Looking to purchase djembe drums may be intimidating, unless you’re sure of what it is you want. Different drum sizes, head types, tuning mechanisms and shell composition all play a part in creating the drum’s personality. The drum speaks for you; so, it should represent your personality. This guide will walk you through finding and purchasing the perfect drum.

Choosing your shell material

Many different shell materials are available for a djembe, in both natural and synthetic varieties. You need to consider what type of environment you will be playing in when you make your decision. If you choose one made from natural material, such as a body composed of wood, you should make sure that it has undergone special treatment so that your drum does not get bugs nor rot. Use caution when purchasing a traditionally made drum, as this can sometimes be a problem in some parts of the world. In most cases, the manufacturer will use a type of fiberglass to create the drum’s body. These man-made drums are quite sturdy; they play well and hold up admirably despite poor conditions. The tones sound a little different and not as earthy however the projection is alright as you are playing.

Choosing your drum head

Djembe drum heads are traditionally made of skin, usually goat hide. These are alright, specifically for conventional drums however extra upkeep is required. Using a head made of natural skin provides an extremely rich tone, and is suitable for someone living in an area with low humidity. But, if the weather is very humid where you live, you probably should choose a man-made drum head. These heads are usually constructed from Mylar or another polyester film type. A synthetic head is designed to reproduce the tone and feel of its natural counterpart; additionally, it sounds great when used in the studio. Heads made of man-made materials work well in nearly any weather conditions – a versatile advantage that distinguishes them for players who aren’t professionals.

Choosing your tuning

Most drums that are manufactured use mechanical tuning, meaning that not rope, but bolts are used. This is a popular design since learning to tune the drum heads and change them is quite easy: all you have to do is unscrew the bolts and take the head off. 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. You don’t want to damage your drum by tuning it incorrectly! Rope tuning is the more traditional method and when combined with a natural head, gives you a unique and authentic body to the sound.

Are you wanting to buy a djembe drum for your child or school music group? The Djembe Drum Shop has a great choice of childrens musical instruments and percussion instruments which are available to order online. Pay a visit to their website at www.djembedrumshop.com.

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