A traditional djembe drum is one of those percussion instruments that everybody needs to own. If you are looking for a high-quality musical instrument, this list of classic djembe drums is full of top-notch instruments for your drumming enjoyment.
Djembes are African drums, using an hourglass-shaped body and a rope-based tuning system. You can find these drums on all budgets, some are at an affordable price, and others are expensive, professional models.
If you are looking for the best djembe drums around, this review is for you.
Keep reading for our full lineup!
Or check out these related posts.
Djembe – a traditional West African drum with a very distinctive, earthy tone. It is the most common type of drum in the world and is used among many cultures for ceremonial occasions.
Table of Contents
- Remo Mondo Djembe Drum
- Remo Apex Djembe Drum
- Meinl Percussion Djembe
- Classic Heartwood Djembe Drum
- Hand-carved Djembe From Africa
- JIVE Djembe Drum Small Size
- REMO Djembe
7 Best Djembe Drums Tried and Tested
1. Remo Mondo Djembe Drum
From beginners to seasoned professionals, the Remo Mondo Djembe is the drum of choice for everyone. From its affordable price to its quality construction, it’s as easy to use as 1, 2, 3.
Remo’s DJ-0014 Djembe Drum is made from top-quality materials and is perfect for all types of drumming. The design of this great instrument offers full-range tuning, rich bass, and well-defined slap tones.
It features a much higher level of build quality compared to other instruments and mimics the shape of traditional wood djembes, although it uses more modern materials. Made with an Acousticon shell and a Mondo Skyndeep head, this drum can be used for a wide range of percussive music and is exceptionally durable.
Remo is known to be one of the best djembe brands out there, and this stunning instrument certainly lives up to that reputation. These synthetic djembes are sturdier than wooden djembes, whilst still offering an authentic sound with a deep bass tone. Rather than a rope tuning system, these modern instruments are tuned with a standard drum key, which makes it easier and more accurate.
Key Specs
- Drum Material – Synthetic Acousticon
- Skin Material – Skyndeep
- Size – 10”, 12”, 14”, or 16”
Pros and Cons
- Tune with a drum key
- High-quality sound and feel
- Loud, warm tone
- Professional price (too high for beginners)
Summary
The Remo Djembe Drum is emerging as the latest and most user-friendly djembe worldwide. These percussion instruments are good enough for the most seasoned drummers out there. They offer a fantastic playing response and have a wide, dynamic range of expression. These are perfect for drum circles, bands, and all your percussion needs.
The price does make them more suitable for professionals rather than beginners, although these will be a great choice for players of any skill level.
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2. Remo Apex Djembe Drum
The Remo Apex Djembe Drum is just one of the many drum products available from Remo. Designed for beginners who want to play for fun, this drum is easy to tune and lightweight enough to carry anywhere. The shell is made from impact-resistant black ABS plastic and the tuning brackets are specially engineered for ease of tuning. This drum features a dry focused sound and comes in a size of 12″ x 22″.
The Remo DJ-6112 Djembe Drum is ideal for all recreational drumming activities. The lightweight and durable impact-resistant black ABS plastic shell on this djembe drum provides the perfect sound. The included tuning bracket enables quick and easy tuning, so you can start playing right out of the box. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, the Remo DJ-6112 could be the best djembe drum for you.
Remo djembes are a life-changing experience for all drummers, percussionists, and music educators. The Apex Djembe is made for everyday playing that offers a high-quality drum, perfect for gigs and serious practice. It takes features from a traditional djembe design and brings it into the 21st century using a synthetic drum body rather than a standard mahogany shell.
Designed for unparalleled sound quality with a new, sleek design. The drum is designed for playing comfort, featuring an elegant plated steel radius counter hoop that minimizes the weight and maximizes comfort. Perfect for any type of playing style, the drum is lightweight and comes in a range of sizes.
If you’re looking for a professional djembe that sounds incredible and is durable enough for kids and adults, the Remo DJ-6112 Djembe Drum is the perfect one for you. This drum features Skyn deep drum head, which produces a dryer sound with fewer overtones. It also has a small removable Sound Control foam dot under the drumhead. The Apex Djembe will sound great no matter what you’re playing.
Key Specs
- Drum Material – Rubber
- Skin Material – Synthetic
- Size – 23” x 14” x 14”
Pros and Cons
- More affordable
- Durable synthetic body
- Full, well-rounded tone
- Easy to tune and transport
- Too expensive for beginners
Summary
This is a really good djembe drum for the price. It could easily be the best budget djembe, although it might be a little too expensive for total beginners. If you play djembe with passion, this intermediate instrument is made by one of the most well-known and reliable djembe drum brands, and will not disappoint.
