Select Either The Traditional Rope Tuned Djembe or the Modern Key Tuned Djembe
Posted by Kay Stanford Jr Kastum at 8:22 AMIn 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 tuning system
Traditional djembes were all rope tuned, so this is really the original form of the drum. A rope tuned djembe is raised or lowered in pitch by way of thin ropes positioned around the rim of the djembe. These ropes hang horizontally from metal rings that hold the skin on. 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.
A rope tuned djembe is tuned by having its ropes pulled and causing tension on rings that surround the drum. To raise the pitch of the drum you increase the tension on the drum skin. Pulling a diamond is when you tune a drum by adjustment of its knots. A type of knot used to tune djembe drums is the Mali Weave.
Key-tuned djembes
Key tuned drums use a different and more modern tuning system. This tuning system, which is similar to the tuning systems that are used on snares, and tom toms, uses a wrench to tighten the bolts along the djembe head By turning these bolts, the large metallic rim that holds the drum head is tightened, resulting in an increase to the drum pitch.
For key tuned djembe drums the tuning mechanisms are bulky. A rope tuned one will have less metal and weight.
Which tuning system is best for you?
The benefit of a system featuring key tuning is ease of understanding and simple implementation. However, which system is better is up to personal preference, as many djembe players believe that the advantages of a key tuned system stop at ease of use. The tuning rim on a key tuned system is bulky and some feel it can even get in the way of playing the instrument. However, others don't mind the hardware that comes with this tuning system and appreciate the convenience if being able to tune this drum easily.
For the most authentic djembe drums are rope tuned. So if you want to be true to this type of drum's origins, go with 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. For many reasons djembes that are rope tuned could be the better choice. As with before, this choice depends upon the personal preference of the drummer.
Rope tuning system
Traditional djembes were all rope tuned, so this is really the original form of the drum. A rope tuned djembe is raised or lowered in pitch by way of thin ropes positioned around the rim of the djembe. These ropes hang horizontally from metal rings that hold the skin on. 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.
A rope tuned djembe is tuned by having its ropes pulled and causing tension on rings that surround the drum. To raise the pitch of the drum you increase the tension on the drum skin. Pulling a diamond is when you tune a drum by adjustment of its knots. A type of knot used to tune djembe drums is the Mali Weave.
Key-tuned djembes
Key tuned drums use a different and more modern tuning system. This tuning system, which is similar to the tuning systems that are used on snares, and tom toms, uses a wrench to tighten the bolts along the djembe head By turning these bolts, the large metallic rim that holds the drum head is tightened, resulting in an increase to the drum pitch.
For key tuned djembe drums the tuning mechanisms are bulky. A rope tuned one will have less metal and weight.
Which tuning system is best for you?
The benefit of a system featuring key tuning is ease of understanding and simple implementation. However, which system is better is up to personal preference, as many djembe players believe that the advantages of a key tuned system stop at ease of use. The tuning rim on a key tuned system is bulky and some feel it can even get in the way of playing the instrument. However, others don't mind the hardware that comes with this tuning system and appreciate the convenience if being able to tune this drum easily.
For the most authentic djembe drums are rope tuned. So if you want to be true to this type of drum's origins, go with 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. For many reasons djembes that are rope tuned could be the better choice. As with before, this choice depends upon the personal preference of the drummer.
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Are you looking to get a djembe drum for your child or school music group? The Djembe Drum Shop has a great range of childrens musical instruments and percussion instruments which are available to order online. Pay a visit to their eshop at www.djembedrumshop.com.