The Djembe is a traditional drum; its origins have been traced to the West African region. The Djembe has become very popular because it is a versatile musical instrument that can be used to play different types of songs during celebrations, festivals, and wedding ceremonies.
Durability is one of the essential aspects to consider when buying a Djembe. The musical instrument is usually made from hardwood that has aged.
What are the Best Professional Djembe?
2) Hand Carved Djembe Drum
- Imported directly from Africa
- Hand carved
- Made from skilfully processed West African goat skin
- Easily fit into a gig bag for protection
1) Remo Mondo Djembe Drum
- Carved from hardwood mahogany
- Deep bass tone
- Easy to distinguish the slap tones
- Suitable for young children and adults
3) Meinl Percussion Djembe
- Carved from high-grade mahogany
- Woven strap
- Easy to keep it clean
- Lightweight
- The gig bag provides protection
To get the right pitch sounds, the Djembe must be tuned properly. This is easily done if modern tuners have been used in the manufacture of the drum. Please confirm that the tuning mechanisms are of high-quality when shopping for a Djembe.
Musicians and percussionists who would prefer to play the Djembe from a standing position should ensure that the model they buy comes with a high-quality strap that gives the player more control during a performance.
Children play Djembes; it is a good idea to check the weight of a Djembe to know if it will be too heavy for children who are interested in playing the musical instrument. Djembes come in different colours; however, many of the models that can be found online feature earth colours.
Generally, Djembes made from goat skin head are known to produce better sounds, so this can be considered before buying a Djembe online.
Here are the popular Djembe models found online;
8 Best Professional Djembe Reviews
1) Remo Mondo Djembe Drum
The 14’’ playing surface on the Remo Mondo Djembe provides the right size of playing surface that every percussionist needs. This model has been carved from hardwood mahogany that gives it a deep bass tone when the musical instrument is played.
The sound output from this Djembe model can be adjusted with the use of customer tuners that have been attached to the playing surface.
The Djembe weighs 10 pounds; it can fit into a gig bag. It is easy to distinguish the slap tones when playing this Djembe model. When used the right way, this Djembe can last for years. It is, however, important to move the Djembe around in a gig bag to prevent scratches.
The broad base of this musical instrument gives it enough support to stand alone, while the musical instrument is in use. The Mondo Djembe is suitable for young children and adults.
2) Hand Carved Djembe Drum
Djembes, such as this model, have been imported directly from Africa. They are not modified and sold with the original features at the time of importation. However, there are manual tuning features on this Djembe model that can be used to improve the pitch sound to match the songs that are to be played.
The tuning guide for this Djembe is basic; it can be done following the usual instructions for tuning Djembes. The sound output is excellent; this is attributed to the playing surface that has been made from skilfully processed West African goat skin.
The playing surface of this Djembe measures 13’’ and it stands at a vertical height of 24’’, which is why this Djembe model can be played by children and adults. The Djembe weighs only 11.9 pounds, and it can easily fit into a gig bag for protection while in storage or when the musical instrument is moved from one location to another.
This is a hand carved Djembe with exotic features, sitting on its own; this Djembe can pass for an artistic piece of work. It has a broad base that provides adequate balance and support to keep the musical instrument in one position, while it is played.
3) Meinl Percussion Djembe
Solid mahogany has been chosen as the main material used to make this Djembe drum. The drum features a woven strap that makes it convenient for musical performers to play different songs with this Djembe.
The pitch sounds from this Djembe is very high; it has been carved from high-grade mahogany, which is responsible for the excellent pitch sounds produced when the musical instrument is played.
The finishing of this musical instrument makes it easy to keep it clean. A cleaning cloth can be used to wipe the playing surface of the musical instrument when necessary.
The Djembe model weighs only 4.4 pounds; it is one of the lightweight models that can be easily carried from one gig spot to another. The Djembe can be played in a standing position, or the percussionist can decide to sit down while playing different songs with this Djembe.
The small size of this model makes it possible to easily fit the Djembe into a gig bag. The gig bag provides protection from dust and scratches; it also prolongs the lifespan of the musical instrument.
The playing surface of this Djembe model is 12’’ and the vertical measurement is stated as 24’’ this makes it suitable for adults and little children who would like to learn how to play a Djembe.
4) Remo Djembe
It is also tagged as the Apex Djembe; this traditional drum is made from durable ABS plastic that can last for many years. The ABS plastic improves the sound output because it offers the right amount of friction and resistance when the playing surface is slapped during a performance.
The design features the traditional Djembe structure that makes it easy to hold the drum in position when it is played. The bold black colour of the Remo Djembe makes it stand out and more attractive.
The drum head is made from synthetic goat stripes, which are also black in colour. The Djembe weighs only 10 pounds, because of the black coloured design, it is necessary to carry this Djembe from one place to another when it is stored inside a gig bag.
It is possible to adjust the pitch of this drum by using the manual tuning features. The Djembe can be key tuned to get the right pitch, and if necessary, the skin on this Djembe model can be changed.
