Why does my djembe ring

For a standard size djembe you'll want about 3' to 4' per row. To attach the rope, simply create a knot in one end and slip that underneath the vertical before the pair you want to use as the first tuning pair. Of course there are other ways to attach the vertical rope; this is just one example of a simple, effective, clean way to do it. If your djembe still needs more tension after the verticals are pulled as tight as possible you'll need to increase tension by twisting pairs of verticals.

As described above this process is known by many names, which all refer to the same weave tuning process. There are many different weave patterns, each of which is used to achieve different objectives. Again, for simplicity, we only teach the two most common - the S-Weave and the Under-Weave. Either version can be used at any time, but we'd recommend using one or the other, depending on the construction and tension of the drum. The S-Weave is self-locking so it is better suited for use when the vertical ropes are not touching the wood or when the verticals are spaced far apart..

Some prefer the finished look of the S-Weave over other patterns. The Under-Weave is an easier pattern to weave, and will sometimes allow the knot to be positioned closer to the bottom rings than other versions. This weave tends to come undone unless it is held in place by contact with the wood or by tucking the extra tuning rope under the next pair of verticals. For most djembes we'd recommend using the Under-Weave for the first row of diamonds, and the S-Weave for additional rows if needed.

The S-Weave consists of five steps, each of which is explained below with the help of pictures. We've used a separate yellow tuning rope only to better illustrate the weave pattern, and to give an example of how to tie on an extra tuning rope if needed. After determining which verticals are best to use as your tuning pairs, and making mental note of which is 1 and 2, follow this pattern: over; between; under; slide down; twist.

The Under-Weave consists of three steps, each of which is explained below with the help of pictures. As with the S-Weave, we've used a separate yellow tuning rope only to better illustrate the weave pattern, and to give an example of how to tie on an extra tuning rope if needed.

After determining which verticals are best to use as your tuning pairs, and making mental note of which is 1 and 2, follow this pattern: under; between; twist. Note that the pictures below show two completed knots using the S-Weave pattern, marked with a blue "A".

The verticals to illustrate the Under-Weave are marked with a red numbers. Pick the Pairs - The selection of tuning pairs for the second row will depend on which vertical pairs were twisted on the first row. The method for selecting is easy: First, you won't be retwisting the same pair you did on the previous row.

Second, Select the verticals that are closest to each other near the top loops. Depending on which verticals were the tuning pairs on the first row, you may find your drum looks like the one on the right, with plenty of space between the verticals. Otherwise, the verticals may already be very close together, which is no problem; just pick the two that are closest together using the top loops as a reference point.

The color-coded number of tuning pairs in the photo should help solve the mystery. We recommend the Under-Weave be used for most djembes for the first row of diamonds, and the S-Weave be used for the second and subsequent rows. The reason for this is that the S-Weave is better at holding its twist than the Under-Weave; the ropes on most djembes tend to NOT be touching the wood by the time you get to the second or third row, which allows the Under-Weave to untwist itself easily.

Decide in Which Direction to Weave - Many djembe tuners will recommend that the direction the weave travels around the drum should alternate from row to row. As long as the distance between verticals is similar, the tension on each vertical before weaving was similar, and the rings are positioned evenly horizontally, it shouldn't matter.

However, if for some reason you find that the drum is higher on one side than the other, or that by continuing in one or the other direction would cause excess tension to one side, then make the rational choice to start the second row in the direction that would most likely keep tension - or cause tension to become - even distributed around the drum head.

Decide How Many Knots You'll Need - As the number of rows of diamonds increases, so does the amount of tension added per knot twisted. Bear in mind that you many not need to complete the entire second row, since the tension will begin to increase much more quickly on the second row than it did on the first row.

If this applies to your djembe, rather than only complete a portion of the second row, which would leave one section tighter than another, do your best to guage how many knots you will need to achieve the desire tension, and apply that number of knots evenly around the drum. Yes, it is okay to skip tuning pairs, and only put in a knot every other, or every third, pair, as the case may be. Even Tension a Must - In order to achieve the best sound your drum is capable of producing based on skin quality and thickness, wood type, shell thickness, body shape, etc When there is an imbalance of tension sound quality suffers.

