How to Buy the Right Djembe

[@pablolorenzo8095]

These tutorials are pure gold !! The detailed explanation showing differences between traditional African Djembe and Key Tuned Djembe and the difference about the sound between traditional and key tuned and the difference sound between the key tuned Remo Djembes according to their size is awesome!! I've seen a lot of Djembe tutorials but yours are the best! By the way I have a 14" key tuned Remo Djembe ( Earth Tone).

[@DjembeMaster]

Thanks so much 😊 Long live the Remos 🤙🏼

[@Iceland874]

I really appreciate your video. After years of being a keyboard and woodwind player, my new passion is drums. Thank you. Your video is very helpful!

[@DjembeMaster]

Lovely to read this ☺️ Thanks so much!

[@soundsofisha]

Thank you for this. Could you let me know which Djembe model are you using when you switch to the key-tuned one in this video? Diameter and the name would be helpful. Thanks

[@DjembeMaster]

Hey, it’s the Remo 14 inch djembe in Kinte Kloth design.

[@GeekandGlory]

I just picked up an African-Style Djembe from the Africa Heartwood Project. I do want to add though that the height of the person playing the instrument should also be taken into account when choosing a size. 12 inches is the standard which is good for an average adult but 11 inches tends to be better for teens or smaller/petite individuals while still keeping a lot of range of the 12 inch.

[@DjembeMaster]

Yes, good point. I’ve always kinda avoided the djembes that don’t even reach the ground when I’m sitting on a normal height chair. But I do have a Remo (with ropes!) and that thing is waaay too high for me, so I know how frustrating it can be when the drum is wrong height for the player.

[@musicfan8867]

Fabulous playing. And thx for this video. Tried a rope tuned djembe 20+ years ago. Gonna buy one in a couple of days.

[@jvasche75]

New to your channel, great video! For years I played a traditional African djembe and loved it. The sound, feel, and aesthetic are awesome. Humidity-related loss of head tension and tone on natural skin heads got to be too much of a nuisance -- the consistency of synthetic heads (even more so than the convenience of key-tuning vs rope) was what ultimately inspired me to switch.

[@DjembeMaster]

Thanks! Amazing to read ☺️

[@JoeyJoelBand]

On my output sound, I'm listening to your demo through 12-inch vintage JBL's pushed by tube amps. I got to say you are really excellent, I enjoyed your demo and explanation. But listening on my speakers, it sounded like your 12 inch Djembe had more bottom end and sweet overtones than the 14 inch. The 14 had a flatter sound with earlier decay, and less overtone. . Speaking only from my perception, and great speakers.

[@tiberiu_nicolae]

Im listening on my laptop and samsung earphone. The 14 in has definitely more bass.

[@DjembeMaster]

Yupp 👌🏼

[@ghostdog7306]

Don't be too prejudice on size. I have a 9-in natural skin wooden jembe which has excellent base and highs. The only thing that lacks is the volume of a larger drum, but great for drum circles. I have a 14-in African traditional, it seems to lack bass and has lots of highs.. not my favorite. My all-time favorite an 11 in natural skin wooden ashiko.. great bass, nice mid-tones and high notes, good volume too. I don't own any remos but they all tend to sound quite sweet, I've played some and love them too

[@stephandpets]

I think mine is a cross between the two! It’s made of fibreglass, I’m not sure what the skin is on it, but it has the traditional ropes. I’d say the sound is more similar to a key tuned djembe which makes sense with the materials it’s made from. I like the fibreglass construction because it’s very lightweight. The diameter is a little under 12 inches, 12 if you include the rope. It has a lovely high note, but somehow have a pretty strong base as well. I can’t remember how much it cost as I’ve had it since my teens, well over a decade. It hasn’t had much use in recent years so I’m here to start really enjoying it again.

[@DjembeMaster]

I love those fiberglass djembes! So light, super powerful bass. Yep, exactly - still similar sound to key-tuned djembes in your case. Every time I get to play one, I find it such a great breeze of fresh air :) something different and amazing sounding...

[@DYNABIKE1]

This was a perfect way to answer all the questions before buying a Djembe !! Thanks - - Well done - - ->>

[@DjembeMaster]

Thanks ✌🏼

[@PaulTheSkeptic]

You're very good at that. I love hand drumming. It's amazing how much variety and texture one can get from one drum. I play some bongos but these djembes have more music in them. I've even seen people play what could be described as a, sort of, melody with them. I'd like to get into it but I'm a man of humble means. I looked around with the intention of making one but that's very difficult.

