Does the soulful beat of the Djembe Drum call to your spirit?
I feel you!I love Djembe drums so its hard to call out just one as the “Best Djembe Drum” because I like so many.
But…
There are a few things that the Best Djembe Drums have in common. So when you choose your djembe drum, I have some tips to help you out.
Here is a list of 11 of the Best Djembe Drum reviews followed by a concise buyers guide to point out what you should consider before you buy the Best Djembe Drum for you.
African Heartwood Project AUTHENTIC Djembe Drum From Africa HUGE 14″x25″
Width/Height: HUGE 14 inch head and 25 inches tall
Material/Drumskin: West African Goatskin head with a Mansonia Altissima semi-hardwood shell from Ghana
Country of Origin: Africa
What makes this Djembe stand out:
This HUGE Djembe is the real deal. Made in Ghana Africa, it delivers wall rattling beefy bass that is hard to find.
This Djembe is big and heavy, not ideal for packing around, but if you do take it to festivals or drum circles, you are sure to get a lot of appreciation for its booming authentic sound. It has a warm sound and the slaps and tones are nice too.
This Djembe comes tuned right out of the box, so no need to fuss with that before you play.
This Djembe is a bit rustic, which is how traditional Djembes are, but rest assured, the wood is quality Mansonia from Ghana, and the hide is carefully selected goatskin that will hold up,
Takeaway: Big on sound and size, it’s hard to find a Djembe with bass this booming, plus it’s made in Africa! IMO one of the Best Djembe Drums!
Terre Djembe Master Mali Style, 24″ tall”
Width/Height: 13 inch width, 24 inches high
Material/Drumskin: Mahogany Wood Shell with Goatskin head
Country of Origin:Made in Indonesia
What makes this Djembe stand out:
This smooth, high-quality, rich-toned Djembe will take your breath away! They allow for vigorous drumming thanks to the sturdy rubber foot, its hefty weight, and large metal ring that keeps the drum tuned as you pound away.
The inside of this Mali style Djembe drum is smoothed and burrs are removed for optimal clear sound. The hand-carved mahogany is gorgeous and you can tell a lot of care and attention to detail went into making this djembe in the style of traditional Mali Djembes.
Takeaway: A beautiful, rugged Djembe made in the style of Djembes of Mali, Africa.
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Remo Mondo Djembe Drum
Width/Height: Available in 10”, 12”, 14”, and 16”
Material/Drumskin: Fiberskyn synthetic head with Acousticon Shell multiple thin plies of 100% recycled wood-fiber
Country of Origin: USA
What makes this Djembe stand out:
This MADE IN THE USA Djembe drum is constructed using synthetic skin and recycled wood. The Acousticon shell offers a dense, consistent sound with excellent pitch, timbre, and projection.
This drum is LOUD, with deep satisfying bass and crisp high tone slaps.
It comes in 4 different sizes, so there is one to fit every drummer.
This drum is durable, lightweight, and easy to carry around.
Takeaway: Booming bass and clear highs, this MADE IN THE USA synthetic/recycled Djembe drum will win your heart.
Sawtooth Harmony Series 12″ Hand Carved Elephant Design Rope Djembe
Width/Height: 12 inch head with 24-inch height
Material/Drumskin: One-piece mahogany with goatskin head
Country of Origin: Indonesia
What makes this Djembe stand out:
Sawtooth instruments are used by professional musicians the world around.
The sound is what keeps the musicians coming back. This Djembe has a sound that will not disappoint. It has deep resonant bass with complimentary high-pitched crisp rim slaps.
It is handcrafted from one single piece of mahogany by a seasoned craftsman and the tuning rope is set tight and pre-tuned, ready to play right out of the box.
Also available in small 8-inch head travel backpacker size.
Takeaway: Affordable, Excellent sounding Djembe from the musician’s choice manufacturer.
X8 Drums Stallion Professional Djembe Drum
Width/Height: HUGE 17” head and 27” height
Material/Drumskin: Once Piece Mahogony shell and unbleached goatskin head
Country of Origin: Indonesia
What makes this Djembe stand out:
This BIG Djembe has BIG noise and is perfect for larger drummers.
This is a Pro-level Djembe with deep resonant bass. It is well crafted, including an unbleached goatskin drum head, 40 sets of rope runners made from tight alpine rope, and a lathe-turned shell for consistent thickness. Plus the Internal grooves reduce the overtones of this oversized drum.
Takeaway: Large Pro-level Djembe fit for a king.
Compact Travel Backpacker X8 Celtic Labyrinth Djembe Drum
Width/Height: 8”-9” head and 15” tall
Material/Drumskin: One-piece mahogany with goatskin head
Country of Origin: Indonesia
What makes this Djembe stand out:
This Mini Djembe is perfect for taking on the go. It is also small enough for younger players who are just starting out. It is perfect for impromptu drum circles, as a starter Djembe, or to have an extra percussion instrument on hand.
The shall is one-piece mahogany that is lathe-turned for a consistent shell thickness, a goatskin head, and is tethers using an alpine rope with minimal stretch so the drum stays tuned longer. The carved grooves on the interior of the drum prevent overtones and give this Djembe a rich sound compared to its size.