Throughout the tuning process you should be keenly aware of keeping the tension as even as possible. You can monitor the tension by listening to the pitch as it being adjusted, by looking at the level of the top rings and the taughness of the skin, and by touching the the ropes and skin to guage relative tension.

The best way to tell of minor differences in pitch is to lightly tap the rim of the drum with your index finger like a rim-shot and listen for the actual pitch. Do this around the drum and find areas that are lower than others. It may be helpful to divide the head into quadrants, then tap the center of each quadrant.

Opposite quadrants have a tendency to match in pitch. Popped skins are a fact of life for the djembe player. Now your car is better than ever. Same with djembes. In the event of a popped skin, this is a good time to re-assess your drum. You can make it better than it ever was originally. With the head off, you can rework the bearing edge, fill cracks, oil the shell, replace old rope and crooked rings as well as get a skin in the proper thickness that you desire. But as players improve they move toward thicker skins which have more tone, more bass and more clarity between the primary sounds of a djembe.

We offer a wide variety of skins view our selection here , and if you need more help with a re-head, check out our tutorial here. If the wood looks dry or splintery, you can use any of the above oils to rub into the drum, both inside and out. Besides a good oil finish, the best thing that you can do to protect the wood shell of your drum is to keep the drum in a proper case or bag when it is not being played. This will protect the wood from moisture and changes in humidity and temperature.

We have designed a professional djembe bag that will keep your drum safe through just about anything, our Rhythm Traders Master Djembe Bag. Highly recommended! For a simpler but equally effective bag that is available in four sizes, check out our Rhythm Traders Basic Djembe Bags. Galleries Videos News Contact Us. By nkolisnyk - Fri Sep 09, pm. Just tap around the edge with your finger and find the low spot. Take a rubber mallet and tap both that spot AND the spot directly opposite it.

Get it to the pitch of the rest of the drum. It may still ring, but it'll be musical now, with fewer overtones. I find that you can separate a ski into 4 'quadrants'. Kinda like a pizza with 4 slices. Usually the NE and the SW are in tune with eachother. Same for the NW and SE. As for the main ringing sound, I find the skin really breaks in when you loosen the diamonds and re-pull the verticals.

Seems the loose-tight procedure really breaks in a skin. And it gives you a chance to pull the verticals selectively to get the skin in tune with itself again. By drtom - Sat Sep 10, pm.

It's a cool idea, though I can't imagine the drum will stay in tune for very long. I agree that the verticles need to be pulled, but very carefully. You say you've "put lots of diamonds in it," which means you'll be releasing "lots of" tension if you undo them. Tension holds the skin in place; releasing it presents a serious risk of slippage. I've studied with four other DrumConnection instructors and each is excellent in his or her own ways, and all certified by examination.

A great store and a wonderful school. I recommend it without reservations. The beginner drum class was extra special. Taught by Thierno Keita-what a wonderful escape each week from the work-a-day world into a world of rhythm and movement.

Great for the brain and the soul. Alan Tauber, who runs the Drum Connection could not be kinder or more devoted to his art. This has been a postive turn for me and I will continue on this road with pleasure. DrumConnection is an nook of musical magic on Mass Ave in Arlington. The drumming teachers are from Africa, they sponsor workshops and trips to Africa to learn drumming. Alan the owner is very flexible and understanding with scheduling lessons.

The drum selection is fantastic!! I recommend it to everyone I know. What a gem! Broad selection of percussion instruments from all over the world.

Alan, the owner, really knows a lot about the instruments and the music they make. We have purchased many instruments from Alan. He knows so much about percussion instruments that we trust him with ordering sight unseen and have been pleased with our purchases.