[@zeroseas]

This was extremely helpful. Do you recommend a particular brand for the premium key-tuned djembes?

[@africannana1184]

I think the rope-tuned is the perfect one. Both the cow skin which is normally for master drummers and goat skin for beginners. Thank you

[@DjembeMaster]

Thanks! I've grown up with Remo djembes and have zero complaints. Over the years I've tried Toca and Sonor djembes - both don't have such an easy drum key tuneable system. If I'd buy a brand new djembe today, I'd go with a 14" Remo djembe, the green one :)

[@DjembeMaster]

@@cheese1792 Howdy! Both 12” and 14” are totally perfect for you.

[@MrPDTaylor]

@@DjembeMaster nothing compares to the crisp rimshot that you can get with a Remo synthetic skin!

[@rhythm-t3023]

My most expensive djembe I have is the LP "ASPIRE" 12.5" tunable djembe it does the work. That is my favorite djembe of all my other djembes

[@DjembeMaster]

That seems to be a fantastic djembe indeed.

[@rupendrareddy8288]

Hi, after seeing your video..I am also interested to learn djembe drums..that sound coming from the drums giving some kind of mental peace...

[@DjembeMaster]

Amazing ☺️ Glad this has given you such an experience ♥️

[@AveryAyla8823]

Thank you for this. I play both styles of Djembe and have wondered for while what the differences really are.

[@DjembeMaster]

Amazing 🔥

[@9hiflyer]

Hi, I really loved the tone of the African rope tuned djembe, can you plz tell me the model name?

[@DjembeMaster]

Hey! I have no idea who made it 🤷🏻‍♂️ I bought it in Tallinn, Estonia and I think it's from Indonesia.

[@johnnymerritt9544]

Nice job on this and great playing.

[@Semper_Fidelis_David]

I am brand new and I bought a 16" Remo. I love the deep base as well as the high slap. You didn't mention a 16".

[@DjembeMaster]

Yep, still haven’t tried the 16” Remo. One day 😝 and what a day that’ll be ♥️

[@Mopsie]

Informative, to the point and professional. Thanks for the great video!

[@Mopsie]

Oh btw! My djembe comes in the mail today!

[@MikeSpille]

Thank you! This is exactly what I needed.

[@Mark1Mach2]

14" sounds much better! Thanks for the burying guide.

[@eastcoast9478]

Hey! Thanks for the video! I am new to the Djembe. I just purchased a Remo 13 inch black suede Djembe. Is there anything unique to the suede drumhead? Is the sound similar to other materials? I will be watching and learning!

[@DjembeMaster]

Hey! I haven't noticed much of a difference between the new black and non-black Remo drumheads. Seem to be single-layer skins. I would have to play both colors back to back with similar tuning... but one thing's for sure - it's a great drum 😍

[@kopv1827]

1:20 don't mind me just putting the time stamp so i can learn this rythim.It sounds so cool!Also btw,have you tried or even be interested in reviewing meinl's pickup djembe?Its a djembe you can plug into an amp.Ive thought of buying it but ive never seen people discuss the sound with and without the pickup on.Also how good is it for the price.Just an idea,hope you are doing well dude!

[@DjembeMaster]

Hey, thanks! I’m doing pretty well here in Croatia. Been focused on preparations for the marketing side of things. I don’t have a studio here, but I’ll figure out a way to make new KZbin videos here somehow. Haven’t tried this Meinl djembe. So far, I’ve had only Meinl cajons - the slap-top one is also with pickup. Pretty interesting.

[@kopv1827]

@Djembe Master Hey,btw i never got to ask you but now im curious about it.How is the pickup cajon?Im thinking of buying it and i wanted to know about it.Is the non pickup sound good?Besides price do you think the pickup has other downsides over the pure acoustic one?Thanks for your content!

[@DjembeMaster]

Not that much of a cajon expert, but I’ve been absolutely satisfied with the natural sound of the cajon which has the pickup (slap-top). Yeah… I haven’t played normal cajons back to back (pickup vs non-pickup) to notice a clear difference in sound quality etc.

