Best Djembe, Best Djembe Drum & Best Djembe Brands
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Percussion instruments have always been used in the music industry and their importance is undeniable. Particularly the drums are very popular and their different types are used in different genres of music. The one that we are going to discuss today is a beautiful type of drum from the West African origin. Yeah, that’s right, we are going to explore various known and popular models of Djembe drums.
It is one of the most amazing, widely used and most versatile percussion instrument that has wide applications. This is specifically famous for producing a diverse range of pitches including the bass tone and slap. You can create different sounds by hitting the different areas of Djembe’s skin with your hands.
What are the Best Djembe Drums to Buy?
History
Interestingly, this is a very old instrument. This is thought to be invented in about 12th century. There was a tribe in West Africa known as Mandinke who invented this beautiful musical instrument. Since then, it has been used in various African countries and in some areas, it is an integral part of their ritualistic life.
Structural Design
This instrument has a very distinctive design that forms the basis of its unique and versatile sounds. The traditional Djembe was made up of Lenge tree wood that imparted a wonderful and mesmerizing sound.
Djembe has a very attractive goblet shape body that is made of a single piece of tree trunk. The drum head is usually made using the very thin Goatskin that contributes to its high tonal qualities.
How to Play?
The upper chamber of the Djembe’ body is in the shape of a large bowl. Beating it in the middle with your whole hand would create a low resonance that delivers the bass strokes. The lower section that is narrow and elongated, assists in the projection of the volume of all the tones.
For creating the slap sounds and high-pitched tones, you can strike the edge of Djembe head by your hand.
Tuning
Another thing that you should keep in mind in order to have a better playing experience is the tuning of Djembe’s skin. The skin should be evenly tight on all the sides of the drum in order to deliver a sharp and crisp sound. For proper tuning, you can use the double hoop system.
Sounds
Djembe can play three main types of sounds including the bass which is low pitched, a tone which is medium pitched and slap which is the high-pitch sound.
If you are thinking about learning to play this excellent instrument, you will find this article very helpful. Even if you are a player and want to change your Djembe and looking for a better choice, we have got your back.
15 Best Djembe Drum Reviews and the Best Djembe Brands
Following are the brief reviews of some popular types of Djembes. Give it a read so that you can make a well-informed decision.
1) Remo DJ-0014-05 Mondo Djembe Drum
Remo Djembe is highly popular all over the world for their appealing designs, superb outlook, durable quality and fantastic playability. The one, we included here is also one of the masterpieces and is matchless in terms of sound qualities and performance efficiency.
Its size dimensions are 10 x 10 x 10 inches and it has 10 pounds weight. This is beautifully structured and is made to be perfect for all drumming styles.
The beginners are going to love this one because of its easy playability and phenomenal performance. This is a professional quality Djembe built with Mondo Skyndeep drumhead and acousticon shell. These manufacturing materials are the preferred choice of top professionals because of their remarkable qualities.
It offers a full range of tuning including warm and rich bass and very defined slap tones. This is a very user-friendly choice and you are going to love it for sure. The best part is you won’t have to tune it via ropes. Those who find that tuning system difficult should go for this one. It can be tuned with keys.
This is available in different finishes. You can go for your favorite one.
2) Meinl Percussion HDJ4-L Nile Series Headliner Rope Tuned Djembe
This masterpiece from Meinl Percussion has impressive sound qualities and attractive structural design. The construction is solid and it has enhanced durability. It is large in size and measures 12 x 12 x 24 inches. Thus, adults can easily play this one. The weight is not much, it is about 13.02 pounds. It is also available in a medium size that has 12 inches length.
The large head size allows multiple beats from low to high and you will have a splendid experience with it. As far as the construction material is concerned, the shell is made with a solid single log of plantation grown mahogany wood. The head comprises hand-picked goatskin. The tuning ropes are made with good quality pre-stretched Nylon and it features the traditional Mali-weave tuning system.
This Djembe has fantastic acoustic properties and is built for easy play. You can comfortably grip it between the knees as the external texture is made to provide support for it. Practice your skills on this one and it will deliver marvellous bass notes with deep resonance and high-pitched cutting slap sounds.
Grab it and enjoy the sweet sound and appreciable tonal qualities at reasonable rates.