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3. Meinl Percussion Djembe
Welcome to the next generation of djembes. Meinl Djembes are handmade in Germany out of the finest materials. Perfect for any percussionist, from beginner to pro. You will achieve a rich, warm tone with plenty of dynamic range and an authentic African sound.
This Meinl Djembe is a traditional African drum with an all-natural sound. Hold the drum in your hands and feel the deep, rich sound resonate around you. This hand-carved Meinl Djembe Drum is perfect for musicians, drummers, hobbyists, and anyone who enjoys making music.
This uses an authentic design, featuring a solid hardwood body, and a traditional mali weave system for tuning the head with ropes. It produces a satisfying bass tone but also has plenty of detail in the high end.
The Meinl Djembe is an amazing percussion instrument, originating from West Africa. As a deep and earthy instrument, it is the perfect compliment for any drum kit. It has a warm and full sound, with a rich resonance that pulses through your body. This Djembe will bring a new level of depth to your music, or start you off right with a ceremonial drumming experience!
Key Specs
- Drum Material – Mahogany
- Skin Material – Goat Skin
- Size – 12”
Pros and Cons
- Affordable
- Hand Carved wood shell
Summary
Want to have a drum circle or record at home? Looking for a djembe for live performances? You’ll love this Meinl Djembe, made from 100% mahogany, this Meinl Percussion Series offers all-around decent djembes at a low price to fit every budget. This affordable djembe provides pro-level quality at a highly reasonable price.
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4. Classic Heartwood Djembe Drum
Overview
Heartwood Djembe Drums are handcrafted by master drum builders in Africa who use centuries-old traditions and methods to create reliable, durable, and responsive instruments. Heartwood Djembe Drums are made from the heart of a tree, so they’re sturdy and durable. These drums also sound beautiful and authentic for your spiritual practice and music-making.
If you’re in the market for a handmade djembe, then you’re in the right place! Handcrafted with the utmost care, these djembe drums are made from a solid piece of wood and feature genuine West African goatskin. The natural wood gives the drum an excellent, resonant tone that’s perfect for all skill levels and for use at home or in a professional setting. Don’t settle for factory-made drums that are plastered
The Heartwood Djembe provides the authentic sound of Africa and is handcrafted by village cultural artisans in West Africa, supporting the Africa Heartwood Project. Djembes teach rhythm, culture, and music to young people all around the world. The Heartwood Djembe is a beautiful, 100% natural instrument with a voice that can’t be found anywhere else.
Key Specs
- Drum Material – Mahogany
- Skin Material – Goatskin
- Size – 9″x 18”
Pros and Cons
- Natural Materials
- Authentic sound
- Affordable
- Supports ethical businesses
- Hard to tune
Summary
The Heartwood Djembe is a finely tuned, high-quality instrument with a warm, full bass sound and strong open tones. It features crisp, tight hand slaps and is responsive to each hit. The Heartwood Djembe comes fully tuned and ready to play right out of the box!
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5. Hand-carved Djembe From Africa
Overview
For over two decades, this company has been providing highly-sought drums, djembes, and other percussion instruments at fair prices and with a focus on quality. Whether you’re looking for a gift or something to teach your children on, you can’t go wrong with an African Heartwood Djembe.
Hear the earth’s song. The African Heartwood Djembe is a finely tuned instrument for musicians and artists who want to bring beauty into the world. Selected from natural woods, this drum produces a deep, rich resonance that is perfect for deep meditation and healing. It is a tool to enliven the senses and open the heart.
This is a high-quality African Djembe, handcrafted in Africa by village cultural artisans who have been empowered through The Africa Heartwood Project
Key Specs
- Drum Material – Mahogany
- Skin Material – Goat Skin
- Size – 14″x25″
Pros and Cons
- Large, deep tones
- Authentic hand carving
- Made by expert drum makers
- High-quality tone
- Hard to tune.
Summary
The African Heartwood Djembe drums are created by artisans in Mali, West Africa and feature a beautiful, warm bass drum sound. They have a strong open tone and a clean, crisp high slap. The Djembe is one of the most popular drums in the world because it is easy to learn and play with and has such a full sound.
This particular model is a larger djembe, so it’s great for players who like more low end in their tones.