[@raku5219]

Thank you! Found a used Remo with 16” head locally. Do you add anything inside the drum or under the skin to help get the best sound? Maybe helps with some of the ringing? I was thinking some pieces of foam to absorb, similar to what some drummers do to modify a snare drum to improve the sound. Also, how do you find your favorite tuning for these larger synthetic head drums? Lastly, I really like the flower of life design you have on your kick drum. Where did you find this? So much better than a brand advertisement for the drum company!! Thanks again!

[@DjembeMaster]

Hey! I don't have anything inside the skin of my djembe, but mine is an older drumhead (which is a discontinued type of skin). The new ones do come with a sticker patch thingy (2x, I think) and you can stick it inside the drum onto the skin to muffle/mute the skin a bit. The new skins seem to be 1-layer so the sticker(s) might be useful. I would just try without and the with. And then decide which sounds best for this 16" drum. I guess my favorite tuning is one where it's quite tight and high BUT the bass does not suffer. So I would tune it higher and hit the bass to see if it's still nice and deep and powerful. And tune it higher and hit it again and see if the deep bass is still there. The flower of life logo I had specially made by a sticker maker and put on a bass drum skin 😎

[@grunge2012]

what about 18 inch djembes or if theres anything bigger that you would review? maybe the differences between the different remo djembe heads

[@DjembeMaster]

Good point with the different Remo drum heads over the years! Both 12 and 14 inch instruments have had their heads changed from 2-ply to single-ply heads. I'll review those two sizes and sound differences between older and newer skins. I haven't tried an 18" djembe. Thinking about the 16" Remo djembe, tho.

[@HaltnHustle]

@@DjembeMaster looking at the 16” as well, favourite size for me 🤘🏻

[@늬우스공장]

thanks for the fantastic lesson. you are the best djembe teacher and performer in the universe!! so, i have a question. what do you think about the busking djembe? i wanna buy a remo djembe. i think 12inch model is more useful for the outdoor because it's more portable but the 14 inch sound great.. so i ask your opinion.

[@DjembeMaster]

Howdy, sorry for late reply. If I would play in the street, which I’ve done once, I’d use my 14” Remo djembe. More bass from the 14” is much welcome in open air - quite a big difference! And the tiny bit of extra weight compared to the 12” is well worth it ☺️

[@debrabowen7457]

Where can I purchase one of those for an adult and cost

[@kpereszczak]

Hi, I would like to buy djembe and I don't know which I have to choose: Kangaba KDJS14 or kambala dj106

[@loganbanner7053]

Hi, just like to ask what’s the difference between the remo djembe mondo earth 14” and the 14” adinkra?

[@DjembeMaster]

I checked it out - I'm not really sure. It might be mostly a design thing and the sounds similar between different Mondo djembes. Not sure. Hopefully, in the future I can try many different brand new Remo djembes - in that case, I'll definitely make a comparison video ♥️

[@rajinrambaran97]

Grest video! What kind of rope do you recommend for the Djembe?

[@DjembeMaster]

Thanks, I don't know much about ropes or traditional djembes - I only play and recommend the modern stuff. Easier to live with for me at least :)

[@EnricoZeppa]

But if I however want the syntetic skyn, is it better the rope or mechanically-tuned jembe according to the sound and compfort while playing?

[@DjembeMaster]

Both, key-tuned and rope-tuned, djembes are just a comfortable to play. The sounds are a bit different, both awesome and a matter of personal taste. The synthetic skin on a key-tuned djembe has the advantage of not going out of tune easily.

[@dwaynewilson1719]

What kind of stand do you recommend for a 14 inch Djembe?

[@DjembeMaster]

It you want to stand up and play, then I can recommend something I used for 10+ years: gibraltarhardware.com/products/gpds-heavy-duty-pro-djembe-stand If you’re gonna sit, then something like this might be absolutely enough: www.thomann.de/gb/meinl_stdjst_bk_travel_djembe_stand.htm Or this I’ve also used: www.thomann.de/gb/meinl_stdjembe_steely_ii_stand.htm

[@dwaynewilson1719]

Thank you for your response and links. I will be sitting to play. What do think about the Remo Drum Riser to use with The 14" Remo Mundo? I enjoy your videos! So insightful and easy to follow. Thank you!

[@DjembeMaster]

Uuu, haven’t actually tried that. Looks interesting. I’d definitely try hands on before buying. To see how well a perticular djembe size fits and how much it moves under heavy playing.

