Currently many drums and musical instruments come from Africa. It is a custom to use African instruments like drums as well as percussion for communication and celebration. Many kinds of percussion instruments, including drums, are widely used in Africa, some styles being more common among the people than others. In addition to the array of styles, a variety of decorations are available for instrument personalization.
Information about Djembe Drums
Djembe drums are traditionally carved from a single hollowed piece of wood. The basic shape of the drum is similar to an hourglass, and it has a head that is often made of goat skin. Traditional djembe drums are tuned using a rope braided around the drum shell, while more contemporary styles are made from synthetic materials. This drum is very versatile, with a wide range of sounds produced from a single-headed drum.
Dundun Drums
The shape of the dundun drums is that of a hollowed out cylinder. They are rope tuned and use two heads. The drum's tonal qualities are governed by the thickness, length, and diameter of the walls of the drum. The material used to make the heads and the density also influence the drum's voice. Bare hands or a stick can be used to play dunduns. Frequently, a bell will be connected to the side of the drum instrument. Traditionally, it is played sideways; one hand plays the head while the other hand plays the bell.
Kpanlogo Drums
Tracing back to Ghana in Africa, kpanlogo drums are distinguished in appearance from the rest of the drums originating on the continent. The body of the drum is like that of contemporary conga drums, but it also has pegs to secure the ropes. The look of the drum is unique thanks to its ropes that line the drum from the head to the pegs. The drum size can vary, as does the tone; the larger the drum, the lower the tone it produces. One individual in a group can play up to four separate kpanlogo drums at the same time.
Hand Drums
Small percussion instruments that are hand held have a lot of variability. Agogo bells, blocks made of wood, different types of shakers, cabassas as well as maracas all initially came from Africa. These special instruments offer flavor plus sound variety when a group is playing, bringing the ensemble to a higher level. The hand percussion helps to involve everyone present in the playing of the music. Children, seniors and those with disabilities can all use this auxiliary percussion to join in with drum circles, performances and celebrations.
Information about Djembe Drums
Djembe drums are traditionally carved from a single hollowed piece of wood. The basic shape of the drum is similar to an hourglass, and it has a head that is often made of goat skin. Traditional djembe drums are tuned using a rope braided around the drum shell, while more contemporary styles are made from synthetic materials. This drum is very versatile, with a wide range of sounds produced from a single-headed drum.
Dundun Drums
The shape of the dundun drums is that of a hollowed out cylinder. They are rope tuned and use two heads. The drum's tonal qualities are governed by the thickness, length, and diameter of the walls of the drum. The material used to make the heads and the density also influence the drum's voice. Bare hands or a stick can be used to play dunduns. Frequently, a bell will be connected to the side of the drum instrument. Traditionally, it is played sideways; one hand plays the head while the other hand plays the bell.
Kpanlogo Drums
Tracing back to Ghana in Africa, kpanlogo drums are distinguished in appearance from the rest of the drums originating on the continent. The body of the drum is like that of contemporary conga drums, but it also has pegs to secure the ropes. The look of the drum is unique thanks to its ropes that line the drum from the head to the pegs. The drum size can vary, as does the tone; the larger the drum, the lower the tone it produces. One individual in a group can play up to four separate kpanlogo drums at the same time.
Hand Drums
Small percussion instruments that are hand held have a lot of variability. Agogo bells, blocks made of wood, different types of shakers, cabassas as well as maracas all initially came from Africa. These special instruments offer flavor plus sound variety when a group is playing, bringing the ensemble to a higher level. The hand percussion helps to involve everyone present in the playing of the music. Children, seniors and those with disabilities can all use this auxiliary percussion to join in with drum circles, performances and celebrations.
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Djembe drums for sale at the Djembe Drum Shop, visit www.djembedrumshop.com for further information.
