The best African drums will be of high quality, have a great sound, and fit your needs and budget. African drums are available in a wide range of sizes and styles, making them suitable for a wide range of applications, including professional performances and classrooms. These drums can be purchased from both online and traditional retailers.
Before you start shopping, it’s a good idea to learn how to use African drums and then decide what suits you best based on your own needs. A small djembe, for example, is an excellent drum for frequent travelers, dancers, and children. It’s also a good size for instructors and therapists who need to be able to hold classes in different places. The djembe is a straightforward drum that produces two basic tones: low and high. The technique is simple, and even beginners can start playing after only a few minutes of instruction.
A modified African drum is sometimes the best option for very young children. These are based on congas, djembes, and other African drums, but they have short legs so they can stand on their own while still allowing the sound to vibrate from the bottom of the instrument. Children can play the drum while standing at it, removing the need to balance the drum while learning to play.
A talking drum is a sophisticated type of drum that can produce a wide range of tones. Drum combinations, whether multiples of the same drum or drums of different sizes and styles, may also be appropriate. It is suitable for use in the classroom, therapy, and professional settings due to its small size. The only disadvantage of the talking drum is that it takes more skill and technique to play consistently, making it difficult for beginners to learn.
There are, of course, many more types of drums. Make a list of the characteristics you’d like the drum to have if you’re not sure what style you want. Make a note of whether you want a stand-alone drum or one you can hold in your hands or hang from a strap, for example. Take note of the size you prefer, as well as whether you want to play with your hands or with a mallet.
Drum heads are divided into two categories: natural animal skin and synthetic. Natural is gentler on the hands and has a pleasant sound. Synthetic materials last longer and are less susceptible to changes in humidity. The cost of a synthetic head is usually less than that of natural skin.
Next, decide on a budget. Drums can be quite costly, especially if you are purchasing a set for a group. When you’re on a tight budget, you might be tempted to buy the cheapest drum you can find. These drums frequently have a poor sound, weak wood, and easily torn and broken heads. In the end, you’ll have to either repair or replace the drums.
It’s time to shop once you’ve figured out what you need and set a budget. The best way to find good African drums is to play them, but if you must shop online, make sure to buy from a company that has a generous return policy that allows you to exchange or refund your purchase for several weeks. Check to see if you’ll be charged restocking fees, which deduct a percentage of the total price from your refund.
Play the drum and listen for a good, resonant sound. Examine the wood for cracks and splits, as these can compromise the instrument’s integrity and sound quality. Strings should be securely fastened and not frayed, especially in areas where there is a lot of friction, such as the drum head’s edge.
Don’t forget to try out the drum in the manner in which you intend to play it when deciding on the style and size. Try it on and consider its weight if you plan on dancing or carrying the drum for long distances. Make sure the drum is comfortable to play, as even a beautiful sounding drum will go unplayed if it is difficult to control.