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6. JIVE Djembe Drum Small Size
Overview
JIVE Drum Co. offers a variety of high-quality African Drums that are hand-carved and made with solid mahogany wood. These Djembe drums have been handcrafted by skilled artisans to produce a beautiful instrument that is rich in sound, great for the environment, and perfect for any drumming enthusiast.
You’ve been playing the wrong instrument all this time! It’s time to get a drum set or play well. Ditch the acoustic kit forever with JIVE’s Djembe set. This complete set has everything you’ll need for balanced tone, resonance, and tight-tuning, staying organized with both the drum and cord holders, and looking good while doing so.
JIVE is a brand that provides high-quality, affordable and fun musical instruments for kids. These drums will last your kids for years to come. The wood is sanded down smooth and the leather heads are easy to tune to perfection. Jive drums are easy to assemble and disassemble, which is a great way to keep them in top shape while they’re being moved around the house or stored.
Key Specs
- Drum Material – Mahogany
- Skin Material – Goat Skin
- Size – 7.5″
Pros and Cons
- Highly affordable
- Small and portable
- Quiet
- Limited bass tones
Summary
Hand carved from Premium wood and genuine goat Skin, this djembe is sure to please any drummer. With a natural authentic look and sound, what are you waiting for? Take advantage of this incredibly affordable price today.
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7. REMO Djembe, MONDO
Overview
The Remo “Mondo” drum is a hand-crafted, expertly tuned Djembe drum. This drum features an improved head design for increased resonance and projection. Improved tuning keys for perfect pitch every time.
The Remo instrument company has combined their iconic acoustic drums with a new generation of Skyn deep drums, bringing you a djembe that has a new look and new sound. Matching Remo Skyn deep drumheads and Acousticon shells, these djembes come in an array of stunning design combinations. Make your music sing loud and clear with these beautiful instruments.
Key Specs
- Drum Material – abs resin
- Skin Material – Synthetic Fiber Skin
- Size – 18.49 x 18.49 x 28.69
Pros and Cons
- Reliable Remo Quality
- Exceptional sound and dynamic
- Highly expressive
- Expensive
Summary
REMO is proud to announce the release of the Djembe. This has been designed for a wide range of percussionists, including experienced professionals and beginners as well. This one-of-a-kind instrument can deliver a surprisingly powerful yet nuanced sound, while its compact size and weight make it perfect for travel.
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Djembe Buying Guide:
What to think about when buying one of these.
Drum Material
The material used to make the body of an African djembe drum has a huge effect on the sound and feel of the instrument. Many use a wood shell, but you can find some synthetic djembe drums which use modern materials. Either way, all the drums on this list are made from high-quality materials and offer excellent sound quality in the right hands.
Wood djembes tend to be more synthetic than a synthetic drum, although offer a warmer bass tone with a richer low and mid-range.
Skin Material
For the most authentic djembe sound, I would recommend something with a natural drum head, maybe something like traditional goatskin or rawhide. Synthetic skin drums are also great, and have more survivability than natural materials, although often create a thinner sounding djembe in comparison.
Drum Sizes
Djembes also come in a range of sizes. A larger wood djembe will create a better deep bass tone. Whilst smaller drums lack warm tones, they also offer more detail in their high-pitched slaps. There is no right or wrong when it comes to choosing a size, just go with whatever suits your needs and playing styles.
Also Read: Djembe Lessons Online 2022
FAQs
What size djembe drum should I get?
How much is a djembe drum?
That being said, even low-cost djembes can still offer a decent sound and feel. You don’t have to splash out a load of money to get yourself a great quality djembe.
Which is the best djembe drum wood?
How do you hit a djembe drum?
Finger slap – hit the drum with the tips of your fingers. This creates a brighter, thinner tone.
Palm Slap – Beat the drum using the open palm of your hand. This makes a warmer, more rounded tone.
Muted – Hit the drum with one hand, while muting the head with the other. This creates a shorter, punchier sound with less of a ringing tone.
You should combine all three techniques (and more) for the most expressive performance.
Are Meinl djembes good?
Wrapping Up
Thanks for reading! You will now have a good idea of the top djembe drums around today. All of these instruments offer a fantastic sound and feel at a range of prices. Even the more affordable models on this list still provide a solid playing experience, and sound great too!
For more articles and reviews relating to African drums, check out these related posts!
Noah is an accomplished audio engineer with several years of experience producing music for major companies and independent artists. He enjoys sharing his vast knowledge of audio engineering topics to help musicians and music producers create great music.