want to start playing hand drum...

**lildrummerboi** · 03-05-2007, 01:13 AM

hey everybody

i have been drumming on a kit for almost 3 years now, and am in a band with my good friend molly who writes great things...

anyway, i think some djembe would be very nice on alot of her stuff, piano stuff, acoustic guitar, etc (myspace.com/tekore) and i just wanted any advice you all would think i need to hear, how much to spend, what to look for in a quality drum, etc......

thanks guys, this site flippin kicks ***, i love it! friendly ppl, drummers are the best, im glad i joined the community

**Roaddebris** · 03-05-2007, 09:31 AM

I got my son a Remo djembe. It's all sythetic and has a 16" head. It's very unwieldy and doesn't sound nearly as good as drums with natural skin heads. It is loud with a lot of bass, though.

**bongobro** · 03-05-2007, 09:38 PM

At the risk of beatin' my own drums,

check out "A Tale of Two Djembes" in the Product Review site...it will give you some idea of what to look for (and maybe look out for!)...although the djembe dudes on this site, myself included, will tell you the larger the djembe, the deeper and more "ballsy" the sound...

Transferring your stick work to hand drums isn't all that tough...in fact I learned to play set because the first bongo book I picked up told me to learn the 26 rudiments first...

and don't stop there, ldb...check out the bongos, congas and other hand drums, too...you'll find lots of ways to work them into your acoustic tunes.

I agree, bro', this site is the best! I consider the drummers (and other musicians) who hang out here as my brothers and sisters! Let me know how it works for you...and

**1DrumBum** · 03-06-2007, 12:49 AM

I agree with BB, check out his review. I prefer to go with a carved Djembe that has been made from one solid piece of wood. That way you can use a smaller head (12" - 14") for the higher tones and still get the boomin' lows. Nothing can beat the resonance of a thick, solid chunk of wood.

The only drawback is the price. They usually cost a little more than say, Remos or LPs because they are made by hand. Don't get me wrong, both companies make great Djembes, I just don't think they are as versatile.

There's my 2 cents. Welcome to the site. Kick of your shoes and stay a while. There are a lot of great people here (especially the 2 yahoos' who posted before me) to get to know.