[@dwaynewilson1719]

@@DjembeMaster Thank you!

[@Arrce_Ideas]

I love this djembe class

[@Inspiraoflove]

Hey! Where do you recommend to order from ? If you live in the states ?

[@DjembeMaster]

I would check a local music store - the only easy way to try before buying. But it that is not an option, I’d turn to Amazon

[@debrabowen7457]

Can I get a 12inch and the cost

[@navedkhan9007]

The first one authentic Djembe had the Best sound and Bass.

[@charlesdrums]

I have already a 12 inch Remo, what about the 16inch?

[@DjembeMaster]

I haven't tried the 16" Remo - and can't wait to get to try it one day 🔥

[@Tudentar]

What microphone set you use to record?

[@Tony-wz4lx]

Hi Ian, thank you so much for all your videos, I love the video how to play dnb beats with the djembe :) Inspired of your videos I have bought a "remo djembe, 12 inch, mondo" for a very good price. I`ve bought it online because in Germany it`s not so easy to find it. For this reason I couldn`t play it befor buying. It sounds good but what for me is confusing: on the edges of the djembe there is no sound. The sound starts at the play area. The slaps are harder to play then on my further african nature djembe which sounds also at the edges. Is this normal or is it wrong? Thank you very much in advance for your help! kind regards from Katja

[@DjembeMaster]

Hey! Thanks for kind words and feedback 🙂 These series of Remo djembes do have this extra area on the edge, yes. Makes a kind of clicking sound when you hit with inside of palm or finger tips. That's all normal and part of the Remo sound character. Funny, I know exactly what you mean, but I haven't thought of it for a long time... what I remember is that this extra area can make some extra sound when palms are sweaty. But overall, no biggie, just normal Remo design. When after years of playing with your drum you tighten those bolts, this extra area becomes more steep - not so much horizontal anymore, but goes down with a bigger angle.

[@Tony-wz4lx]

@@DjembeMaster Thank you so much! I think it´s because I`m used to the african nature djembe sound and so it`s quite strange to change. I will stay with the Remo djembe and make friends with it ;) and see all your videos who accompany me :) :) Regards from Germany!

[@DjembeMaster]

@@Tony-wz4lx Amazing! Keep up the good work 😎 And much love to Germany! Was there in May this year, can't wait to go back ♥

[@biplabgoswami6515]

What is the difference between Djembe and Darbuka,apart from their origin?

[@DjembeMaster]

The sound 🙂 Djembe has that deep bass that no darbuka, conga, bongo or something else has 😎

[@biplabgoswami6515]

@@DjembeMaster thanks! Is there any difference of origin?

[@DjembeMaster]

I bet there is, but I don't know the history part of it 😊 I just play what I play.

[@u828576]

Which version of the drum is yours?

[@DjembeMaster]

14”

[@victorzhumusic]

Is African style one better than the Key Tuned one?

[@DjembeMaster]

Neither a better than the other in my option. Matter of taste. And ease of use. I like the key tuned djembes mostly.

[@steviiiii]

I'm picking up a REMO 14inch (earth color) Djembe; used for $100. What should I look for..? Cracks, broken hardware... but any specific possible problems..? Thank you!!

[@DjembeMaster]

Hey, cracks in the shell to look out for, sure. But most importantly - make sure the drumhead/skin is in very good condition. Go through touching with your hands/fingers on the whole skin to make sure there are no cracks and dents!

[@steviiiii]

@@DjembeMaster everything looked real good... One half inch tear that has been patched in the skin. Where do you suggest to purchase a new skin. What is a good price (in your estimation)..? THANK YOU, Andrew 😀👍

[@DjembeMaster]

@@steviiiii The only skins I've ever bought are either a Remo drumhead from thomann.de or natural goat and calf skins from my local guy. I don't know where to get natural skins online - there are probably some great suppliers, but I don't have experience ordering those online.

[@calicocat129]

I wish i found this video before purchasing a djembe. The one i bought is only 6 inches and it's hard for me to get the bass, tones and slaps right.

[@DjembeMaster]

Yeah… 🫤 Well - you can upgrade maybe to a 12-inch drum one day 🙂 And join the community - the new DM Facebook group is awesome 😁

[@calicocat129]

@@DjembeMaster I'll definitely purchase a 12 inch as soon as I can. Thanks for your videos, they're so helpful 🙂🪘

[@JogandoNaGringaUSA]

Loved! Tks

[@alexandersakulin3127]

you don't play it like a djembe?

