Drum Circle

Awesome djembe demonstration of KuKu African Rhythm an X8 Drums Pro Stallion Djembe. Performed by NYC professional percussionist and instructor, Brotha Sean.



Djembe drum used in this recording session is a 14" Stallion Pro Djembe by X8 Drums.

Labels: Djembe.Rhythms

NYC percussionist Brotha Sean performs Sokou rhythm on djembe. (Also known as Soko, Suku, Sökö, etc). Eddie Jones on djun djun.



Djembe drum used in this recording session is a 14" World Tribal Pro Djembe by X8 Drums.

Labels: Djembe.Rhythms

NYC percussionist Eddie Jones performs Sorsornet rhythm on djembe. Brotha Sean on djun djun.



Djembe drum used in this recording session is a 12" Deep Carve Chocolate Djembe by X8 Drums.

Watch step by step instructions for tuning a djembe.

Part 1 - Understand the Concept of Rope Tuning



Part 2 - Tuning

The drum is tightened by weaving triangles with the extra rope. The more triangles, the tighter the head becomes.

Step 1 - Uncoil the excess rope after the last triangle. You will be creating new triangles as you work around the drum.

Step 2 - From the last triangle, working in the same direction as previous row of triangles, look at the next 2 separate vertical ropes; verticals-1 & -2. Lay the loose rope over verticals-1 & -2.

Step 3 - Pass the loose end backwards only under vertical-2.

Step 4 - Lay the loose rope over vertical-1 and pass the loose rope back under verticals-1 & -2. If your drum wraps right to left, as in the photos, you should be looking at a Z pattern in the loose rope. If your drum wraps left to right, you should see an S pattern.

Step 5 - The object of this weave is to pull the vertical-1 under the vertical-2. Pull down hard on the rope. This will add a triangle to the ropes.

Repeat this procedure moving in one direction around the drum until the head is tightened. Then tie off your loose rope and secure it around your drum.

It's important to determine the type of sound you're looking for before making a selection. After reading the information below, you will be able to make a clear and confident decision.

Bongo drums or bongos refer to the drum set made of two different sized drums that are attached to one another; the larger drum is known as an "hembra," which in Spanish translates to female, and the smaller drum is known as a "macho," which translates as male. The person who plays the bongo drums is known as the bongocero, also a Spanish word that is derived from bongos. Bongo drums are a percussion instrument, and they are typically made of a wooden body with an animal skin drum head in order to achieve the best sounds.

Today, you can find bongos made out of different types of materials, as well, such as metal with synthetic drum heads. Bongo drums are generally played by striking the drum's head with the bare palm and/or fingers to produce the typical high-pitched sound. Contemporary players sometimes use drum sticks and/or brushes to play the bongos. Traditionally, the player places the bongos between the knees to play, but today, one can also have them mounted on a stand, if desired.

Siam oak is the material of choice used to make bongo drums, because it is durable and also elegant with a warm, sophisticated touch, while buffalo skin is the desired material for the drum head needed to produce the rich sounds of bass along with its usual high-pitched notes. No other material used for the drum head can produce that resonance and response. The overall appearance of the bongo drum head should be a clear polished finish that is only achieved through a number of gloss coatings which also work to strengthen the material, making it highly durable.

Typical bongo drum head sizes are 6"x 7" and 7"x 8" in order to obtain the classic sound made by the bongos. Bongos are used in the following types of music: salsa, merengue, Latin Jazz, mambo, reggae, rumba, electronic music, rap, funk, soul, guaracha, timba, and rock. Some famous bongo players are: Bongo Herman, Bongo Mat, Safri Duo, Count Ossie, and Charlie Dilone. The origin of the bongo drums goes back to the Atlantic slave trade to South America where it was born, hence its Spanish background. Its unique sounds, however, soon captured many musicians and it traveled around the world. Today, you will find high quality bongo drums anywhere in the world or through the Internet, if you know what specifications to look for in order to ensure the best quality sound and appearance.

Top Selling Bongos

		Tycoon Percussion 80 Series Bongos Constructed of select Siam Oak, "80" Series drums feature heavy duty deluxe rims, 3/8" diameter tuning lugs, and high quality water buffalo skin heads that produces rich bass tones and crisp high pitched slap tones. Black powder hardware coating. Size 7" x 8 1/2".
		Bongo Set by Remo, ON SALE This natural Remo Crown Percussion Bongo is equipped with Type 9 Tucked FIBERSKYN®3 drumheads. It comes with Black-Powder coated curved counterhoops, and is constructed with Aged Siam Oak Wood. Available in 3 colors
		Bongo, Rosewood Engraved Engraved rosewood bongo. Base drum has a 6.5" head and is 8.25" tall. Tenor drum has a 8"D head and is 7" tall. Over all width of set is 13"
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