3) Meinl Percussion HDJ3-M Black River Series Headliner Rope Tuned Djembe
Meinl Percussion is a renowned name, known best for manufacturing and supplying a diverse variety of top-class musical instruments. Its all the instruments are made to deliver high-class performance and feature robust construction for enhanced durability. Like its other instruments, the Djembe under consideration here is flawless in terms of design, structural capabilities, functional abilities and sound qualities.
Its size is 10 x 10 x 20 inches and its total weight is 9 pounds. The structure comprises a single solid piece of Mahogany. It gives this Djembe the impressive acoustic properties and the hand-carved shells make it a smart choice.
The head is made of hand-picked goatskin. For its tuning, a top-quality nylon rope is used for developing the Mali- weave system. This is a superb all-rounder Djembe that can be used in any kind of musical situation. It is very easy to play and comes in with evenly tight skin from all the sides.
Additionally, it comes with a two years warranty. Isn’t that great? You can buy this one with full confidence and trust us, you won’t regret your choice.
4) African Hand-carved Djembe Drum from Ivory Coast
The simple design, decent outlook and impressive sound quality are its prominent features. It is best for those who want to enjoy a fantastic playing experience with amazing sound quality at affordable price. This is a standard size Djembe and the dimensions include 13 x 13 x 2 inches and its weight is about 15.7 pounds.
This is a suitable choice for the learning students and growing drummers and is built by keeping in mind their needs. The high-quality Iroko wood is used to traditionally carve the professional quality shell by the skilled professionals. The bowl is perfectly rounded form the inside out and the shell has a uniform thickness. Moreover, the bearing edge is carved smoothly to deliver better sound quality.
It is imported from Africa and you will get it once it is properly checked by the experts. The complete quality check is conducted to ensure excellent playing capabilities so that you can have a comfortable experience.
Try this out without any hesitation as it comes with a money back guarantee. The manufacturers are that much sure about the quality. If you don’t have a satisfying experience you will have your money back.
5) Deep Carved Djembe Bongo Drum
Beautifully designed, skillfully craved and strongly constructed this Djembe exhibits flawless craftsmanship and delivers out-class performance. The elongated bottom features a beautiful elephant design that makes it more appealing and you can place it on your side tables and empty shells to add to your home décor. The sound quality and playability are also amazing and the low price is also a great plus point.
The size measurement includes 20 x 10 x 10 inches and it weighs only eight pounds. This handmade Djembe is manufactured by the top professionals under strict quality check. You can get this at very affordable cost.
Speaking of the construction, the shell comprises top-quality single piece mahogany wood. Moreover, the head consists of premium quality goatskin that gives a genuine and natural look and awesome sound.
Shells comprise dried kiln which is protected with about 20 coats of teak oil. This helps to prevent any damage to the playing surface. Additionally, it comes with an extra tuning rope that is wrapped around its neck.
Grab it and play to have a Joyous experience at very fair rates.
6) Meinl Percussion PROADJ3-XXL Artisan Edition 14-Inch Deluxe Carved Mahogany
Here comes a very attractive and appealing Djembe from Meinl Percussion. The fascinating design and striking color are the first things that will attract you towards this marvel. It is made is a high-quality material with great attention to detail and particular attention is paid to its aesthetics that is evident from its outlook.
The size measurements are 16.9 x 16.9 x 27.6 inches and it weighs 15.43 pounds. It is built with a solid single piece of plantation grown high-quality Mahogany wood and includes hand0picked goatskin heads. Furthermore, this includes top-tier pre-stretched HTP Nylon rope which can be used for tuning in order to deliver clear and crisp sounds.
It is hand carved by the experts to deliver matchless design and superb sound quality. The deluxe carving, beautiful color selection and dynamic range of tunes are some of its distinctive features. This Comes in ready to play form with perfect tuning. Try this one and you will have a joyous playing experience.
7) Meinl Percussion ADJ3-L+BAG African Style Rope Tuned
Here is another addition from the Meinl Percussion. We choose this because of its beautiful outlook, impressive sound quality, great design, solid construction and appreciable playability. It has all the qualities that make it a great Meinl Instrument.
Speaking of the size, it is 17.77 x 28 x 17.77 inches and its weight is about 15.4 pounds. This exquisite model is made of a single piece of good quality Mahogany wood that is grown by the plantation. The head comprises the Goatskin and shells are handcrafted. The ornamental carving and pre-stretched nylon ropes add to its functional capabilities and make it worth trying.