[@DjembeMaster]

I don’t play the djembe like the djembe is traditionally played. One might call the way I play the djembe “the contemporary way” or “in a modern way”. Or if those two don’t make sense, then “my own way” ☺️

[@JoeyJoelBand]

@@DjembeMaster Smiles, you are right on. Music is not to be made a 'Thing.'' Your instrument conveys your feel... so if it takes a turn, it is still you playing your instrument which expresses your feel. Your Music can take any turn you feel. I was talking with Zubin Meta after an amazing concert some years ago, along with the late Ivry Gitlis, a concert violinist of the most amazing order. Ivry got going on a totally classical passage and just stopped turning the pages of the music and just jumped off the rails at a classical concert. He jammed like a Rock Star.. he was FLYING... After the concert, while speaking with them, I brought up the fact he seemed to deviate from the written symphony. Ivry smiled and said something that blew me away. He gave me a big smile and said, I quote: "Music is never played as it's written, or written as it's played." (I think you can reverse that). Zubin, just smiled and said, "That's right.' They went on, but I think that statement changed my sense of freedom, and not falling into a box. Dude you are really excellent.

[@nazgamingtvnaz]

hi, what mic are you using?

[@HaibaneRakka571]

Looks like a Shure SM57

[@DjembeMaster]

Yes, the Shure SM57 on the djembe, an AKG overhead above and a AKG bass drum mic. Both latter mics are not seen in the videos, but they are very real 😁

[@billypeterson4317]

Do you know a legit site where I can buy one

[@DjembeMaster]

I have bought most of the music related things from Europe’s biggest web store at www.thomann.de - I’m sure they also do international shipping 🙂

[@jeetray11]

Thank you. Informative.

[@kopv1827]

Hey dude, i was thinking of getting a new djembe and i was thinking of getting the 10 inch remo mondo djembe. I know you aren't a fan of 10 inch djembes but as a person who really likes them for different reasons, could you tell me if it's a great and even one of the best 10 inch djembes you could buy? It's currently on discount at amazon for 230 bucks so it got me interested. Hope you are doing well!!!!! Lots of love

[@DjembeMaster]

Hey, I haven't tried a Remo 10". I'm sure it's as good as the bigger ones from Remo, as far as build quality and sound. Yeah, if I'd be looking for a 10", I'd look no further - great choice! 🙂

[@alexkudriakov]

obviously, in this video, a wood and leather djembe sounds better than a synthetic djembe, so why are you using synthetics ?

[@DjembeMaster]

Classical music sounds better than drum & bass?

[@godschild5785]

If I bumped in2 dis video earlier, I wont end up buying a djembe (8") which is more suitable 4 kids😂😂😂😂😂 nevertheless, I will b keeping the 1 I m hvng & will get a 12" 1 in future...

[@bohickity]

You may have to kiss a lot of frogs till you find your right drum. Remo’s are a class all their own, but for African drums expect to pay at least $400. Every drum sounds different, even if made by the same company or person. At least listen to it on a video, if you can’t get to play it. The best sounding drum in my ensemble is an 11x22 inch not fancy African Djembe. The other thing to consider is weight. A decent drum can weigh anywhere from 18 to 24 lbs according to size and wood type. I like my 23l lbs pound drum, but carrying it is a chore. Skin type and bearing surface can determine how tuff the drum will be on your hands. If you’re a serious drummer it may take awhile to find that special drum. I would start with an African hardwood drum 12 x22 with a medium goat skin about twenty pounds. Used drums are usually a good deal.

[@koenibaby]

Is the choice of skin not important to talk about ?

[@DjembeMaster]

Sure. Go 🙂

[@lexestrada4382]

I bought a used remo djembe, $160.

[@samoliver9132]

DO NOT buy one of those rope tuned djembes! You’re basically stuck with whatever tuning it has. I did tune it once but it was a huge pain in the butt and you can’t really get micro adjustments on the tuning

[@DjembeMaster]

I agree. Pain in the butt 🤓

[@samoliver9132]

@ yeah right now I think I’m gonna save up for the LP Galaxy Djembe because it has the drum key style tuners and it also has an actual goatskin head instead of synthetic. Do you have any experience with this djembe?