In selecting a djembe drum to purchase, you need to be aware of which of the two main types you would like to own in regards the way the djembe is tuned. There are two main tuning systems for djembes - rope tuned and key tuned systems. Here's a brief description of each type of system and the construction:
Rope Tuned
Traditional djembes were all tuned with ropes, so this is really the original form of the drum. A rope tuned djembe is raised or lowered in pitch by way of thin ropes positioned around the rim of the djembe. These ropes hang horizontally from metal rings that hold the skin on. There may be either two or three rings around the head of a djembe drum, and these are usually thinner than with key tuned drums.
When the drummer wants to tune this type of djembe drum, he or she pulls the ropes in such a way as to make knots that set up tensions that pull the rings around the drum head closer together. This increases the tension on the drum skin and raising the pitch. The term "pulling a diamond" refers to adjusting knots in order to tune the drum. The Mali Weave is a type of knot used in the rope tuning systems of these drums.
Key Tuned
Key tuned drums use a different and more modern tuning system. In this system, which closely resembles the systems used for conventional drums like snares and tom toms, bolts around the djembe head are tightened with a wrench. This in turn tightens the large metal rim around the drum head, which in turn raises the drum pitch.
The tuning bolts and general assemblage on a key tuned djembe are fairly bulky and some feel that they are on the clumsy side. Be aware that if you buy this type of djembe you will see a fair amount of shiny metal and that there will be some added weight in comparison with a rope tuned djembe.
Which Tuning System should you choose?
The advantage of a key tuned system is that it is easy to understand and implement. However, it is up to the individual, many djembe players feel that the advantages essentially stop there. The tuning rim on a key tuned system is bulky and some feel it can even get in the way of playing the instrument. However, others don't mind the hardware that comes with this system and appreciate the convenience of being able to tune this drum easily.
Rope tuned djembes are more authentic in construction in that they are made the way djembes were originally made by West African peoples such as the Mandika in times of antiquity. So if you want to be true to this type of drum's origins, go with rope tuned djembes. These traditional types of djembes are a bit more involved to learn to tune properly, but they are easy and convenient nevertheless once you have learnt how. Some also feel that the thinner rim rings and more unobtrusive placement also allow for easier drumming. So on a number of levels, rope tuned djembes may be a better choice. Again, however, all this is really up to the drummer.
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