This hand-crafted Djembe has black and brown finishing and gives a decent look. It is made with extensive attention to detail and delivers a very powerful and crisp sound. Based on the traditional African design, it has a rope-tuned system. The tuning system is very easy to operate and you can easily tune it to deliver mesmerizing sounds. It is designed to deliver improved sound qualities. Try this for experiencing tones with enhanced clarity, deep bass notes and crisp and sharp cutting slaps.
Furthermore, it comes complete with a good quality carry bag which makes it easier for you to travel with your Djembe.
8) REMO Djembe, Apex Djembe
The beautiful, appealing outlook is the first thing that would attract you in this elegant instrument. The dark, rich appearance and black finishing adds to its aesthetic appeal and makes it a great choice for home decor as well.
Its dimensions include 10 x 10 x 10 inches and the total weight of this masterpiece is 10 pounds. Strongly structured, this one is made with attention to detail and gives remarkable sound qualities and a fantastic playing experience. This one is made by keeping in mind the comfort of the players and those who find trouble to tune via the rope system would love this key-tuned djembe. It is simply easy to play and easy to tune.
This lightweight djembe consists of plated steel radius counterhoop for added convenience and has a traditional design. It is molded by using the ABS durable and high-class plastic materials. Additionally, the synthetic skyndeep black goat stripe drumhead makes it a stunning instrument that delivers perfect sound for multiple kinds of drumming activities.
It also has a tiny separable sound control foam under its drumhead that assists in producing richer slap tones and more focused bass tones. Overall, this one is great in terms of construction and playability and is worth giving a try.
9) REMO Djembe
This model from Remo is for those who want to pick something different from the traditional wood color Djembe. It is black in color and has no ropes for tuning which makes it more user-friendly and gives a more look stunning look. The decent design and simple outlook with add to your home décor.
High-quality construction makes it more durable and it is made to last longer. This is large in size and measures 18.5 x 18.5 x 28.7inches. It is very light in weight and you can easily carry this 10-pound Djembe.
What we like the most about this model is its key-tune feature and it is fitted with high-quality Skyn Deep head. Moreover, there is a heavy-duty rubber attached at the bottom which is a great preventive measure for the shell that helps to avoid ground impact. It is designed to deliver a dynamic sound range including the deep bass tones and high slap sounds.
The acousticon shell and synthetic heads, contour tuning brackets and Earth black finishing are its characteristic features. Whether your preference is attractive outlook or high sound qualities, it is best in both regards.
10) Deep Carved Djembe Bongo Drum
You may find this classic Djembe a bit expensive but the quality and playability justify the price. You would love the decent appearance of this marvellous instrument and the construction quality is also appreciable. Those who want both the catchy design and inspiring quality should choose this one. This instrument gives a dynamic range of tones and you can enjoy the exceptional bass and praiseworthy slap tones.
Its dimensions include 20 x 10 x 10 inches and the total weight is 7 pounds. The lovely design featuring the African moon and star symbol look just stunning. It symbolizes harmony and love. Considering the construction, it is a robust instrument.
The single log solid shell construction comprises a high grade and sustainable mahogany wood. The shells are properly dried and special effort is made for preserving and protecting the wood. For this purpose, it is coated with about twenty coats of teak oil. The drumhead comprises good quality goatskin that delivers a genuine outlook and excellent sound.
It can easily be tuned via the rope. An additional rope is added that is enfolded around the drum neck for assisting the Mali Weave tuning. Last but not the least, you will get a free cover for the drumhead. Get this easy to tune and easy to play Djembe and enjoy a superb playing time with outstanding sound quality.
11) Hand-carved African Djembe Drum
It is a simple African Djembe that offers a rich and elegant look and it is very light in weight. It measures 8 x 8 x 16 inches and has just 2.9 pounds weight. Although this is smaller in size but doesn’t take it as a toy. It is highly suitable for the little children. Kids that are 2 to 5 years old would love to play this one. It would be a great start form them,
This has a beautiful construction that enhances the sound qualities and makes it a wonderful choice to play. It is built by keeping in mind the high tonal qualities, easy playability, and enhanced sound. The structural material comprises high-quality hand carved wood shell and natural goatskin that is used in West African djembes.
This attractive instrument is handcrafted by the experienced artisans from West Africa. Each of these is imported from there and then it is properly inspected, tested, cleaned before sending ahead in order to make sure that you get the best and properly functioning djembe.
