The first evidence we have of drums dates back to 6000BC. Drums are played on all continents, by people of all races and cultures. Drums are played for ceremonies, rituals, celebrations, healing and therapeutic reasons, communication, community building, and sheer fun and enjoyment. The benefits of drumming reach us on every level - mental, physical, emotional and spiritual.
There are hundreds, if not thousands, of different types of drum, many of which are very similar but have different origins. Just a few of them are illustrated here.
HAND DRUMS
Played only with the hands, these drums include, the Bougarabou from Senegal, the Middle Eastern Darbuka (and the very similar Doumbek), the Ashiko from Nigeria, the Brazillian Timbau, and the Djembe which originates in West Africa, and is particularly popular nowadays in Europe, USA and Australia.
FLOOR DRUMS
Played with beaters, mallets, brushes, sticks or hands, these drums include African Dun Duns, which are often played in sets of two or more; Afro-Cuban Conga Drums (Tumbadora); indigenous American style Gathering Drums, which are generally played by more than one person; and contemporary 'fusion' versions of these types of drum, including Tubanos and 'Tub Drums'.
FRAME DRUMS
A frame drum is any drum whose width is greater than its depth, usually with a single drumhead. There are numerous variations of this type of drum, in many different sizes.
Some are played with the hands, including the Middle-Eastern Tar, the Morroccan Bendir, the Iranian Daf, the European tambourine. Some are played with a wooden stick, such as the Irish Bohdran.
The Buffalo Drum is inspired by the indigenous cultures of the Americas, and is played with a mallet or beater, (a wooden stick with a padded fabric head). This type of drum is also known as a hoop drum or medicine drum.
There are many, many more similar but different types of frame drum.
Some are played with the hands, including the Middle-Eastern Tar, the Morroccan Bendir, the Iranian Daf, the European tambourine. Some are played with a wooden stick, such as the Irish Bohdran.
The Buffalo Drum is inspired by the indigenous cultures of the Americas, and is played with a mallet or beater, (a wooden stick with a padded fabric head). This type of drum is also known as a hoop drum or medicine drum.
There are many, many more similar but different types of frame drum.
As beautiful as so many drums are, you don't need anything special to enjoy drumming - anything that makes a sound that pleases you - wooden spoons, saucepans, buckets etc are just fine; or clap your hands. Add a smile and some enthusiasm!
BUYING A DRUM ... ?
Whether it's a djembe, a buffalo drum, or any other drum, here are some things to consider.
A drum made of wood or a lightweight material? (Many of the lightweight drums are eco-friendly, which you may feel is worth researching before purchasing.) Weight may be a big consideration for you when carrying your drum around. Drums made of wood may be hand carved, or they may be machine-made.
Animal skin or synthetic skin? This can be personal preference. Also consider that while animal skin is traditional, it is sensitive to temperature and dampness so needs to be stored considerately, will probably not always sound its best, and mustn't be allowed to get at all wet in a shower of rain or left to bask in the sun. Synthetic skins are more robust and durable, always sound good, and are probably easier to keep clean. In terms of the sound, there really is no difference between an animal skin and a comparable synthetic skin.
New or second-hand? As with everything else, when you buy new you know what you are getting. New drums are available on eBay, Amazon, and many other specialist shops online. (Knock On Wood*, Gear 4 Music, Sound Travels**, African Musical Instruments, & Hobgoblin, to name but a few that I have bought from.) There are of course 'real' shops selling drums too. Ideally you will have played a drum before you buy it, but that's not necessarily possible, and if you know someone else with a similar drum that you like, then that is a good guide for you. There are also lots of demo videos on YouTube, and online product reviews.
Buying second-hand can be less of a certainty, but many good drums happily find a new home! Ideally, of course, you buy from someone you know. However, eBay, facebook and similar selling platforms often have used drums for sale. Apply the same principles that you would when buying anything else ... you want plenty of information and photos in the advert, and answers from the seller to your questions, and then to try before you buy. Look out for damage, especially to the skin. Many (but not all) djembes can be tightened, or 'tuned', if they are sounding rather dull. If the skin is in a poor state then it might be possible to get a new one put on - this, of course, comes at a cost.
If buying online, be sure to check the dimensions carefully. For example, a "12 inch djembe" ... is that the diameter of the head, or the height of the drum ...? Check the weight too.
A bag/case/cover - Essential to protect your drum. Factor in the cost as they aren't cheap, or of course you could make your own.
*Update March 2022 - Feedback from a couple of our drummers on the service provided by Knock On Wood has been excellent. Very helpful and give good advice.
**Also a great source for Native American (style) Flutes.
I have heard good things about Mickleburgh Musical Instruments in Stokes Croft, Bristol.