It’s a small Djembe, but it is solid and hefty, not a toy. It has a beautiful look and design that will make you proud to own such a quality piece.
Takeaway: This small Djembe packs a big sound. Perfect for beginners, impromptu drum circles, or as an extra instrument.
Meinl Percussion Djembe, African Style Earth Series
Width/Height: 10 “ diameter 20” tall
Material/Drumskin: One-piece Mahogany shell with goatskin head
Country of Origin: Indonesia
What makes this Djembe stand out:
This fair-priced small to medium-sized Djembe is a great deal. It Is quality made from one-piece mahogany and goatskin, with a traditional Mali weave nylon rope tuning system with minimal stretch so it stays tuned.
It has decent volume, especially for its size. It tends to be higher pitched than larger drums and makes a great accompanying drum. The bass is ample and it has decent pop, with a sound signature all its own.
Takeaway: Economical medium djembe drum with a unique sound signature.
Pearl 14-inch Field Percussion Fiberglass Djembe
Width/Height: 14 inch head
Material/Drumskin: Fiberglass shell with goatskin head
Country of Origin: Thailand
What makes this Djembe stand out:
This Fiberglass and goatskin Djembe made in Thailand is available in several sizes to suit any musician.
Fiberglass shells have a more piercing sound than wood, which absorbs some of the vibrations, whereas fiberglass puts it back out.
These fiberglass Djembes have a deep bowl to create a low-end tone and sharp pops.
Fiberglass is durable, light, and weather-resistant, too. That makes this Djembe easy to carry around, even if it’s large.
They are top tuned and much easier to tune than traditional rope Djembes, which I consider another bonus.
Takeaway: Easy to tune, portable., durable fiberglass Djembe with superior sound.
African Hand-carved Djembe Drum From Ivory Coast
Width/Height: 11″ head width and 22″ tall shell
Material/Drumskin: Shell is made from Tweneboa Wood with a goatskin drum head
Country of Origin: Made in Africa
What makes this Djembe stand out:
This is a pro-level Djembe drum carved from one solid piece is seasoned Tweneboa Wood. The shell is quality crafted and has a uniform thickness. The shell is treated with shea and karate to prevent cracking and give it a beautiful authentic patina.
It is made in the Ivory Coast, Africa by experienced drum makers using the traditional method.
The goatskin drum head is a little thicker than most for a stronger tone and wetter slap and heavy bass. This drum has three rings tightened with coreless nylon rope, also sourced in Africa.
Takeaway: This smaller sized djembe drum is a legit profesional level Djembe drum out of Africa.
Toca Rope Tuned 12-Inch Djembe
Width/Height: 24“ tall with 12” head
Material/Drumskin: Goatskin head with synthetic shell
Country of Origin: Unkown
What makes this Djembe stand out:
This ultra-lightweight, affordable Djembe is a take-anywhere musical treat. Perfect for drum circles, schools, and jamming wherever.
It has a synthetic PVC composite shell and a goatskin head, with a bright tone, good bass, and a slap that is easy to master.
This Toca freestyle Djembe drum is not cheaply made, it is crafted with quality materials and attention to detail. The bottom has a non-slip rubber that secures it for energetic drumming, the goat skin head lends it an authentic sound, and the alpine rope is tight and pre-stretched to help the drum stay tuned.
It has a booming volume for its size and materials.
Takeaway: Light, durable, affordable, and portable. A handy drum to keep in your collection.
Terre Linecarve Maori-style Djembe 24″
Width/Height: 12” head 24” tall
Material/Drumskin: One Piece Mahogany shell with goatskin head
Country of Origin: Indonesia
What makes this Djembe stand out:
This striking hand-carved Djembe is made from one solid piece of mahogany and stands 24 inches tall with a generous 12-inch head.
It is easy to tune and stay tuned thanks to the quality alpine cord.
The sound is great with deep resonant bass on center hits and sharp clap tones on the slap.
The foot is secure and will not shift during drumming thanks to the rubber rim.
Takeaway: High-quality mid to large size Djembe drum with great sound and good looks.
Djembe Drum Buyers Guide
What Width should your Djembe drum be?
The first Djembe decision you will make is what size you want. The Best Djembe Drum for you may be a mini, medium or large Djembe. It really depends on your style.
But you should know a few things…
How do you measure a Djembe?
Well, a Djembe is measured by the DIAMETER of the head. That is how many inches it is across the top.
This is also known as the Djembe width.
SMALL or mini, or travel Djembes can be 8 inches. A small Djembe will not be as loud or have as deep a sound as larger Djembes.
A Djembe that is 14 inches or wider is considered a LARGE Djembe. These Djembes are heavier if they are made of wood, and harder to pack around.
However…
They give the BEST sound and are a treat to play. You can reverberate the walls with a really large Djembe with big beefy bass.
So…
What size or Width Djembe should you get?
Check out the Djembe width chart below and choose the perfect size Djembe for you.
Of course, don’t take the chart as gospel, you can go larger or smaller based on your needs and preferences.
Need a small Djembe to carry around to the drum circle in a backpack? Go for an 8-inch width Djembe.