Prices are very reasonable. We drive 2 hours each way to shop at the Drum Connection and it is worth it. You will not find a more beautiful person than Alan to assit you with your journey of learning the drums. I have traveled with Alan to Guinea, purchased various drums, and attended numerous classes. Have not been able to find the joy I felt when I was involved with the Drum Connection.

Please open a southern location! The drum I purchased from Alan several years ago is both beautiful and is a joy to use. The classes are fantastic -- designed for all skills levels and taught by master teachers that are knowledgeable and exciting. They are patient and know how to break rhythms down to bite size. I have enrolled my 4 year old in the children's drum class and it is dynamic -- teaching movement and African songs.

She loves it and loves her teachers. Purchased my djembe here a few years ago, just bought new skin, Alan and staff always knowledgeable and helpful.

I am new to drumming and am having a ball. I went to a Sunday night lecture and lesson on one type of drums and followed that with 2 Sunday night drumming circles with an excellent teacher-but not at the rank beginner level.

Still, I loved it and just tried to follow and keep up. Now I am in a beginner class and I am still enjoying every minute. Alan is a kind and welcoming person. He coordinates to bring in a variety of excellent teachers and classes take place most every day of the week. He gives great advice about what to purchase and has rentals available.

Come join the fun! This is a great little shop. Alan was able to rent me some drums for my autism caregivers retreat and was very accommodating. The drums were gorgeous, beautiful sound. Our group had a great time thanks to Drum Connection coming through at the last minute for me.

This is the first time I took drum lessons. I have taken piano lessons off and on for years. I really enjoy playing the drums. I had two teachers. They both had their individual style of teaching. I found that Alan is an excellent teacher.

I would recommend anyone with a desire to learn drumming to check out DrumConnection. I haven't gone to their drum circle yet, but that's the next step for me.

I am finishing up my first six weeks of classes, two more classes to go. I'm new to the djembe and drum circles in general. The drum circle I attended last week was a blast. Very relaxed and friendly, the drumming was amazing. Alan and Fanta were both very warm and welcoming.

As others have noted, great energy. I'm definitely going back. I returned to the store today to purchase my first djembe. Alan was more than helpful. He gave a mini-lesson on the spot so I would know how to evaluate the variety of drums, their tonal differences, etc. He also played several of them for me to have a better impression of what it sounds like once technique is mastered.

The drum I finally settled on is incredible, love it. My wife was looking for a bodhran, and he gave demonstrations of those as well!

Way better than 5 stars! Alan clearly loves what he is doing and it shows in the friendly, professional and deeply knowledgeable service. Way better than 5 stars. Alan was so helpful.

He came highly recommended, and lived up to it. I got a wonderful drum for my nephew - have not yet given it to him, but he is going to love it. Honestly, I can't say enough good things about DrumConnection. Alan and John helped me pick out the perfect drum, and when I came in tonight, Alan talked with me for at least an hour about technique, the history of the djembe coming to America, and more.

The place is warm and inviting, and the people who work there are the same. I am confident I chose the best place to start my drumming journey, and I will be back for their classes! Five stars all the way! My son is now starting drum lessons. We stopped in to purchase a drum pad and drum sticks.

This is an amazing store. There is much to learn about choosing an instrument that suits you The store is packed with drums mostly hand drums and each visitor is encouraged to try out items that spark their interest. While visiting, my son tried several thumb pianos as well. Fanta lead our group of 21 drummers thru two hours of song, dance, and drumming. Everybody was smiling at the end of the evening. What a deal for 10 bucks!

Drum Connection is a fantastic place to take African drumming lessons, meet some wonderful people and really expand your horizons by attending workshops with master drummers from West Africa. It's been a life changing experience for me.

I am so blessed to part of Alan and Fanta's community. As always Alan was right there to make sure I got exactly what I was looking for. This was that perfect combination of personal service and immediate results. Hey just wanted to write you a note to tell you how much I absolutely love the drum! It was the perfect choice for me.

The slaps are just incredible and yet it gives good bass response. I brought it to work to play with the children and it was just such the perfect instrument.