A drum made of wood or a lightweight material? (Many of the lightweight drums are eco-friendly, which you may feel is worth researching before purchasing.) Weight may be a big consideration for you when carrying your drum around. Drums made of wood may be hand carved, or they may be machine-made.
Animal skin or synthetic skin? This can be personal preference. Also consider that while animal skin is traditional, it is sensitive to temperature and dampness so needs to be stored considerately, will probably not always sound its best, and mustn't be allowed to get at all wet in a shower of rain or left to bask in the sun. Synthetic skins are more robust and durable, always sound good, and are probably easier to keep clean. In terms of the sound, there really is no difference between an animal skin and a comparable synthetic skin.
New or second-hand? As with everything else, when you buy new you know what you are getting. New drums are available on eBay, Amazon, and many other specialist shops online. (Knock On Wood*, Gear 4 Music, Sound Travels**, African Musical Instruments, & Hobgoblin, to name but a few that I have bought from.) There are of course 'real' shops selling drums too. Ideally you will have played a drum before you buy it, but that's not necessarily possible, and if you know someone else with a similar drum that you like, then that is a good guide for you. There are also lots of demo videos on YouTube, and online product reviews.
Buying second-hand can be less of a certainty, but many good drums happily find a new home! Ideally, of course, you buy from someone you know. However, eBay, facebook and similar selling platforms often have used drums for sale. Apply the same principles that you would when buying anything else ... you want plenty of information and photos in the advert, and answers from the seller to your questions, and then to try before you buy. Look out for damage, especially to the skin. Many (but not all) djembes can be tightened, or 'tuned', if they are sounding rather dull. If the skin is in a poor state then it might be possible to get a new one put on - this, of course, comes at a cost.
If buying online, be sure to check the dimensions carefully. For example, a "12 inch djembe" ... is that the diameter of the head, or the height of the drum ...? Check the weight too.
A bag/case/cover - Essential to protect your drum. Factor in the cost as they aren't cheap, or of course you could make your own.
*Update March 2022 - Feedback from a couple of our drummers on the service provided by Knock On Wood has been excellent. Very helpful and give good advice.
**Also a great source for Native American (style) Flutes.
I have heard good things about Mickleburgh Musical Instruments in Stokes Croft, Bristol.
For those of you familiar with the drums that I bring to drum circles, this info may be helpful:
The Buffalo Drums are made by Remo - I love these as they have a wonderful depth of sound and great sustain, and are comfortable to hold. The black ones are 16" diameter. The white ones come in a range of diameters from 6" to 22".
The bags that I have for my Buffalo Drums are mostly from Knock On Wood. I like these as they are lightweight and showerproof, although rather boring black. Always check that any bag you buy suits not only the diameter but also the depth of your drum.
The Djembe Drums that we mostly play are 12 inch diameter head and approx 23" tall. This gives a good sized playing surface, and means that the drum will sit comfortably on the floor when you are seated. Mine are mostly made by Toca or Meinl, or are Knock on Wood's own brand. Gewa, Pearl and World Rhythm makes are also amongst our drummers, and are very nice djembes.
The Djembe bags that I have are available online from africanmusicalinstruments.org
Some of the djembe drums that I have are either a 10, 9 or 8 inch diameter head, and are shorter. Great for playing in a standing position (with a strap or harness), or across the lap, and easy to travel around with.
The orange Tub Drums are from the VivaRhythm series made by Meinl - very versatile drums which can be played singly, with hands or mallets, and in sets of three as dun duns. The ones that I play are Remo Versa.
All of the drums that I have are lightweight with synthetic skins.
The Buffalo Drums are made by Remo - I love these as they have a wonderful depth of sound and great sustain, and are comfortable to hold. The black ones are 16" diameter. The white ones come in a range of diameters from 6" to 22".
The bags that I have for my Buffalo Drums are mostly from Knock On Wood. I like these as they are lightweight and showerproof, although rather boring black. Always check that any bag you buy suits not only the diameter but also the depth of your drum.
The Djembe Drums that we mostly play are 12 inch diameter head and approx 23" tall. This gives a good sized playing surface, and means that the drum will sit comfortably on the floor when you are seated. Mine are mostly made by Toca or Meinl, or are Knock on Wood's own brand. Gewa, Pearl and World Rhythm makes are also amongst our drummers, and are very nice djembes.
The Djembe bags that I have are available online from africanmusicalinstruments.org
Some of the djembe drums that I have are either a 10, 9 or 8 inch diameter head, and are shorter. Great for playing in a standing position (with a strap or harness), or across the lap, and easy to travel around with.
The orange Tub Drums are from the VivaRhythm series made by Meinl - very versatile drums which can be played singly, with hands or mallets, and in sets of three as dun duns. The ones that I play are Remo Versa.
All of the drums that I have are lightweight with synthetic skins.
