Which Size Djembe is Right for Me? - X8 DRUMS

www.X8Drums.com One of the most common questions we hear from our customers is "Which Size Djembe is Right for Me?" In this video, you'll learn why selecting the correct size djembe is so important. You'll also view all of the various size drums for a clear understanding of the differences between the sizes. Instruction by Kenya Masala.
When choosing the size of your djembe, you should select a drum that stands tall enough for you when sitting down to play. The base of the drum should rest on the floor and the drumhead should rise about two or three inches from the top of your legs, in a sitting position with the drum leaning away from you. If the drum is too low you will have a difficult time striking the head because your knees and legs will be in the way. On the flip side, if the drum is too tall you will find that you'll have to lift your shoulders when striking the head and this will surely lead to fatigue much quicker. You should always be in a comfortable position and shouldn't be straining your body when playing.
To read more about this topic, click here: www.x8drums.com...
Djembes in this video:
Largest Size:
14" Kente Cloth Royal Djembe: www.x8drums.com...
Medium Size:
12" Jammer Djembe: www.x8drums.com...
Small Size: Custom Lion King Simba carved Djembe. Contact us to purchase.
Backpacker Size:
9" Celtic Labyrinth Djembe: www.x8drums.com...
Extra Small Size:
7" Kente Cloth Royal Djembe:www.x8drums.com...

[@pdublt3d]

The Simba carving on that 10" is FIRE!!!!!

[@X8drums]

Hi Skihn. A 12" djembe would be an ideal size for you so that you can get the full range of tones that a djembe can produce. The smaller 10" size would be a bit easier for you to tote around but the smaller playing surface will limit the range of tones that can be played. So, if you are taking classes and really want to make music, go with 12".

[@rommelrivera1186]

Very informative. However, this information can be misleading for musicians getting their first djembe. The immediate answer that you'd get is, well go to a music store and try them out. The problem with that answer is that music store djembes are usually not tuned up and the setting doesn't necessarily match where you'll be playing the djembe. I went for what they call the "standard size," which is 12 inches. The 12" size should be called the "lead size" instead because the tone is more suitable for leads or solos. A 12" djembe will usually lack the bassy low end that you would need if you're going to use your drum for rhythm. Moral of the story is that if you're thinking of playing solos, get the 12" size. If you want to use your drum to lay down the rhythm in your recordings or in a drum circle, get a 14" or bigger depending on your body size and preference. Or, who knows, if you're a musician like me, you may end up with 2 of these babies.

[@agavai07]

Excellent video. You answered the most important question which Meinl and Guitar Center could not.

[@Meymeygwis]

Kenya Masala: beautiful guy, great teacher!

[@farshimelt]

There are also 16" Djembes. The height depends on the manufacturer. Tuning can also be done by rods as well as ropes. There are skin and synthetic heads. Lots of things to consider when choosing a Djembe. Look for a used one to start and if possible, take a Djembe player with you to help you choose your drum.

[@InnocentAbyssinianCat-eb7ge]

One that's above your belt line on your jeans is what you need if it's at the same level as your knees then it's meant for someone who is shorter in stature

[@kirktonkin1112]

Very informative & very useful. I'm a guitarist by trade, but I've branched-out a bit into percussion & other instruments over the years & had the privilege of playing in a regular, full-time, drum circle for a few years, when my work schedule allowed. I've been wanting my own, full-sized djembe for a long time now, but, for someone of my financial status, a really good djembe definitely needs to be a well-planned purchase. This video gave me the last of the information that I needed to make a sound(pun intended)buy. Good stuff. Thank You. :)

[@exxyhansamu]

Too bad you didn't play that I want to know the sound of djembe in each size

[@arijohn4138]

You commented this a year ago.. did you get a drum yet? lmao

[@XelaLhen]

thank you so much for this video! i am totally looking for a drum for the boyfriend (lol!) and we are both n00bs so this was very informative and helpful!!

[@arbez101]

Plenty thank you. Way to break it down and unfold it for us.

[@RajeshMishra-oj7sw]

Nicely explained. Thanks sir.

[@sssian5168]

Thank you for this video!

[@X8drums]

Hi Matt - the largest djembe in this video is the X8 Drums 14" Royal Kente Cloth Djembe. You can search for it on our website by using the keywords Kente Cloth Royal Djembe. The link to the product is also available in the video description. Thanks!

[@avinbhasi]

this was helpful. thank you

[@BradfordGuy]

Take into consideration the height of the seat you are using! *He is talking about the comfortable height while **_he is sitting._* Well, that totally depends on your seat. A chair? A drum throne? Are you standing? You can use the body/shoulder harness for the Djembe while sitting too!

[@damionbujan6218]

Correct

[@raghavrao2768]

Nice video sir

[@kencarey3477]

Thank you, very helpful!

[@bijaylama7410]

Thank you so much…. It really helped me

[@theidealist9793]

Thank you!