Want a Djembe with ample presence, booming sound, and deep bass? Get a large Djembe.
Where is the drum made?
Djembes made in Indonesia
Many Djembes are made in Indonesia, and these Djembes are great, honestly. They are usually made of one-piece responsibly procured mahogany, and they have a great sound and fair price.
This Djembe is made in Indonesia and it is a favorite with musicians thanks to its deep, resonant sound. Sawtooth Harmony Series Djembe
Djembes made in Africa
Traditionally Djembes are from Africa, and those on this list that are Djembes made in Africa are top-notch.
But…
Authentic African Djembes cost a bit more because of shipping and other factors. Nonetheless, they have a rich sound, the best craftsmanship, and you know they are made with pride. African Djembe drums are really some of the Best Djembe Drums for sale.
My favorite African-made Djembe is African Heartwood Project AUTHENTIC Djembe Drum because the products support local African artisans and the sound and craftsmanship are unmatched.
What type of Skin does your Djembe drum use?
Goatskin hide
Most Djembes on this list are made with goatskin hide. Goatskin is pliable, easy, and sustainable to source, and adds authenticity and uniqueness to each djembe as no two are alike. Traditional, made in Africa Djembes like the African Hand-carved Djembe Drum From Ivory Coast are made with goatskin.
There are two things to mention about the goatskin.Goatskin is shaved and some goats have spots that may look like stains, and you may mistake the stains for a used Djembe. Rest assured, these are normal and part of the goat’s coloring.
Goatskin is pliable, and if you have it out in damp weather, it may change the tune and sound or your drum a bit. It is not as resilient as synthetic, but it IS the more authentic and most popular choice.
I personally prefer goat skin drum heads and the sound is richer and warmer than synthetic skin drum heads and goat skin is on many of the Best Djembe Drums for sale.
Synthetic Djembe Head
Synthetic head Djembes like the Remo Mondo Djembe Drum are a great choice for those who want an instrument that is entirely synthetic and non-animal in origin.
The synthetic drum heads resist weather better than animal skin, and they are low maintenance They are responsive and always consistent, with minimal tuning required.
Remo Skyndeep® djembe drum heads are in my opinion, the best synthetic djembe drum heads. They are pigment infused polyesther so the look like natural skin but with the benefits of synthetic. They are resistant to moisture and weather and stay tuned, always providing vibrant sound, warm tones and satisfying projection. The Remo Djembe 16 is an example of a djembe drum with Remo Skyndeep cover.
What material is your Djembe Drum Shell Made of?
Natural Wood Shell
Most Natural wood used for Djembes is a single piece of Mahagony Wood made from the tree trunk. Mahogany wood is common for Djembes made in Indonesia.
If you buy a Djembe made in Africa, you may find Iroko Wood or Mansonia Altissima semi-hardwood.
I love Natural one-piece wood shells. The sound is just so much warmer and richer.
If the sound is your top priority, go with a natural wood shell.
However, wood drums do have a steeper learning curve, may be more expensive, and do not withstand bad weather as well and synthetics.
But you are not going to abuse your Djembe, right?
Synthetic/Plastic/Fiberglass/Recycled wood fiber
Fiberglass shells are generally less expensive, very durable, they withstand crap weather pretty well and they are easy to play, making them a favorite for occasional and or new Djembe players.
They do have a livelier tone and may seem more responsive, making them reverberate with less effort and get decent volume.
But, I still prefer the richer sound of the wood drum.
The synthetics are lighter too, very portable, and a good choice for young players.
Djembe Drum FAQs
Where can I get a Djembe stand?
A Djembe stand is used for several reasons. It is used with smaller drums to get them up a little higher.
Let's say you use a mini or travel drum seated in a circle, most of the time. If you ever want to play the drum sitting in a chair instead, a Djembe drum stand can help.
You can also use the stand in place of a strap to take the strain off your shoulders or in place of holding the drum with your legs if you play seated.
The Djembe drum stand is a tool to make playing more comfortable.Where can I get a new goatskin for my Djembe Drum?
If you give your Djembe enough love, eventually the goatskin head will wear out.
You can replace the goatskin head on your Djembe easily.
Be aware: You need to get a replacement goatskin head for your Djembe that is much larger than the diameter width of your Djembe.
For example, If you have a 12” Djembe, you need a 16” goatskin head replacement for it.
You need the goatskin head replacement for your Djembe to be about 4 inches wider than the width or diameter of your Djembe.What is a Djembe Kessing or ksink-ksink? How do I get a rattle or resonator for my Djembe?
A Djembe kessing, also known as a Djembe tip resonator or a Djembe rattle, is a traditional handmade rattle for your Djembe drum. It is usually handmade from recycled or repurposed metal.
They are secured most commonly to the drum exterior with a black thick band, somewhat like a workout or pull-up band.
Kessings add an extra percussion dimension to your drumming are excellent conversation starters.
That wraps up this round of djembe drum reviews.
Peace, love, and happy Drumming, until we meet again, my fellow travelers.
Thanks for stopping by on your journey to find the Best Djembe Drum, I sincerely hope this helped you find the right one for YOU!
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