7 best sounding djembe

A "sounding djembe" refers to a type of drum known as a djembe, which is a traditional West African hand drum. The djembe is known for its versatile sound and is widely used in various musical genres and cultural settings. Here are some key points about the sounding djembe:

  1. Origin and Cultural Significance:

    • The djembe originates from West Africa, with its roots in countries like Mali, Guinea, Burkina Faso, and Ivory Coast. It has a rich cultural and historical significance in these regions.

  2. Construction:

    • Djembes are traditionally made from a single piece of carved wood for the drum body. The drumhead, or playing surface, is typically made from animal skin, traditionally goat skin, stretched over the top. Modern versions may use synthetic materials for the drumhead.

  3. Shape and Design:

    • The djembe has a distinctive goblet shape, with a wide bottom and a narrow top. This design contributes to the drum's unique sound and makes it easy to play with the hands.

  4. Sound Production:

    • Djembes produce a wide range of sounds, including deep bass tones, mid-range tones, and sharp, high-pitched slaps. Skilled players can create intricate rhythms by using different hand techniques on the drumhead.

  5. Playing Techniques:

    • Djembe playing involves a variety of hand techniques, including open tones, bass tones, and slaps. Each technique produces a distinct sound, contributing to the overall rhythm of the music.

  6. Traditional Use:

    • Djembes are an integral part of West African musical traditions and are often used in communal gatherings, ceremonies, and celebrations.They are also used in dance accompaniment.

  7. Modern Applications:

    • The djembe has gained popularity worldwide and is used in various musical genres, including world music, fusion, and even in contemporary popular music. It is a versatile instrument that can be integrated into different musical contexts.

  8. Community and Drum Circles:

    • Djembes are often used in community drum circles, where people come together to play percussion instruments. Drum circles provide a sense of community and allow participants to express themselves through rhythm.

  9. Maintenance:

    • Proper maintenance of a djembe includes tuning the drumhead by adjusting the tension of the ropes that secure it. This ensures optimal sound quality and responsiveness.

  10. Cultural Appropriation:

  • With the global popularity of the djembe, there are discussions around cultural appropriation and the importance of respecting the cultural origins of the instrument.

When exploring the sounding djembe, it's important to appreciate its cultural heritage and understand its role in traditional and contemporary music. Learning to play the djembe involves not only mastering techniques but also respecting the cultural context from which it emerged.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best sounding djembe on the market
  

Meinl Percussion Travel Djembe with Synthetic Shell-NOT Made in CHINA-12 Large Size, Rope Tuned Goat Skin Head, Pharaoh's Script, 2-Year Warranty, 12" (L) (PADJ1-L-G)

Meinl Percussion

Based on 14 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The Meinl travel series rope tuned Djembes are great drums For professionals as well as those who just want to enjoy an afternoon playing at home or with a drum circle. These patented Djembes are ultra lightweight (even 20% lighter than our fiberglass djembes) which makes them easy to carry. The combination of a synthetic head and shell produces sharp slaps along with deep bass tones and makes them the perfect drum for outdoor use Since they are unaffected by changes in weather.

  • For the traveling musician: Meinl travel djembes are made for musicians who are always on the go and need a reliable instrument for any occasion
  • Weather resistant shell: made with lightweight, weather resistant synthetic shells that respond with cutting slaps and resonating bass tones (measures 24" tall x 12" diameter)
  • Goat skin head: this high quality natural head achieves a rich, warm tone with plenty of dynamic range for an expressive sound
  • Pre-stretched tuning ropes: the heads are secured a high quality nylon rope tuning system that not only has a classic look but holds the drum in tune, making for a hassle-free playing experience
  • Classic djembe sounds: travel series djembes create a variety of distinguishable sounds that can blend with both contemporary and traditional music from around the world

Toca SFDMX-14BMB Freestyle Black Mamba Mechanically Tuned 14-Inch Djembe with Bag

Based on 13 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Mechanically tuned with tough synthetic shells. Hand selected goatskin heads. And solid, authentic tones that you can carry over your shoulder. No matter what your playing style, freestyle is the djembe to beat.

