Shopping for djembe drums can be daunting, if you don't know what you need. Different drum sizes, head types, tuning mechanisms and shell composition all play a part in creating the drum's personality. The drum is your voice; hence, it should be an extension of yourself. This buying guide should shed some light on the subject, allowing you to find your perfect drum.

Picking the material for your shell

Djembes can be made in many varieties of shell, including both synthetic and natural materials. It is vital to keep in mind the conditions where you will perform as you decide one way or the other. If you choose one made from natural material, such as a body composed of wood, you should make sure that it has undergone special treatment so that your drum does not get bugs nor rot. Be careful when buying a traditionally built drum because this can be a problem in some foreign places. Most major manufacturers use a form of fiberglass to form the body of the drum. These man-made drums are quite sturdy; they play well and hold up admirably despite poor conditions. There will be a slight variance in the quality of tone, it being less "earthy", however, the projection as you perform with still be satisfactory.

How to Choose a Good Drum Head

Djembe drum heads are traditionally made of skin, usually goat hide. These are fine, especially on more traditional drums but require additional upkeep. Natural skin heads have a very rich sound and in a drier environment work very well. But, if the weather is very humid where you live, you probably should choose a man-made drum head. Synthetic heads tend to be made from Mylar, or sometimes a different polyester film. The design of synthetic heads mimic the style of natural heads; also these heads are great to use at the studio. Heads made of man-made materials work well in nearly any weather conditions - a versatile advantage that distinguishes them for players who aren't professionals.

Deciding which way to tune your drum.

In most cases, manufactured drums are tuned mechanically, using bolts rather than rope. This is a popular design since it is very easy to understand the way to tune and put on different drum heads -- just unscrew the bolts then take off the head. Extra practice is involved if you choose a rope tuning method for your drum. With this tuning type, you should consult a professional that will help you tune the skin and change it a couple times to help you become comfortable with it. You don't want to damage your drum by tuning it incorrectly! A more common method is rope tuning and if the head is natural, this makes the sound more special and authentic.