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How to Choose a Djembe Drum

1/25/2015

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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. 

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    Robert Hensley is a professional drummer that loves to teach and share. His passion is contagious, and he wants to create other drummers to make music with!

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I am a musician myself but wanted to learn drumming. When I watch Robert drum for dancers at Dance Church, Sufi, and parties, and see how everyone starts moving, shouting and screaming with joy, it's amazing. I realized I wanted to do that! I have been taking group lessons from Robert once a week for about 2 months now, and for someone that never touched a drum before, I am getting better fast. His knowledge goes way beyond the rhythms and sounds - he really understands the art and spirit of it, the psychology and physiology of dancers. I get a lot out of every lesson, and I intend to join his performance group. 
~~ Kevin Dalfonso, Musician, Systems Tech, Encinitas, CA
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I met Robert some years ago. When I learned about his prowess as a drummer and rocking the djembe, I invited him to join my rock band, Clarke After Darke. He was amazing. It didn't matter what the song was, he was always able to get the room rocking with his strong percussive beats. And he dueled with the kit-drummer, like a swashbuckling pirate and they laid down some fabulous solos. Besides, he is a really kind and gentle person. We were sad when he left for California. We love him to bits. 
~~ Clarke Stevens, Entertainer, CPA, Phoenix, AZ
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I've been casually drumming for many years but never formally, and never with african drumming. Then I saw Robert drumming at our local dance church. I was amazed how he could change rhythms effortlessly and "communicate" with the other drummers. Not only is he a great drummer, he is an extraordinary teacher. He is kind, patient and shows a true love for drumming and teaching. When he asked us at our first lesson what were our goals, he didn't snicker or laugh when I said "I just want to be as good as you" - now my goal is to have fun and be as good as I can be, and if that even approximates a quarter of Robert's talent I will be grateful. 
~~ Paul Paez, Chiropractor, Encinitas, CA
  • Home
  • School
  • Blog
    • Djembe Basics
    • Djembe Sounds
    • African Rhythms >
      • Kuku Rhythm
      • 6/8 Rhythms & Breaks
    • Warmups Drills
  • About
    • Drum Performances
    • Testimonials
    • Gallery
  • Contact