Djembes in Folk and World Hand Drums(326)

How large of a djembe should a beginner buy?

A beginning djembe drummer should start with a drum close to the standard size. A too-small djembe is easier to carry, but you won't produce the full range of djembe sounds on a miniature drum. While you're learning to play, choose a djembe with an 11-inch to 12-inch drumhead and a base that's around 22 to 24 inches tall.

What types of wood are used to make the best djembes?

The most authentic wood for djembes is sourced from African timbers. Since many African trees near the equator have no winter rest period, the trees don't have rings. This means the djembe wood is less likely to crack when made from these woods. Wild mango, casha wood, African mesquite, iroko wood, mahogany, and African rosewood are merely some of the many wood types used to craft traditional djembes.

Are synthetic or modern djembes as good as traditional wood djembes?

A modern djembe looks and sounds close to an authentic djembe. If you don't want the maintenance involved in caring for a wooden djembe, a fiberglass or plastic djembe is a good alternative. Drumheads on modern djembes are made of a type of plastic that resembles traditional goat skin, but the drumhead tuning method often features tightened bolts versus the standard rope-style tuning of a classic djembe.