How to Condition Djembe Drum Heads

Keep your djembe head in optimal condition.

The djembe drum originated in West Africa and has become a popular percussion instrument all over the world. Consisting of a wooden stand and body and a leather head (the best djembes have a goatskin head), the djembe needs maintenance, just like any other instrument. The head is the component that most often requires care. The best way to keep your djembe head in good playing condition is to ensure that it is hydrated and is free of any cracks or tears.

Things You'll Need

• Shea butter
• Sandpaper
• Super glue

Instructions

1. Play your djembe often. The natural oils from your hands will keep the skin on the head hydrated, ensuring that the skin does not dry out -- this is how drum heads crack.

2. Coat the palms of your hands with a thin layer of shea butter and rub your palms over the parts of the drum head that do not come in contact with your hands. After applying the shea butter, allow a half-hour for the butter to soak into the skin.

3. Fix any minor cracks or punctures in the djembe head -- gently sand the area around the puncture and push the bits of skin that the sandpaper detaches into the puncture. After filling the puncture, apply a drop of super glue to the puncture to lock in the bits of skin. Allow the glue to dry and sand it down until it is level with the rest of the djembe head surface.

References

• We Djembe; Taking Care of Your Djembe