Hand percussion???

[DJDJ]

Re: Cajon--

it's a latin american instrument, not an irish one.


Tarekith,

you may also want to check out a dumbek-- they have a cool tone, are very portable, and are easy to play. Other than that, I'd have to agree that a djembe makes a good first drum.....

[Tarekith]

Thanks, the Dumbek is the other one I've been looking at. I'm thinking something a little smaller so it's not insanely loud would be better at this point. If only to make it easier to record since I currently have a smaller studio.

[SubFunk]

it depends on what sound YOU want, i personally love djembes, i have a beautiful custom made one from a drum maker in senegal, afrika in wood with a real animal skin, weights a ton but sounds utter amazing but is so loud that i can't play it at home properly... this monster is louder then my genelecs cranked up fully, no joke.

so no advise really, but i would go for a wood one either way...

actually a djembe for 200 dollars, i probably would not buy, cause i think you only going to get crap.

it's one of those instruments all or nothing.

my2cents

[Tarekith]

Yeah, the more I look into it, the more it sounds like a Djembe is just going to be too loud for me to use at home. I certainly understand that it's going to depend on the sound I like the best though, and I'm definitely going to try before I buy.

Just looking for advice as a beginner, things to look out for, things to avoid, etc. I understand that you get what you pay for when it comes to any handmade instrument, but at this point I'm not sure if it's something I will use enough to justify a large initial expense, thus my wanting to stay on the low end of the things. THink of it like a newb getting Live LE first, then later deciding if he's using it enough to pay for the full app

[SubFunk]

Yeah, the more I look into it, the more it sounds like a Djembe is just going to be too loud for me to use at home. I certainly understand that it's going to depend on the sound I like the best though, and I'm definitely going to try before I buy.

Just looking for advice as a beginner, things to look out for, things to avoid, etc. I understand that you get what you pay for when it comes to any handmade instrument, but at this point I'm not sure if it's something I will use enough to justify a large initial expense, thus my wanting to stay on the low end of the things. THink of it like a newb getting Live LE first, then later deciding if he's using it enough to pay for the full app

i would look for wood as i said and check the quality / craftmanship of the mechanic that tightens the skin.

[nowtime]

Doumbeks are great. Ceramic ones sound good - I don't think I've ever played one that didn't - but they do eventually break. They can last for years, though. Metal ones can sound either stellar or like shit. Shit ones are pretty rare. Doumbeks are cheaper, too. I don't think I've ever spent more than $150, although it has been many years since I've bought one.

Also, metal ones can be harder on the hand. Ceramic ones always have nice smooth edges. You don't really need one that has tuneable pegs. They maintain their sound quite well.

[Lazos]

I agree nowtime. I forgot to mention too that for beginners, I would recommend a doumbek over a darbuka, just because the doumbek usually has a rounded edge and is easier on a beginner's hands. I'd not recommend a ceramic one, since they do eventually break. They do have a great tone (good one) if the natural skin head is warm and tuned well.

[Tarekith]

So something like this Gawharet El Fan aluminum doumbek would be a good first one?

http://sphinxshop.com/mdn1.htm

[nowtime]

So something like this Gawharet El Fan aluminum doumbek would be a good first one?

http://sphinxshop.com/mdn1.htm

Questionable, but probably fine. Is it $77 for the drum and case? That's pretty cheap, hence the questionability. My only concern would be the bass tone, but again it'll probably be fine.

[ResonanceMan]

i own a darbuka/doumbek, djembe, and bongos. all for under $200 each. they are all played different, but the darbuka is the most complex of them. And the most fun. If you are using them for outside playing or a drum circle, the djembe is the loudest one, and the easiest to play, i recommend it as the first drum to get, because you have to learn how to pop your hands on it. The darbuka is the best sounding drum for studio or live mic'd use. But it isn't always the desired sound for traditional music. If you like complex rhythms, then get that, but, if you want a standard sound, a set of bongos will work. they've been used in thousands of traditional songs and all genres. The congas are more designed for afro latin styles.

[cperezzz]

cajon is a cool percussion instrument. u can put alot of expression playing it.