A lot of people are playing African drums today, and with good reason. These instruments are useful for many purposes, including celebrations and ceremonies. Sitting in a drum circle, joining in community celebrations and family get-togethers are delightful ways of being connected to those we love and appreciate. You may not have realized it, but African drums, as well as all musical instruments have a rich and interesting history.

The creator of many African instruments is said to be Queen Marimba, an African folk hero and goddess. According to folklore the original Ngoma was created from an old mortar. The bowl was worn through, and rather than throw it away it was given to the Queen. The resourceful Queen attached an animal skin to the top of the mortar and around the body, and created the first drum. Since then, the Queen’s tribe and their descendants have had the rhythm of the drum in all aspects of their lives.

The Ngoma drum is a freestanding wooden drum that comes in various shapes and sizes. It expresses the connection between the physical body and the emotional spirit in African drumming traditions. Ngoma drums are widely used for many different rituals and celebrations today in Africa and around the world. The term ‘Ngoma’ is can be translated as ‘drum.’ Traditional Ngomas are long and narrow, occasionally with carved feet for the drum to rest on the floor. The drummer can also walk and carry the drum using straps to hold it in position. Drumming on the Ngoma is similar to the beats you produce when using a Conga. The drummers use their hands to drum or alternate with sticks to create different beats. Open slaps and finger strikes create sounds when coupled with other drums.

Here at Djembe Drums Online, we offer ngomas, as well as a beautiful selection of other African drums. The discount sale prices are great and you will have the satisfaction of owning a drum made from sustainably harvested mahogany, authentically crafted by skilled drum makers who have many years of experience. Check us out and buy one today!

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There are many types of West African hand drums. Djembes are the most famous portable African hand drums, but every culture around the world has created it’s own version of a drum. And drum circles have become very popular. Wherever you go in the country, you can find local drum circle to participate in. But not everyone wants to play the same kind of drum as everyone else. Some people want to participate in drumming circles and other events, but also want to be a little more unique. They want to be able to educate their friends about some of the other kinds of West African hand drums that people play.

Try an African ashiko. Ashiko hand drums originated in Nigeria, West Africa. Some people say that the ashiko is the male version of a djembe, which is considered a female African hand drum. If it has a goatskin head it will sound like a djembe, clear and crisp, but a deer or cow skin head has a warmer sound. Sometimes buffalo skins are used for the head as well.

The shape of an ashiko drum is like an inverted cone, wider at the top and more narrow at the bottom. It is much taller than a djembe, and in fact, people often stand up to play it. You can also use harness to carry it around. Most ashikos are rope-tuned, but there are also some which can be key-tuned.

Djembe Drums Online has beautiful African ashikos for sale, made in Africa, of sustainably harvested wood, at a price you can afford. Don’t forget to look at the selection of djembes, as well as all the other kinds of portable African hand drums including Native American pow-wow and frame drums.

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Playing traditional African hand drums is something that feels good, and that feeling is intensified whenever we get to participate in drum circles or other events. Hauling our drums around is no big deal. That’s one of the great benefits of African hand drums, they are very, very portable. But there is the issue of the weather. Sometimes the weather can affect the heads of traditional African djembes. If it’s too hot, wet or cold, there is a greater likelihood of the heads getting out of tune and stopping us from participating in an outdoor drum circle or other drumming event. As a drummer who wants to be ready whenever there is a chance to play, you don’t want to spend your time twisting a bunch of ropes like on a traditional wood djembe, to get the pitch you like. There is also the potential problem of wooden drum shells getting dinged or scratched if you are constantly moving them from one place to another.

Enter the key-tuned fiberglass African djembe hand drum. Key tuned fiberglass African djembes have a metal rim that fits around the head and is secured to the body using metal tuning hooks. Many beginning African djembe drum players seek the mechanical tuning system and fiberglass body because it is relatively easy to understand and cuts down on tuning time — just grab the wrench and begin tightening the bolts found on each tuning hook as you go around the drum head. Tightening the bolts will tighten the skin thus pitching up your sound. The fiberglass body is made to withstand the weather or the kind of rough and tumble use it gets as a student drum.