  • Lightweight and durable seamless Synthetic shell
  • Excellent bass tones and highs
  • Equipped with low mass tuning system & features new extended collar hoop for greater tuning range
  • Hand selected goatskin head for authentic look & sound
  • 14" Drums include matching padded bag with fully adjustable shoulder straps & Side pocket. 26" Tall

Toca TSSDJ-SBO Street Series 8-Inch Black Onyx Djembe, Small

Toca

Based on 6 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Hand carved from one piece of environmentally-friendly, plantation grown mahogany. Kiln dried shell with 20 coats of teak oil to protect and preserve the wood. Hand selected goatskin heads with authentic rope tuning. Small: Approx. 8" Head & 16" Tall.

  • Hand carved from one piece of environmentally-friendly, plantation grown Mahogany
  • Kiln dried shell with 20 coats of teak oil to protect and preserve the wood
  • Hand selected goatskin heads with authentic rope tuning
  • Small: approx. 8" Head & 16" Tall

User questions & answers

Question: What type of sound does this produce
Answer: 12.7mm or 1/2". It comes with sleaves for 10.5 and 9.5mm but I couldn't get them to work right. What also works is 3/8" hex rod and is what I use on my two main rack toms as I already had them and the drums slide off and on easier than with the 12.7mm rods like I have on my floor toms. These brackets work great, the only thing lacking is the so called memory locks, they give you height memory but not rotational which kind of sucks but I live with it. I even complained to Ludwig about it and they didn't seem to care.

Meinl Percussion Djembe with Mahogany Wood-NOT Made in CHINA-12 Large Size Rope Tuned Goat Skin Head, 2-Year Warranty, Brown, 12" (HDJ4-L)

Meinl Percussion

Based on 68 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The hand carved shells feature a gouged surface reminiscent of sun-dappled water. This exterior texture also makes the djembe easy to grip between the knees. Hand selected goat heads are secured and tuned by the traditional Mali-Weave system made of high quality nylon rope . MEINL Headliner djembes have outstanding acoustic properties reaching from deep, resonant bass notes to cutting, high-pitched slaps, and are ready to pick up and play right out of the box. For added protection of your instrument, MEINL specializes in carrying bags for their percussion products. The MEINL djembe gig bag (Model# MSTDJB) is perfect for all djembe sizes and is equipped with heavy duty nylon stitching and a strong shoulder strap.

  • CARVED FROM SOLID MAHOGANY: The hand carved Mahogany shells feature a gouged surface. Achieve a variety of sounds, from deep bass tones to high-pitched slaps.
  • GOAT SKIN HEAD: This high quality head is tuned with a traditional Mali-Weave system, allowing for pristine sound quality. Achieve a rich, warm tone with plenty of dynamic range.
  • LARGE SIZE: This drum has a playing surface (drum head) measuring 12” wide. It stands 24” tall, making it playable for adults and young musicians.
  • PERFECT FOR ANY OCCASION: From drum circles to recording and live gigs, the Meinl Nile Series djembe is a great all-around djembe for use in any musical situation.
  • OFFICIAL TWO-YEAR WARRANTY: All Meinl djembes carry a two year manufacturer's warranty when purchased from authorized retailers.

