Traditional Rope Tuned or Modern Key Tuned Djembe?

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Rope tuned djembes are more authentic in construction in that they are made the way djembes were originally made by West African peoples such as the Mandika in times of antiquity.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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How to Care for Your Djembe Drum

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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What Size Djembe Drum Should I Get?

The djembe drum size you require will depend on your own size, level of ability, and, of course, the musical purpose of the drum. Djembe drums can be played whilst sitting down and also standing up - with the aid of a djembe strap. Adults should, generally speaking, have larger drums where the heads are 12 inches or more. Young people should have the smaller drum, with head sizes of 7 to 10 inches. To work out what size drum head you should go for you will need to place the heel of your hand on the rim of the drum - your fingers should just cross the centre of the drum. If you go for anything smaller your hands will be too large and you will not be able to achieve clean and distinct sounds.

The positioning of the drum between the legs is an important consideration when determining the best size djembe. One should make sure that the drum they have selected can sit comfortably between their legs and that their arms can strike out and hit the head from various angles. Some of the very agile are able to control the position of the drum with their legs, and actually move it, with smooth, minute squeezing and loosening motions of the knees against the drum's body. It is possible to pick up the drum and beat it for an extra explosive resonance, by just using the knees.

Once the beginner has selected a drum, he or she should spend a few days to allow their body to get use to drumming. One should play the drum from different positions, in the comfortable position of sitting down, to the awkward position of standing up. Doing this would help one fathom out if they have selected the right size drum. This brings forth the idea of the "Suzuki" method of learning music that was once popular. Little children learned how to play the violin and become familiar with the instrument by walking around with it while playing. The point here is simply that one's body must get familiar with the drum. This is why size is important. The djembe is truly a spiritual instrument and one does not want to start off with it in an awkward relationship.

Size is an important factor to take into consideration when deciding on a djembe drum. Once this has been established you can then go on to decide if you would prefer a wooden djembe or a fibreglass djembe, roped tuned of mechanically tuned and finally the style of the djembe.

Looking to purchase a djembe drum and unsure of which size to go for? The Djembe Drum Shop has a range of Djembes for sale in all sizes and styles - check out http://www.djembedrumshop.com/.

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