In selecting a djembe drum to purchase, you need to be aware of which of the two main types you would like to own as regards the way the djembe is tuned. Rope and key are the main ways to tune djembes. Here's a brief description of each type of drum tuning system and construction:
Rope Tuned
This is more like the original djembe, those were all rope tuned. To change the pitch on a rope tuned djembe you change the position of the ropes. The skin is held from rings that are attached from the ropes. 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.
The rings that surround the djembe are tightened by pulling its rope, resulting in tuning. This increases the tension on the drum skin and raises the pitch. To "pull a diamond" means tuning a drum by adjusting knots. Mali Weave is one kind of knot used to tune djembe drums.
Key-tuned djembes
A feature of modern djembe drums is their key tuning systems. This tuning system, which is similar to the tuning systems that are used on snares, and tom toms, uses a wrench to tighten the bolts along the djembe head Tightening these bolts also tightens the larger metal rim around the head of the drum, and as a result, this raises the pitch of the drum.
Djembe tuning mechanisms are bulky. 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?
Simple to use and uncomplicated to understand are the advantages offered by drums that are key tuned. However, which system is better is up to personal preference, as many djembe players believe that the advantages of a key tuned system stop at ease of use. One obstacle that has been noted, is the bulky tuning rim on a key tuned system, which has been said to get in the way and actually hinder or prevent the instrument from playing properly. Some won't mind the extra metal which comes with this system in exchange for the ease of tuning.
For the most authentic djembe drums are rope tuned. So if you want a drum that resembles those of its origin, pick rope tuned djembes. Rope-tuned djembes can be more involved to learn how to tune them properly at first, nevertheless, once you have learned the skills to tune them, they are convenient and easy to tune. Thinner and better placed rim rings help most people drum easier. For a variety of reasons the variety of djembe that is rope tuned could be the better choice. However, again, this is ultimately the choice of the drummer.
Rope Tuned
This is more like the original djembe, those were all rope tuned. To change the pitch on a rope tuned djembe you change the position of the ropes. The skin is held from rings that are attached from the ropes. 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.
The rings that surround the djembe are tightened by pulling its rope, resulting in tuning. This increases the tension on the drum skin and raises the pitch. To "pull a diamond" means tuning a drum by adjusting knots. Mali Weave is one kind of knot used to tune djembe drums.
Key-tuned djembes
A feature of modern djembe drums is their key tuning systems. This tuning system, which is similar to the tuning systems that are used on snares, and tom toms, uses a wrench to tighten the bolts along the djembe head Tightening these bolts also tightens the larger metal rim around the head of the drum, and as a result, this raises the pitch of the drum.
Djembe tuning mechanisms are bulky. 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?
Simple to use and uncomplicated to understand are the advantages offered by drums that are key tuned. However, which system is better is up to personal preference, as many djembe players believe that the advantages of a key tuned system stop at ease of use. One obstacle that has been noted, is the bulky tuning rim on a key tuned system, which has been said to get in the way and actually hinder or prevent the instrument from playing properly. Some won't mind the extra metal which comes with this system in exchange for the ease of tuning.
For the most authentic djembe drums are rope tuned. So if you want a drum that resembles those of its origin, pick rope tuned djembes. Rope-tuned djembes can be more involved to learn how to tune them properly at first, nevertheless, once you have learned the skills to tune them, they are convenient and easy to tune. Thinner and better placed rim rings help most people drum easier. For a variety of reasons the variety of djembe that is rope tuned could be the better choice. However, again, this is ultimately the choice of the drummer.
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Are you looking to get a djembe drum for your child or school music group? The Djembe Drum Shop has a great range of childrens musical instruments and percussion instruments which are available to order online. Pay a visit to their eshop at www.djembedrumshop.com.
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