[@kemaranight2456]

LOL trying to buy one after messing around in Guitar Center. Besides the "sex" assumption, this is definitely what I needed 👏🏿 I learned something new today ^-^

[@casandralynette1622]

Thank you 🙂

[@mun2968]

Thanks, you helped me out real good dude, awesome review... cheers from 2018

[@wheelyb26]

thanks for info

[@poppytwist6631]

No 11 x 22 ins size though?!

[@sabrina23anos]

verdade é por aí amiga....

[@CommonSenserules1981]

Its about sound .. Not size

[@ageshero]

Its simba!!! on the middle drum, haha.

[@mirkarosa1899]

Hey, I'm 5 feet 8 and my palm is about 6.6 inches long. Will 8 inches drum head djembe be enough for me for starters? Will be grateful for some advice :)

[@jorgeegrojjorge]

cool video!

[@SteveMartinUSA]

Doesn't this approach assume that we all play in the same position? What if we hold it like a daruka, over the left leg, playing sideways?

[@wazirzin4481]

Well, if you wanna play it with the same position as playing darbuka or doumbek, I guess you should just take any darbuka-sized djembe or doumbek-sized djembe.

[@KM-px8cs]

If you hold it like that you don't deserve to play

[@agavai07]

How does the number of rope runners affect the drum? I've seen some with 20 and some with 35. Could you please shed light on this? Thanks!

[@feralnerd5]

As far as the djembe resting on the ground is concerned, wouldn't the height of the chair have more to do with that than the size of the person?

[@bayrock1337]

Thank you for pointing this out so I don't feel like an idiot for holding mine off the ground.

[@herbalteaa5882]

i could only find the smallest size and it barely fits my hand because im 11 but i like it anyways... the snake painted on mine is a nice touch.

[@MediumAngelina]

I am 5 foot tall and ordered a 16" tall by 8-9" around Djembe. I hope this is not to small for me.

[@chefrany]

Ty

[@Musicaltariq777]

does this work for ashiko drums as well? I'm looking to buy an ashiko but I want a nice deep bass to it. I'm roughly 5' 9"...do the sizes for ashikos run like the djembes?

[@evalesovskaya481]

I'm 14 years old, girl. Which size is better - 20"10" or 24"12? (my height is about 67.2 inches). Thanks in advance:)

[@rajamay]

how much will x8 10inch by 20 inch tall will cost and shipping to Thailand please

[@matttomey3378]

im looking to purchase the largest djembe in this video from x8 and i cant find any

[@darthdick155]

I'am 5'5 what size would be right for me?

[@X8drums]

+Darth Dick I recommend a drum that is 24 inches tall with a 12" drum head. If you want specific recommendations let me know your budget and I am happy to point you to specific drum models. Thanks! - Kristin

[@darthdick155]

X8 Drums Would This be ok www.discountdjembes.com/abstract-fiberglass-djembe-with-goat-skin-head-20-x-11/ I only have like 70$

[@nabadutta377]

Bro m 5:3 ft which size would be good for me... ???

[@cristianpizarro5435]

hola con un djembe de 10 pulgadas, me sirve para hacer musica amateur y para invertir dinero en el ?

[@robertc190]

well how tall are you?

[@truthstands4ever]

He said he's about 5'10"

[@user-ku4ip8kd7t]

學員: 將啲非洲鼓知識 有唔同結構要俾王姑娘知道啦呀…。 要填寫白紙上呀…。

[@seanlee0219]

where do you get that lion king (Simaba!?) djembe?

[@dosposh]

i'am a 5'3 chubby guy. which size would you recommend?

[@chuk5678]

Is there any drum that has a 10 diameter head but is under 50 dollars? If not, there any thing under 70 dollars?

[@lcastiglia]

i buy the 12' or 14'????

[@Dyshof]

Unfortumately not making the link of size to sound

[@ItsRaitisLV]

Isn't the seat height very important?

[@armineiberger8001]

no Sound?

[@cakesnatcher4541]

Play them you chocolatey bastard!

[@mikehahoseloesysfeche2488]

Yea adult Sizes!

[@qaibthai8996]

this wasn't helpful; beacuse u didnt' even play them

[@trigun6188]

dose not matter when all you can afford is the smallest one XD

[@X8drums]

+TRIGUN Late reply here, but there are options for folks on a tight budget. Check out our Scratch N Dent section where you can get larger drums at small drum prices. Not all of our scratch n dent drums are live on the site so feel free to call to hear about everything we have available. 800-771-9645

[@billfrater1948]

A drum review where you don't hit a freaking drum. Pointless.

[@forochi2]

why did you say "if you are buying for your boyfriend" dude? I am a woman, buying a drum for myself. Don't be sexist. thanks for the info

[@truthstands4ever]

It's probably a common question for them. "Hi, I'm looking to buy a djembe for my boyfriend. I wasn't looking to spend $200 for a big one, so I was wondering if the 7" one for $39.99 would be a good fit for him." ;)

[@dontplaywithgod2064]

Thank you!

[@Dan11Blake]

Thanks!