It comes fully tuned in ready to play form. However, it is tunable by ropes and you can easily do that by yourself if required. Last but not the least, it features a 10 point quality assurance from the manufacturer.
12) Deco 79 89847 Wood Leather Djembe Drum
It is a very pretty instrument that will add to your home décor along with giving a commendable playing experience. The size dimensions include 9 x 9 x 16 inches and it weighs 4 pounds.
This is a small and simple drum that is good for the starters and for those who just want to try hands on it as a hobby. It comprises high-quality wood and leather and gives strong sound and a commendable performance.
The strong construction adds to its durability and this is one of the best that anyone can buy at this price. This model is specifically designed for the music lovers who also love decorating their homes. It is a two in one piece, you can enjoy playing it and you can place it anywhere in your home to add a more aesthetic appeal to it.
It is a perfect choice for presenting as a gift as well. Gift this to your friends who are crazy after home décor. They are going to love it for sure. The economical price makes it a more wondrous choice.
13) Djembe Drum- African Percussion Drum
The budding players and freshers who want to take an easy start should try this one. It would provide a comfortable and fantastic playing experience at a very affordable price. This is designed with great attention to its aesthetics. The beautiful design at the extended bottom makes it more beautiful. This is a smart choice for home decoration as well.
Its size is 11 x 8.3 x 6.4 inches and its weight is just 2.1 pounds. This lightweight and low-price Djembe is perfect for the new players who know nothing about playing it. They can easily handle it and use it as they want. The strong construction won’t let it get damaged easily.
This djembe has a goatskin drumhead and it delivers impressive sound. It is handmade and special attention is paid to its design and construction quality. This is simply the best that you can have at such a low price. If you don’t have to budget to go for high-end models, it is the most appropriate option to try. Get this and you will have a delightful experience.
14) Deep Carved Djembe Bongo Drum GYE NYAME
Take a look at this decently designed and beautifully made high-quality Djembe presented at a very reasonable price. The deep GYE NYAME carving adds to its attractiveness and you can place this appealing drum as a home décor article anywhere in your house. The manufactures of this wonderful instrument have years of experience and it truly represents their incomparable skills and unrivaled expertise.
The size measurements of this instrument include 20 x 10 x 10 inches and it has 7 pounds weight. It is hand produced by keeping in mind the professional standards under the strict quality control check. This is designed to deliver high-quality sound, comfortable playability, and improved durability. Thus, satisfaction is guaranteed with this drum. Try it once and you will have a stunning experience.
Speaking of the structure, it has a solid shell construction, made with single piece Mahogany wood that is environmentally sustainable and legally harvested. Shells have multiple coatings of teak oil for the preservation and protection of wood. Drumhead consists of premium quality goatskin with a natural outlook and sound.
It comes complete with a spare tuning rope hanged around the neck for tuning via the Mali Weave system. Additionally, a cover is also provided for free that can protect your Djembe from being dirty.
15) Hand-carved Djembe Drum from Africa
This addition from African Heartwood project is a smart option, particularly for the beginners. It is built specifically for the new players in Africa by the highly experienced artisans and they have built it with great dedication and care. For those who want to enjoy an effortless play with commendable sound quality at low price, it is the most appropriate choice.
The size is suitable for the first-timers. Its measurements 13 x 13 x 2 inches and its weight is about 11.9 pounds. You will surely enjoy this instrument if you like making the recreational rhythms. Along with exotic outlook, the sound qualities are also good
Its structure comprises a hand-carved solid shell and genuine goatskin from West Africa. It also comes properly tuned up. To ensure that you get an excellent experience with it, the djembe is passed through a strict quality check before sending ahead.
As mentioned above, it is good for the starters. The professionals may not find it perfect for use because the tonal qualities are not up to the mark. But considering the price, this is a good choice.
Choosing the Best Djembe Drum from the Best Djembe Drum Brands
The specific needs of each player are different and they depend on how skilled the player is. Some want to buy a small one only for decoration, some want to get a big one for enjoying a pleasant musical experience and some want to get a suitable one for their kids.
So first, you have to identify the purpose of purchasing this instrument and your level of performance.
If you want to purchase a Djembe just to try as a newbie, picking up a low-price model would be good. However, if you have some experience of playing this instrument, you can go for a more expensive one.
We have mentioned various different models here that encompass different price ranges. All of these are outstanding in quality, you can choose any of these depending on your budget.