How to Choose a Djembe Drum

About Buying a Djembe

I just wanted to share a few thoughts about buying your first or second djembe today. 

I would recommend asking yourself a few questions:

1. What do I want to do with a drum?
   -- Play at drum circles? 
   -- Play on the beach?
   -- Play at home with friends?
   -- Play in a band?
   -- Play for African dance classes?
2. What level do I play at?
   -- beginner?
   -- intermediate?
   -- advanced?
   -- professional?
3. What kind of maintenance do I want?
   -- I want it indestructible (my kids will play it outdoors etc so I want a synthetic skin)
   -- I want the best sound, no matter what it takes (which means a bit more delicate goat skin)
   -- I want it easy to tune and to last forever (synthetic)
   -- I want it to sound good, but it might take retuning once in a while (goat or cow)
4. Where do I want to play?
   -- outdoors in all weather?
   -- indoors only?
   
5. What is my budget for a drum?
   -- $100 - $300
   -- $300 - $500
   -- $500 - $700
6. How long/large are my hands?
   -- smaller hands (smaller women, children)
   -- medium hands (medium women, teens)
   -- larger hands (average men, adults)
   -- very large hands (large men)
7. How much weight am I able and willing to carry?
   -- small as possible
   -- whatever brings best sound
   -- biggest drum no matter what

These are the questions that will determine your needs for a drum. Once you answer these, you will have your decision made for you, almost. 

Example One

For instance, if you are a smaller woman, want to play at drum circles, including beaches and outdoors where it might rain, you don't want to worry about maintenance or tuning, you want it to last forever without any further costs, and you still want it to sound good.... 

==> Buy a Remo Mondo 10 or 12" Djembe with adjustable tuning that can be played in the wind or rain and will last for many years without a hitch or worrying about kids hitting it with a stick once in a while.   Cost :: ~ $150-200

Example Two 

And if you are a larger man, like me, that wants to play in drum circles, at home, at the beach, plus have a professional sound for bands and teaching, will do whatever maintenance and care it takes to maintain a drum for best sound, and you play at a high level with speed and power, then I would buy a 12 1/2 - 13" professional goatskin djembe (my favorite for 10 years now, but there are other great sellers, ask me)
Cost :: ~ $650-850

So, this will get you started. Answer all the questions honestly, and you will have your guidance. 

Paid Members:
If you cannot decide with confidence, I will help you decide and send you links. Just contact me and answer all the questions above, include your member name, and I will send you in the right direction.