How to Choose a Djembe Drum

African djembe drumming is becoming increasingly more popular, making the handmade drums and manufactured models more available. No longer do you have to have an African connection to score yourself a nice djembe. Choose your djembe based on a few of the tips below.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Consider where and when you will be drumming. If you are in a studio on a regular basis, go for a larger drum that you don't have to haul around. If you plan to carry your drum with you to outdoor drumming circles or when you go hiking, you may want to choose a smaller, more portable size drum.

2. Know your budget before you begin shopping around. Commercially manufactured drums are less expensive, but they do not provide the same deep bass notes that a handmade djembe gives you, and they don't look as nice. On the other hand, you can spend hundreds of dollars on a large handmade djembe. You may want to compromise and choose a smaller handmade drum in the beginning. Some drum makers allow you to trade up when you are ready.

3. Take classes, and try the different drums in the studio. You may have to pay a small rental fee for the use of the different drums, but it can give you an opportunity to see how the drums fit between your legs and how comfortable your hands feel on the rim and the surface of the djembe.

4. Allow a drum to "speak" to you. Djembe drumming is very personal and evokes a deep feeling of connection between you and your fellow drummers and the consistent beats. You have to feel at one with your drum and love the feel of it between your knees to enjoy the music to its fullest. Follow your instincts when you choose a djembe.