Mechanically tuned versus Rope Tuned

[Leslie]

Hey Gang:

I'm looking to buy 2 smaller djembe's for work at the hospital, and prefer to get something that won't need tuning all the time. I've looked around town here (Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada) and have found that there are 'Toca Mechanically Tuned Freestyle Djembes or Nylon rope tuned Toca's'. As I don't have a lot of experience with tuning, wondering what folks think in terms of which direction to go. The mechanically tuned ones are done with a wrench. Is there such a thing out there as a djembe with a synthetic skin, that wouldn't require tuning (doubt it). Looking for opinions! Help!
Thanks,
L

[John walter]

Remo festival djembes are synthetic, but don't last that long and are pretuned so no fiddling possible. remo key tunable djembes are synthetic and rarely need any adjustment. Arthur Hulls ashikos are synthetic and rope tuned but rarely need any adjustment. Have you thought of darabukas or dumbeks? they are smaller and synthetic and can have a really good sound, they are usually tuned with an alan key (UK term) which is provided.

[Leslie]

Hi
Actually yes, we did think of dumbecks...but want to stay with djembe's. I think I'm inclined to go with the mechanical tuned...the fellas at the store also say they rarely need tuning and are much easier/convenient with the small wrench provided. I've talked to a few folks now who say they have had them for over 18 months and play regularly, and only had to tune up once in that time. My folks/patients are mostly older, and aren't going to pound away with much force (altho I might :-D ) so I think it might be good to go that route.

[Steve Hill]

A traditional goat'n'wood in good tune beats everything; a slack one is crap. Synthetics sound 70% as good as a reasonable trad, but for 100% of the time.
Bolt-tuned djembes can dig into your legs. When my goat'n'wood best djembe went off to be reskinned (and the re-skinner went back to Africa for - er - well, he's still there) I bought a Toca festival rope tuned goat-topped djembe: 14" I think, for GBP84/USD160. It sounds great.
Only slight drawback - the head is heavier than the bowl and stem so it can tip forward if played sitting. But it's so light! It's a joy to work with.
The hex key to tune darabuka/doumbek is called an 'Allen' key here.
- Steve Hill

[Jim Greiner]

Hi Leslie,

I would suggest the mechanically tuned djembes for your work. They will be a lot easier to tune, and change heads when necessary, than rope tune djembes.

Of course, I should add that if you ever want to play traditional African djembe music in a traditional context, anything other than traditionally made djembes would probably not be acceptable to the leader of the group.

I have and use all possible variations:
-I use some rope tuned, but mostly mechanically tuned djembes for my drum circle work with corporate, community, school and private groups.
-I use the LP Galaxy Giovanni Series mechanically tuned djembe (and congas, bongos, timbales, etc.) with the 10 piece corporate events band I'm in.
-I use traditionally made (carved out of a single log, goat skin head, rope tuned)f when I play tradtional African djembe music

I encourage you to play a traditionally made djembe whenever you have the opportunity... the sound and feel are profoundly moving!

The most important thing is, though... you are drumming!

Best blessings,

Jim

[Caryn Goldin]

Hey there-
Lots of options out there - anything with a natural skin head will need regular tuning due to humidity change. A synthetic drum head will not change much but it is a different sound not totally unpleaseant but not skin. The reality - All instruments require some maintence.
Mechanics can be a bit heavy but easy to tune. There is also Mountain Rythym djembes - check out mountainrythym.com- we have a cool tuning system that doesn't need a wrench ,tunes in seconds and the drums are available with natural skin or synthetic heads. Starting to sound like a commercial -sorry - but you wanted opinions- so that's my two cents - for more info chk out the site ! Good Luck -I'm sure you'll find just the right ones! - GG

[Bill Saragosa]

Maybe Mountain Rhythm has something good for you...they have a tuning system that is with ropes, but it is NOT the traditional Mali weave. They are located in Toronto, or thereaboot.