In selecting a djembe drum to purchase, you need to be aware of which of the two main types you would like to own as regards the way the djembe is tuned. The main methods of tuning djembe drums are key or rope systems. The following is a short snippet about the kinds of tuning system and construction of drums:
Rope enabled tuning
Traditional djembes were all rope tuned, so this is really the original form of the drum. To change the pitch on a rope tuned djembe you change the position of the ropes. The ropes are hung from rings that attach the skin. There are generally either two rings or three rings surrounding the head of a traditional djembe drum, and these rings are often more slender than those on key tuned drums.
Tuning is performed on the djembe by pulling ropes, which in turn tighten the rings surrounding the drum. To raise the pitch of the drum you increase the tension on the drum skin. The term "pulling a diamond" refers to adjusting knots in order to tune the drum. A type of knot used to tune djembe drums is the Mali Weave.
Key tuned djembes
Modern djembes feature a key tuning system. A wrench is used to tighten the bolts that border the djembe head in this tuning system, which is closely related to the type of tuning systems used for snares, tom toms, and other conventional drums. This action in turn increases tension on the rim of metal surrounding the drum head, which has the effect of raising the drum's pitch.
Djembe tuning mechanisms are bulky. A rope tuned one will have less metal and weight.
What type of tuning system is right for you?
Key tuning offers an edge in terms of ease of use and also less difficulty in terms of understanding. However, though it is up to the individual, many djembe players feel that the advantages essentially stop there. One complaint is that the key tuned system's bulky tuning rim gets in the way. The easy tuning will out weigh the extra hardware required for the operation.
The most authentically constructed djembes are rope tuned. So if you want a drum that resembles those of its origin, pick rope tuned djembes. Rope tuned djembes require a bit more up front learning in order to tune properly, but they are convenient and easy to tune once you know how. Some also feel that the thinner rim rings and more unobtrusive placement also allow for easier drumming. So on a number of levels, rope tuned djembes may be a better choice. However, again, this is ultimately the choice of the drummer.
Rope enabled tuning
Traditional djembes were all rope tuned, so this is really the original form of the drum. To change the pitch on a rope tuned djembe you change the position of the ropes. The ropes are hung from rings that attach the skin. There are generally either two rings or three rings surrounding the head of a traditional djembe drum, and these rings are often more slender than those on key tuned drums.
Tuning is performed on the djembe by pulling ropes, which in turn tighten the rings surrounding the drum. To raise the pitch of the drum you increase the tension on the drum skin. The term "pulling a diamond" refers to adjusting knots in order to tune the drum. A type of knot used to tune djembe drums is the Mali Weave.
Key tuned djembes
Modern djembes feature a key tuning system. A wrench is used to tighten the bolts that border the djembe head in this tuning system, which is closely related to the type of tuning systems used for snares, tom toms, and other conventional drums. This action in turn increases tension on the rim of metal surrounding the drum head, which has the effect of raising the drum's pitch.
Djembe tuning mechanisms are bulky. A rope tuned one will have less metal and weight.
What type of tuning system is right for you?
Key tuning offers an edge in terms of ease of use and also less difficulty in terms of understanding. However, though it is up to the individual, many djembe players feel that the advantages essentially stop there. One complaint is that the key tuned system's bulky tuning rim gets in the way. The easy tuning will out weigh the extra hardware required for the operation.
The most authentically constructed djembes are rope tuned. So if you want a drum that resembles those of its origin, pick rope tuned djembes. Rope tuned djembes require a bit more up front learning in order to tune properly, but they are convenient and easy to tune once you know how. Some also feel that the thinner rim rings and more unobtrusive placement also allow for easier drumming. So on a number of levels, rope tuned djembes may be a better choice. However, again, this is ultimately the choice of the drummer.
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