User questions & answers

Question: Is this drum tunable? Can you tightened the head to get differents sounds from the drum
Answer: you have to check with Amazon prices change
Question: What is the width of bottom of the base of the drum
Answer: The hi-hat that came in my pack is alot nicer than the one in the picture. It has a good solid pedal it's very stable stand even with heavy cymbals on it.
Question: i noticed that this drum In particular mentioned shells. are these the sea shells im thinking of or is this some other type of shell
Answer: I don’t know but I would take a chance and purchase this because it is a Ludwig product being paird with another Lud product. BUT, I will have you know this mount DID NOT fit the drum I wanted to mount. That drum is a Pork Pie Little Squealer 10” (Diameter) 8” (Depth) tom. That toms hole space WAS in fact too small to fit the mount.
Question: Where are these drums made
Answer: Yes with some drilling
Question: where is this made? Is it USA
Answer: If you are asking if the item will provide tension for the top and bottom head, no. One or the other (although I couldn't imagine subbing it out for a bottom lug. The weight of the tom could cause the shell to crack) I would recommend buying a standard replacement lug along with this item to take the place of a double ended lug. New holes may be required.

X8 Kalimantan Djembe Drum with Bag and Djembe 101 DVD

X8 Drums

Based on 36 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The X8 Drums Kalimantan Djembe is a great choice for kids or as a travel drum for adults. Each drum comes with a DVD that contains 2 lessons; the first lesson teaches you the basic drum notes and how to play your first rhythm. The second lesson shows how to tune your djembe. Standing 16" tall with an 8.5" diameter drum head, it comes with a fitted tote bag to make carrying it to gigs easy as pie. Each drum is made from a solid piece of legally harvested environmentally sustainable mahogany hardwood. A Celtic Labyrinth carving on the base of the shell is topped off with a cherry stained wood finish. The drum head is a premium selected goatskin with a traditional rope tuning system.

  • The X8 Drums Kalimantan Djembe is a great choice for kids or as a travel drum for adults.
  • Each drum comes with a DVD that teaches you how to play your first djembe rhythm and how to tune your drum. A drum maintenance guide is also included that instructs on how to care for your drum and remove the logoon the drumhead if you wish.
  • The drum stands 16 inches tall with an 8.5 inch diameter drum head and comes with a fitted tote bag making carrying it to gigs easy as pie
  • Each drum is made from solid mahogany logwood that has been legally harvested from a government regulated plantation where trees are replanted.
  • A Kalimantan bird design has been hand carved into the base of the drum and the shell is topped off with a brown matte wood finish. The drumhead is premium selected goatskin.

User questions & answers

Question: is there ANY drum like this that does not use goat skin for the head? thank you
Answer: No it is not
Question: is that how tall they ussaly are
Answer: Yes, just adjust beater height
Question: how big is it
Answer: Yes, they are quite solid. Holds my 20" medium heavy ride just fine.
Question: What are the dimensions
Answer: Yes! Very smooth and quiet for playing down or up This pedal is not cheap its inexpensive ( big difference ) also its very well constructed I got mine For $ 47 bucks shocked at how good this pedal plays

Meinl Percussion Djembe with Mahogany Wood - NOT Made in CHINA - 10-Inch Medium Size Rope Tuned Natural Head, 2-Year Warranty

Meinl Percussion

Based on 511 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The hand carved shells feature a horizontal ripple motif that suggests a flowing river. This exterior texture also makes the djembe easy to grip between the knees. Hand selected goat heads are secured and tuned by the traditional Mali-Weave system made of high quality nylon rope . MEINL Headliner djembes have outstanding acoustic properties reaching from deep, resonant bass notes to cutting, high-pitched slaps, and are ready to pick up and play right out of the box. For added protection of your instrument, MEINL specializes in carrying bags for their percussion products. The MEINL djembe gig bag (Model# MSTDJB) is perfect for all djembe sizes and is equipped with heavy duty nylon stitching and a strong shoulder strap.

