You put thought and effort into finding the right djembe for your needs. Now that you have it, there are several things you can do to protect your investment and keep your djembe looking and sounding like new. Regular maintenance, common sense, and a well-fitted djembe bag will ensure your drum is with you for years to come.
At times your djembe may find itself pushed to the wayside in favour of other pursuits like schooling, a newborn, or a visit from your drum-hating in-laws. To preserve the longevity of the skin, it is helpful to detune the djembe when it is not in regular use. The constant tension on the skin can cause wear, giving it a break from time to time will extend the life of the skin. It may also extend the life of the drum head itself as much as fifty percent.
Just like you, your djembe enjoys an occasional rubdown. As the skin dries, rubbing it with a light coating of oil or lotion on the skin will help to rehydrate it. Hydrated skin is happy skin, and this occasional spa treatment will keep your djembe sounding - and looking - youthful. You may wish to test a small amount of the oil or lotion on a hidden portion of the skin to make sure no undesirable discolouration occurs. Drums with synthetic skin may not benefit as much from this rubdown, but be sure to let your drum know it's nothing personal.
It is helpful to store your djembe in a cool, dry place. Excessive sun fades colours and makes ropes and skins brittle. Moisture may result in mould or rot. You will not make many friends at the drum circle if you show up with a foul-smelling, mouldy drum.
A djembe bag is an additional investment that is well worth the cost. A properly fitted, padded bag will protect your drum during storage and transport. While settling your drum into the passenger seat and belting it in may have a similar effect, it may scratch the body and looks less professional. A padded bag will offer the most protection for your drum, however cloth bags are available for the musician on the budget. When purchasing a bag be sure to properly measure your drum to insure a snug fit. A bag that is too large will not offer the proper protection, and a bag that is too small may only fit your tennis racquet or cat.
Making a habit of regular care and a comfortable bag to call home are the best things you can do for your djembe. If treated well, your drum will be your loyal companion for years to come.
In need of a djembe bag to protect your djembe drum? Visit the Djembe Drum Shop at http://www.djembedrumshop.com/ to view their range of djembe bags and to buy online.
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