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A djembe (pronounced jem-bay) also known as djimbe, jenbe, jembe, yembe or sanbanyi in Susu; is a skin covered hand drum, shaped like a large goblet, and meant to be played with bare hands. The djembe is also known as the magical drum, and the mushroom-shaped drum.

It is a member of the membranophone family of musical instruments: a frame or shell (in the djembe’s case it is a shell) covered by a membrane or drumhead made of one of many products, usually rawhide. The djembe also has metal rings, rope, and skin. (Read the article)

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Different woods produce different sounds. It’s hard to know what type of wood you are going to prefer. This really just requires you to try a lot of drums. Some woods from Africa are very hard and subsequently very heavy. This does not mean they will sound better. You may prefer a drum that does not weigh a ton. Lighter drums are easier to handle and thus you are less likely to damage them. Mahogany makes a very fine wood for drums. Mahogany is a relatively stable wood, does not weigh a ton and is dense enough to produce a nice open sound. This is why many drum set manufacturers build drum shells with Mahogany. Mahogany is also often plantation grown which is an important environmental aspect.Be careful of thin or two piece shells on the market. If they don’t say their drums are made from a single piece of wood, don’t buy it. It won’t sound as good and it’s sure to crack sooner or later. Thin shells will not produce good bass tones. Also, look for drums laced with Alpine rope and not just heavy string. (Read the article)

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