  • For players of any skill level — you don't have to be a trained musician to play the Meinl Headliner Series djembe — this drum can be enjoyed for theraputic purposes, playing jam sessions, participating in drum circles or performing with a band
  • Carved from one solid piece of plantation grown mahogany — the Meinl Headliner Series djembe is carved from solid mahogany that projects a rich tone with booming low notes and plenty of sustain — this shell stands 20" tall from base to drum head (medium)
  • Hand-selected traditional rawhide head (10" diameter) — goatskin heads produce classic djembe sounds with a warm, yet cutting tone while being remarkably durable — play toward the center for a boomy bass sound and slap the edges for sharp, popping accents
  • Mali weave rope tuning system — 18 nylon rope runners (4 mm thickness) securely fasten the head to the shell for a long-lasting and proper tuning with a classic look — comes ready to play and fully tuned right out of the box so you can play right away
  • Hand carved motif (Black River finish) — the hand carved mahogany shell is finished with a horizontal ripple effect that evokes the image of a flowing river — the hand made design means no two djembes are exactly alike, making each drum one-of-a-kind
  • Responsibly sourced — our membership with the Timber Legality Assurance System certifies that our wood products are legally logged, transported and processed — this initiative is in an effort to be responsible with the utilization of natural resources
  • Manufacturer disclaimer — typographical or grammatical errors found in the bullet point or description text on this product page are a result of this site’s system and are neither the fault of the manufacturer nor marketplace sellers

User questions & answers

Question: what is the weight
Answer: may be 4 pounds.
Question: How much inches is the head diameter
Answer: 10" across
Question: does it come with sticks
Answer: No it does not.. but this is not the type of drum you play with sticks. It is a hand drum.
Question: would you recommend a good stand? thanks
Answer: As I understand it, this instrument is played by holding it across your knees or lap, to one side. I don't believe it uses a stand.

Product features

You don't have to be a trained musician

You can't deny it. Rhythm is POWERFUL. When it resonates with you, the experience goes beyond just listening.

Connecting to a community, nature or oneself is what draws people to the energy of drumming.

The best part? Rhythm is easy to feel and can be created by anyone.

An overwhelming majority of percussionists and drummers utilize the djembe to facilitate a rhythmic connection with their audience—and it doesn’t stop with trained musicians.

Drum circle participants, therapists, hobbyists and a host of other individuals from all walks of life have found and shared their inner sense of rhythm with the djembe.

And it's no wonder why—its strong roots in ancient West African culture and foothold in modern music give the djembe a timeless sound.

The Meinl Black River mahogany djembe

The range of the Black River djembe reaches from resonant, deep bass tones that create a drone note effect to ringing high "slap" tones that can send out a cracking sound wave over any indoor acoustic show or outdoor jam session.

Play toward the center of the drum head with your palms for deep bass and strike the edges with the length of your fingers for slap tones that pop.

No skill required

Pre-tuned right out of the box, anyone can sit down and begin playing the Meinl Black River djembe without any skill required. We pre-stretch the tuning ropes to make sure your drum remains in tune.

Mali Weave rope tuning system

The djembe head is held in tune by the traditional style Mali Weave rope tuning system. Rope runners weave up and down the shell to tie down the head and secure an even fit.

Not only does this mean the drum is ready to play right out of the box, but the pre-tuned pitch is made to last.

The tuning ropes add a decorative element to the drum as well, making the djembe an appealing piece to have on display in your home or studio when it's not in use.

Hand-selected traditional rawhide head

The djembe's warm and resonant bass tones with popping accents are due, in large part, to the use of natural goatskin heads, a tradition of West African culture.

The head is extraordinarily durable, and it may be adjusted to a high or low tuning, filling large spaces with a full spectrum of sound.

While the djembe may be played outside as well as indoors, it is best to keep the head dry and away from long periods of direct sunlight, extreme heat or cold.

Environmentally responsible mahogany

Meinl Percussion is proud to be in full accordance with the Timber Legality Assurance System, known as SVLK. This verification certifies that all of our wood products come from sources that are legally logged, transported, traded and processed. These practices are all part of an initiative to answer the global need to be more responsible with the utilization of our natural resources.

The hand carved shell comes from a solid, single piece of responsibly sourced mahogany wood—great for both sound AND the natural world.

