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The Leader in Djembe, Cajon & Hand Drums for Beginners and Pros.

X8 Drums Blog

Djembe Rhythm Samples and Exercises

X8 Drums has an ongoing production of free djembe lessons and instructional videos as a complimentary resource for all hand percussionists. Use the djembe rhythm video and audio tracks below to practice your hand drumming skills before your next performance. All djembe music samples are free, courtesy of X8 Drums. After test driving our free videos and lessons, check out our advanced pay-per-download lessons for Djembe, Cajon, Congas and Bongos. Djembe Rhythm Library …
7th Jul 2014

How to Tune a Rope Tuned Djembe

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, …
7th Jul 2014

Djembe Drum: Wood vs. Synthetic

So you're in the market for a djembe drum but not sure if you should go with a wooden based shell or a synthetic shell. Well, you've stumbled onto the right site. Shopping for a djembe drum can at times be a bit overwhelming. There are such a wide variety of choices, sizes, and features that sometimes you lose sight of what you want. Hopefully after reading this blog you'll have a better understanding of the distinct differences between wood and synthetic djembe drums so you can make a …
7th Jul 2014

Beginner's Guide to the Didgeridoo

The didgeridoo is a wind instrument found among the Aborigine clans of northern Australia. Didgeridoos are usually produced in the more traditionally oriented communities of northern Australia from various hardwoods, especially the Eucalyptus trees that are hollowed out by termites. Didgeridoos can also be made from PVC piping. The mouthpiece is usually made of beeswax or duct tape, but a rubber stopper with a hole cut into it is also acceptable to use for the mouthpiece. A modern …
7th Jul 2014

KuKu African Rhythm on Djembe - Brotha Sean

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. View drum details Djembe Rhythm Library KuKu Sokou Sorsornet Naningo Drum Call Sinte Sounds from a Drum Circle Djembe Ensemble CD …
7th Jul 2014

Taking Care of your Djembe

Ramadan Djembe Proper care of your djembe drum will ensure that it's consistently performing well and looking great. One of the easiest and most beneficial tips is to detune your djembe when not using it for an extended period of time. Due to the high amount of tension that is placed on the skin, it's often a good idea to detune the drum from time to time. Detuning will prolong the longevity of the skin and most likely extend the life of your drumhead by another 50%. By adding or subtra …
7th Jul 2014

Djembe Drum Brands Explained

X8 Djembes X8 Drums offers professional hand carved wooden shell djembe drums that are manufactured using legally certified timber that is environmentally sustainable. Working closely with their overseas partners, X8 Drums imports the finest selection of beautifully handcrafted African djembe drums and accessories. The selection is diverse enough to appease beginners through professionals and everyone in between. The brand takes great pride in educating consumers …
7th Jul 2014

Love ‘Em or Hate ‘Em: Drum Circles are Here to Stay!

For many, a drum circle is a sacred time where the cares of daily living are given up in search of deeper meaning through rhythm and community. These events are likened to therapy for many, allowing a release of stress, tension and anxiety, while inviting the mindfulness that only drumming can provide. But, as many drummers know, there is also a stigma to drum circles, especially from those who have not felt the benefits of community drumming. What is a drummer to do when friends, fami …
24th Jun 2014

Drum Circles and the Djembe Drum

Drum circles are well known for the ability to share rhythm with like-minded people, either in team-building exercises, healing circles or just for a few fun hours with friends. When it comes to drumming in a drum circle, there can be numerous types of drums and percussion instruments used, but, the djembe drum seems to be the staple of these drum jams. With its roots in West African culture, the djembe drum’s ubiquitous presence in a drum circle may appear normal, yet, in truth, the t …
10th Jun 2014

How to Repair and Tune Your Mbira

Properly maintaining and repairing your mbira keeps it in good condition. But it can be hard to find good info on how to maintain and repair an mbira. In fact, one question that mbira, kalimba, and matepe percussionist Joel Laviolette gets a lot and hasn’t seen any good Youtube videos on is how to fix loose mbira keys. In our latest video, Joel explains how to tune and fix loose keys and also shares some general maintenance tips so that you can keep your new mbira in top shape. How …
27th May 2014 Kaitlin Meilert