The type of djembe you purchase will be decided by the way you want to tune it. The main methods of tuning djembe drums are key or rope systems. Here's a brief description of each type of drum tuning system and construction:
Rope enabled tuning
This is more like the original djembe, those were all rope tuned. You move the position of ropes to change the pitch on a rope tuned 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.
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. The term "pulling a diamond" refers to adjusting knots in order to tune the drum. One type of knot used in tuning djembe drums is the Mali Weave.
Key-tuned djembe drums
The tuning systems of key tuned drums is quite modern. A wrench is used to tighten the bolts that border the djembe head in this tuning system, which is closely related to the type of tuning systems used for snares, tom toms, and other conventional drums. By turning these bolts, the large metallic rim that holds the drum head is tightened, resulting in an increase to the drum pitch.
The tuning elements on a djembe are rather bulky. A rope tuned one will have less metal and weight.
How to get the best tuning system for you?
Simple to use and uncomplicated to understand are the advantages offered by drums that are key tuned. However, though 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. Some won't mind the extra metal which comes with this system in exchange for the ease of tuning.
Rope tuned djembes are more authentic in construction in that they are made the way djembes were originally made by West African peoples such as the Mandika in times of antiquity. If your goal is to stay true to the original drum form, choose rope tuned djembes. Rope tuned djembes require a bit more up front learning in order to tune properly, but they are convenient and easy to tune once you know how. Some people think that rim rings that are thinner and conveniently placed lead to easier drumming. For a variety of reasons the variety of djembe that is rope tuned could be the better choice. As with before, this choice depends upon the personal preference of the drummer.
Rope enabled tuning
This is more like the original djembe, those were all rope tuned. You move the position of ropes to change the pitch on a rope tuned 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.
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. The term "pulling a diamond" refers to adjusting knots in order to tune the drum. One type of knot used in tuning djembe drums is the Mali Weave.
Key-tuned djembe drums
The tuning systems of key tuned drums is quite modern. A wrench is used to tighten the bolts that border the djembe head in this tuning system, which is closely related to the type of tuning systems used for snares, tom toms, and other conventional drums. By turning these bolts, the large metallic rim that holds the drum head is tightened, resulting in an increase to the drum pitch.
The tuning elements on a djembe are rather bulky. A rope tuned one will have less metal and weight.
How to get the best tuning system for you?
Simple to use and uncomplicated to understand are the advantages offered by drums that are key tuned. However, though 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. Some won't mind the extra metal which comes with this system in exchange for the ease of tuning.
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. If your goal is to stay true to the original drum form, choose rope tuned djembes. Rope tuned djembes require a bit more up front learning in order to tune properly, but they are convenient and easy to tune once you know how. Some people think that rim rings that are thinner and conveniently placed lead to easier drumming. For a variety of reasons the variety of djembe that is rope tuned could be the better choice. As with before, this choice depends upon the personal preference of the drummer.
About the Author:
Are you looking to order a djembe drum for your child or school music group? The Djembe Drum Shop boasts a great range of childrens musical instruments and percussion instruments which are available to purchase online. Pay a visit to their eshop at www.djembedrumshop.com.
