What's the difference between the various lines of djembe drums?

The differences between the various lines of X8 djembe drums have more to do with materials used, quality of wood and carving then skill level of the player. The pricing starts off lowest at the beginner line and gradually increases as you move up to the professional line. It doesn't mean that a beginner player should only be playing with a beginner djembe. In fact it would probably behoove the beginning djembe player to purchase a djembe that is at the professional level as this djembe will be more responsive when played.

As the line increases from Beginner to Elite Professional the following differences come into play:

Quality of Rope - The thickness and grade increase from Beginner to Elite Professional

Amount of Vertical Rope Runners - Increases from Beginner to Elite Professional. More vertical rope equates to stability of tuning and prevents the skin from slipping under pressure.

Wood Grade/Quality - All X8 Djembe drums are made from a solid piece of legally certified Mahogany wood however the quality and wood grade increases from Beginner to Elite Professional.

Wood Carving - The girth of the bowl size and thickness of the overall djembe becomes heavier and bigger as it increases from Beginner to Elite Professional. This leads to more range and bigger tone.

Ring System (Head) - Beginner and Intermediate X8 Djembe drums have a two ring forged steal system while Professional and Elite Professional djembes have a three ring system.

Skin (Playing surface) - All X8 Djembe drums are fitted with premium, hand selected goat skin. Beginner and some Intermediate djembe drums are fitted with a bleached, white goatskin while all Professional and Elite Professional drums are fitted with a natural (unprocessed) goatskin. Also, all Professional and Elite Professional djembe drums are specifically fitted with goatskin that was secured from the back hide. This is the thickest part of the animal which tends to be more durable and produces a warmer, deeper tone.