Meinl Percussion Djembe with Mahogany Wood-NOT Made in CHINA-10 Medium Size Rope Tuned Goat Skin Head, 2-Year Warranty, Brown, inch (HDJ4-M)

Based on 187 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The hand carved shells feature a gouged surface reminiscent of sun-dappled water. This exterior texture also makes the djembe easy to grip between the knees. Hand selected goat heads are secured and tuned by the traditional Mali-Weave system made of high quality nylon rope . MEINL Headliner djembes have outstanding acoustic properties reaching from deep, resonant bass notes to cutting, high-pitched slaps, and are ready to pick up and play right out of the box. For added protection of your instrument, MEINL specializes in carrying bags for their percussion products. The MEINL djembe gig bag (Model# MSTDJB) is perfect for all djembe sizes and is equipped with heavy duty nylon stitching and a strong shoulder strap.

  • For players of any skill level — you don't have to be a trained musician to play the Meinl Headliner Series djembe — this drum can be enjoyed for theraputic purposes, playing jam sessions, participating in drum circles or performing with a band
  • Carved from one solid piece of plantation grown mahogany — the Meinl Headliner Series djembe is carved from solid mahogany that projects a rich tone with booming low notes and plenty of sustain — this shell stands 20" tall from base to drum head (medium)
  • Hand-selected traditional rawhide head (10" diameter) — goatskin heads produce classic djembe sounds with a warm, yet cutting tone while being remarkably durable — play toward the center for a boomy bass sound and slap the edges for sharp, popping accents
  • Mali weave rope tuning system — 18 nylon rope runners (4 mm thickness) securely fasten the head to the shell for a long-lasting and proper tuning with a classic look — comes ready to play and fully tuned right out of the box so you can play right away
  • Hand carved motif (Nile finish) — the hand carved mahogany shell is finished with a gouged surface reminiscent of sun-dappled water — the hand made design means no two djembes are exactly alike, making each drum one-of-a-kind
  • Responsibly sourced — our membership with the Timber Legality Assurance System certifies that our wood products are legally logged, transported and processed — this initiative is in an effort to be responsible with the utilization of natural resources
  • Manufacturer disclaimer — typographical or grammatical errors found in the bullet point or description text on this product page are a result of this site’s system and are neither the fault of the manufacturer nor marketplace sellers

User questions & answers

Question: Can 14 inch drum be fitted with a strap
Answer: 18, thank you
Question: Can this Djembe be played in rain
Answer: You can only change the name/city/state. We will allow the center word "Whiskey" to be changed to another single word less than 12 characters.
Question: Height of the 12 inch head drum? Adult size
Answer: 8 oz
Question: Do not see height is there a 12x22 or a 14x
Answer: Yes.

Product features

Remo DJ-0014-05

The Mondo Djembe features full-range tuning with rich, warm bass and well-defined slap tones, making it the most user-friendly Djembe worldwide. Constructed with an Acousticon shell and a Mondo Skyndeep drumhead, the Mondo Djembe are the choice for thousands of professional and Recreational drummers worldwide because of their durability, tunability and portability. Available in various finishes. Sizes: 10", 12", 14" and 16".

About Remo

Remo D Belli was a percussion pioneer. In 1957, he invented the first successful synthetic Mylar drumheads, today’s industry standard. For over 60 years, Remo, Inc. has constantly and consistently broken new ground when it comes to industry firsts. Ultimately, when it comes to our expertise as a drumhead manufacturer, nothing can touch the technical and musical advantages that Remo Drumheads provide.

Anyone who has experienced a drum circle, jam or performance knows the transformative effect of rhythm. It moves, inspires and thrills. From street corners, parks, beaches, community centers, wellness centers, concerts and schools, drums are tools that connect us on a deep rhythmic level. Drumming is an interactive community tool that promotes wellbeing and life enhancement. At Remo, we are committed to ensuring that everyone has a chance to revel in this activity. Through our ongoing efforts, the professional, the enthusiast, the children, the elderly, the at-risk, and those with disabilities are brought the joy of drumming.

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