedar, making them longer-lasting than other drums.
  • Variety - Djembes come in a variety of sizes and shapes, allowing you to choose the one that best suits your needs.
  • Easy to Play - Djembe drums are relatively easy to learn, making them a great choice for beginner or experienced drummers alike.

Cons

  • Cost - Djembes can be a costly investment, ranging from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars depending on the size, the material it is made from, and the quality of the craftsmanship.
  • Size - Djembes come in a variety of sizes, and it is important to choose the right size for the intended use. A too small drum can be difficult to play, and a too large drum can take up a lot of space.
  • Weight - Djembes can be quite heavy and require strength to carry or move. If a Djembe is to be used in a live performance, it is important to consider the weight of the Djembe when selecting one.
  • Material - Djembes are made from a variety of materials, including wood, shells, and synthetic materials. Each material offers different sound quality, so a buyer should be sure to select the material that best suits their needs.
  • Durability - Djembes are typically made of very strong materials, but they can be susceptible to scratches and other damage. It is important to keep this in mind when selecting a Djembe, as it will need to be cared for and maintained in order to keep it in good condition.
  • Maintenance - Djembes require regular maintenance and tuning in order to keep them sounding their best. It is important to consider the time and effort needed for maintenance when selecting a Djembe.

Best alternatives

  1. Conga Drums - A two-headed drum similar to the Djembe that is popular in Afro-Cuban music.
  2. Tabla - A two-headed hand drum originating from India and popular in Indian classical music.
  3. Darabuka - A single-headed, hourglass-shaped drum from the Middle East.
  4. Bongos - A two-headed, Cuban-style drum that is popular in Latin music.
  5. Cajon - A wooden box-shaped percussion instrument from Peru.
  6. Udu - A pot-shaped drum from Nigeria which is played with the hands and fingers.

Related tools, supplies, and accessories

    Djembe - Hand drum, typically with a wooden body and a goatskin head, originating from West Africa. Djembe Stand - A metal or wooden stand designed to keep the drum upright when playing and to close up for storage or transport. Djembe Bag - A protective bag designed to keep the drum safe from the elements. Mallets - A pair of sticks, usually made from hardwood, which are used to create different tones on the instrument. Synthetic Head - Djembes with synthetic heads, made from modern materials, can be used in certain settings where a natural goatskin head would not be appropriate. Tuning Hooks - A tuning hook is used to adjust the tension of the drum head, and thus the pitch of the drum. Tuning Key - A tuning key is used to turn the tuning hooks in order to adjust the tension of the drum head. Practice Pad - A practice pad is a piece of material, usually made of rubber, that is used to practice drumming without making any noise. Drum Key - A drum key is a special tool used to adjust the tension of the drumhead. Drum Throne - A drum throne is a special chair that is adjustable and designed to keep a drummer comfortable while playing the instrument. Drum Sticks - A pair of sticks, usually made from hardwood, that are used to create different tones on the instrument.

Common questions

  1. What type of wood is best for a Djembe? African hardwoods, such as mahogany, beech, or Ovangkol, are the most popular for Djembe drums. Mahogany provides the strongest bass tones and beech and Ovangkol create higher pitched tones.
  2. What size should I choose? Djembe drums come in various sizes, ranging from 8-20 inches in diameter. The size of the drum should depend on the desired sound and the player’s ability. Generally, larger djembes produce deeper tones and require more force to play, while smaller drums produce higher tones and are easier to play.
  3. Where should I buy a Djembe? Djembes can be found in multiple locations, including musical instrument stores, online retailers, and second hand stores. Online stores often offer the widest selection and best prices, while secondhand stores can offer unique finds at lower prices.
  4. How much should I expect to spend? Djembes range in price from around $50 to over $1000. The price largely depends on the quality of the materials used and the overall craftsmanship. Generally, a good quality drum will cost between $100 and $400.
  5. What should I look for when buying a Djembe? When buying a Djembe, look for a drum that is made of high quality materials and is well crafted. The drum should also be properly tuned and have a clear tone when struck.

Trivia

In the early days of djembe, the drum was used to communicate messages across distances. The sound of the drum was used to tell stories, warn of danger, or even to announce births and deaths. The rhythms were so distinct that villagers from miles away could recognize them. Even today, many djembe players can distinguish the different rhythms and recognize them with ease. It has been said that the djembe is so powerful, it can even communicate with wild animals! Source: Beat Nation

Disclaimer: This buying guide was not created by humans, and it is possible that some of it's content is inaccurate or incomplete. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this buying guide. Additionally, the images on this page were generated by AI and may not accurately represent the product that is being discussed. We have tried to convey useful information, but it is our subjective opinion and should not be taken as complete or factual.