Djembe Background

The Djembe with its wide range of tones, produced by its thick goat skin, tight tuning and shape, is West Africa's most popular drum, originating hundreds of years ago. Today the djembe is found throughout West Africa but is traditionally from Senegal, Ghana, Guinea, Burkina Faso and the Ivory Coast.

Darabuka and Dumbeck

The darabuka is the universal drum of the Arab world, found from Morocco right across to Pakistan. Played with the fingertips, the drum is held under one arm. We get brass dumbecks (darabukas) from Pakistan, aluminium ones from Turkey and the best cast aluminium ones with vinyl covering also from Turkey. You will find this model played by professional musicians in every Arab country.

Brazilian Samba

Samba and Carnival instruments are very popular across the world, not just in Brazil. They comprise the Tamborim, 6" diameter tambourine usually with a fibre body, the Repinique 12"x12" aluminium shell, the Caixa Tarol 12"x 5" aluminium shell, the Caixa Malacacheta 12"x 8" aluminium shell and the bass drum, the Surdo which varies from 18" to 24" in diameter on a 24" deep rim.

Other Brazilian percussion instruments include:
Pandeiro, a 10 or 12" tambourine, the Tantan, 28"x14" wood shell, Rebolo with 18"x12" wood shell, the Repique de Mao 12"x12" wood shell, and the Timba which varies in size from 12"x10" to 28"x13".

RMV is the leading maker of Carnival, Samba and Latin percussion in Brazil.

Tabor Drum

Tabors are the traditional English drum, ideal for accompanying Morris and other dance displays. Mediaeval drums were made with a rolled and stitched skin while rope tensioned, modern designs use a tension rim.

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