What Size Djembe Drum Do I Need?

Drum size will relate to your own size, level of ability and the musical purpose of the drum. These types of drums can be played whilst standing up - using a djembe strap - or sitting down so it is important that you get the correct size for you.

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. In order to work out what sized drum you will require you will need to place the heel of your hand on the rim of the djembe and stretch your hand across the drum head, your fingers should just cross the centre of the drum. If the drum head is too small, your hands will be too large and it will be difficult to play

The drum also has to be the right size to be able to sit comfortably between your legs. Your arms also need to be able to reach the drum head with ease without having to over stretch. 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 you have purchased your drum it will take a few sessions of playing to feel comfortable with it. One should play the drum whilst in different positions, in the comfortable position of sitting down, to the awkward position of standing up.This will ensure it is the correct one for you, it will soon become apparent if it isn't. This follows the thinking behind the "Suzuki" method of learning music that was once popular. 

Children mastered how to play the violin and become acquainted with the musical instrument by walking around with it while playing. The point here is simply that one's body must get familiar with the drum. Size is an important factor to get right. Getting the right djembe is the foundation of you djembe playing career.

Size is an important factor to take into consideration when deciding on a djembe drum. Also whether you prefer a traditional wooden djembe or the more modern synthetic type.

A Guide to Djembe Drum Care

Your djembe drum is an investment, you have spent both time and money to get it. Now you have your djembe drum you'll need to know how to care for it. There are certain ways to care for your djembe including getting a djembe bag to transport your drum in and also regular maintenance of the skin.

Your drum will need to be stored somewhere when it's not in use so it does not get unnecessarily damaged. 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. Plus the life of the drum head itself could be extended by as much as fifty percent.

It is also necessary to rubdown the drum skin occasionally. Rubbing the skin with a light coating of oil or lotion will rehydrate it a little. By looking after the skin it will really help maintain the sound quality and look of your drum. Before applying to the whole drum skin, test the oil or lotion in a hidden part 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.

Djembes should only be stored where it is dry and cool. Sun can really damage the skin on a drum, making it dry and brittle. Excess moisture will cause your drum to go mouldy or rot. A mouldy drum can be unpleasant and certainly won't go unnoticed when you take your drum to your drumming group.

Storing and transporting your djembe drum in a djembe bag is wise move, it is well worth investing in a decent bag. Investing in a decent bag will also pay dividends as some bags are padded, go for the best you can afford as it will be worth it. Your djembe will most likely get damaged during transit. When purchasing a bag be sure to properly measure your drum to insure a snug fit. An ill fitting bag will not provide as much protection to your djembe.

You should get into the habit of looking after your djembe. If you look after your djembe it will be with you for many years to come.