5) Key Tuned Remo Djembe
Weighing only 10 pounds, the Key Tuned Remo Djembe is one of the models that can be easily carried around to perform in different places. The Djembe is made of durable fibre skin that improves its durability, and the sturdy nature of this model offers more value.
The playing surface on this Djembe model is made from black fibre skin, which gives the Djembe a unique dark look. The Djembe is also available in a camouflage design, and the model finished with green Kente traditional cloth. The finishing has been exquisitely done to represent the traditional heritage of the musical instrument.
The sound output from this Djembe can be described as deep bass. The sound output can be adjusted to get the right pitch. The tuners are used to modify the sound output to match the songs played.
Around the playing surface at the top, there are contoured tuners; these tuners have been securely fastened to the base of the playing surface. The position of the tuners is such that it is easy for the percussionist to play the Djembe and easily adjust the tuners to get the right pitch.
The Djembe features a sturdy frame; this is why it can be easily balanced on different surfaces when the musical instrument is being played.
6) Meinl African Style Rope Djembe
Created through the traditional hand carving, the designs on the surface of this Djembe are unique and attractive. It weighs only 15.4 pounds; the gig bag that ships with this Djembe model is of high-quality.
It offers protection from dust and moisture. The earth-colored finishing is attractive, and it gives the Djembe a regal look that makes it blend properly into the narrative of a traditional musical instrument used to play different types of folk songs.
Regarding the sound output generated when this Djembe model is played, it can be described as deep bass, which an alternative pitch when the tuning system is adjusted to meet the needs of the percussionist.
The compact design also features a goat skin playing surface that is responsible for the sound output. Goat skin has been used because it prevents the creation of overtones when the musical instrument is played by cutting slaps on the playing surface.
The carving has been done to create a perfect sturdy structure that is easily balanced on different surfaces, to make it easier for the percussionist to play the Djembe.
7) Remo Mondo Djembe
The measurement for this Djembe is stated as 14’’ for the playing surface and 24’’ as the vertical height of the drum. The drum head has been finished with Mondo skin-deep material, which is durable and increases the aesthetic appeal of the musical instrument.
The finishing material is also resistant to harsh weather conditions. On the outer surface, the Djembe features an acoustical shell, which also improves the aesthetic appeal of the drum.
The full- range tuning capacity of this Djembe and its finishing promote the sound output while cutting slaps on the playing surface, the Djembe produces a deep bass tone which can be altered by adjusting the tuning features. The tuners can be used to achieve different pitch sounds when the Djembe is played.
This model weighs 10 pounds; it is portable and can fit into a protective gig bag which provides a secure space for storage or protection from dust, and harsh weather.
The sturdy material used to make this Djembe gives it a solid base that provides balance when the drum is played on different types of surfaces. This Djembe model is particularly designed to play different types of Salsa songs among other music genres. It can be played from a standing position or while the percussionist is sitting down.
8) Meinl Percussion Djembe
Carved from high-grade mahogany, the designs on the surface of this Djembe model makes it stand out from the rest. It is the traditional Djembe that has been carved with different depths on the inner parts of the musical instrument. The different depths in the Djembe are responsible for the varying pitch sounds produced when the Djembe is played.
The Djembe is suitable for percussionists at all levels of learning; it can be played by adults and little children. This is one of the notable Djembe models that produce a deep bass sound.
The sound output is attributed to the mahogany used in the creation of the Djembe. The playing surface is made of goat skin; the choice of this material for the creation of a playing surface is because goat skin provides a playing surface that has uniform thickness.
This makes it possible for the percussionist to achieve consistency in the sound output when this Djembe is played.
This Djembe model weighs 15 pounds; it can be stored in a gig bag when the musical instrument is not in use. The Djembe also features a tightly woven rope that functions as the strap; it is used to hold the musical instrument in position when it is played in a standing position.
Choosing the Best Professional Djembe
The measurements and specifications of a Djembe are important. The size of the playing surface determines who can play the drum more effectively. For example, beginners should play Djembes with smaller sized playing surfaces, while the drums that have wider playing surfaces are most suitable for professional percussionists.
2) Hand Carved Djembe Drum
- Imported directly from Africa
- Hand carved
- Made from skilfully processed West African goat skin
- Easily fit into a gig bag for protection
1) Remo Mondo Djembe Drum
- Carved from hardwood mahogany
- Deep bass tone
- Easy to distinguish the slap tones
- Suitable for young children and adults
3) Meinl Percussion Djembe
- Carved from high-grade mahogany
- Woven strap
- Easy to keep it clean
- Lightweight
- The gig bag provides protection
Also, the vertical height of the Djembe and its weight determines if it can be played by younger children. In many cases, it is advisable to buy Djembes that come with hanging ropes, because they can be used when necessary.
Also, the finishing materials used for the Djembe can determine its lifespan; regardless, it is best to learn more about proper storage practices that can keep the Djembe protected from scratches, wear, and dust.
For an extra effect, percussionists can decide to buy Djembes that can be fitted with snares, which will improve the sound output and pitch while the drum is played.