Here at Djembe Drums Online we offer key-tuned African djembe hand drums for sale at discount online prices, with a durable synthetic fiberglass body that delivers booming resonance and can withstand changing weather conditions. The drum head features our new synthetic head, designed to produce the same tones, with a similar texture, as a traditional goatskin African djembe drum head. In addition, these drum heads offer incredible durability, stability of tuning and more possibilities with the high end hits on the rim.

Our best fiberglass key-tuned African djembe hand drums for sale at discount online prices are perfect for drum circles of all kinds and ages. They offer durability and ease of tuning, whatever musical situation you find yourself in – a drum circle, a classroom, or a van full of instruments.

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When you are searching for an African djembe drum, there are a few things to take into consideration. Of course, you are looking for a beautiful, well-made, hand-crafted hand drum that will be on sale at affordable discount prices! But have you given any thought to how your drum will be made? Forests are endangered in many parts of the world, and not every country has ecologically-minded governments to set laws protecting flora and fauna from over-harvesting and depletion. There are, however, mahogany plantations in Africa that make djembes and other African drums from wood that has been harvested with conscience. The drum materials are certified as grown sustainably and conform to all the laws of the land of origin. Even the skins used for the drum heads are from animals that are not endangered, like goats, or cows.

Something as seemingly simple as carving out a piece of wood to make an African djembe drum is surprisingly complex. As many as six people work on a djembe drum, and that’s after those who manage the eco friendly mahogany plantation have marked and felled those trees ready for harvest to make into drums. Only trees that the forest can naturally yield are chosen for drum production, and workers systematically replant the timber for this legally-produced raw material.

After the trees are sorted and cut into drum-sized logs, a craftsman begins the process of drum-making, choosing a single piece to take to his lathe. Here he will form and sculpt the wood into one of the many African drum types, like djembe, ashiko, ngoma, djun djun or bougarabou. His skill has been passed down to him from a master, and he knows exactly how to shape and carve to get the sounds so beloved by drum players all over the world. Once the drum is shaped, the next artisan takes over to sand the wood and remove any rough spots or blemishes that remain. Painting the drum requires the skills of other artists. Sometimes several are used to paint the distinctive designs that help to identify each drum.

You don’t have to go far to find an online drum shop that sells African drums made only from eco-friendly wood. Djembe Drums Online works with a manufacturer whose African drums are legally produced from eco friendly wood farms. They are committed to providing the best drums for the environment, as well as being affordable and beautiful to look at. You can feel very good about choosing a drum that holds to the highest standards for responsible stewardship of Mother Earth.

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When it comes to choosing a Native American drum for your drum ceremony or pow wow, you want to know that it will provide you with the best sound possible and that the sounds it produces will be rich and sustained. A frame drum is very similar to a tambourine, although it does not have the rattles or jingles around the edge that a tambourine has. Pow wow drums are usually much larger than frame drums and are covered with animal skin on both ends. Neither drum is shaken or tapped like a tambourine, but rather, struck with a type of drumstick called a mallet. The handle is made of wood or fiberglass with a stuffed leather or fabric pouch attached to the tip. A drum mallet can save your hands a lot of pounding if you are attending a long ceremonial drumming.

Native American pow wow drums can be as large as 30″ across. Generally speaking, the pow wow drum is only used for ceremonial purposes and requires a strong mallet. It can played by several people at once and creates a large, booming resonance. In actuality, a pow wow drum is easier to make than a frame drum, because the smaller drum needs to have something to attach the skin to, and so a handle must be created on the back side, usually made of leather or rawhide. A high quality, well-made Native American hand drum will be sturdy and feel good in your hands. You will know instantly that it is made to last.

If Native American ceremonial drums are on your list of forthcoming purchases, you might want to check out those at Djembe Drums Online for hand-made, high quality drums and accessories. Our pow wow drums come in 24” and 30″ sizes and are made by artisans who have been creating these high quality drums for over 30 years. Our frame drums come in sizes from 8-24″and are covered with deer. elk, bison,horse or moose hide. Our ceremonial rattles are also made of deer hide.

Choose your new frame or pow wow drum and we guarantee that you will be delighted with the craftsmanship of our Native American drums and accessories for many years. Check us out and buy one today!

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A decade and a half ago I was fortunate enough to be able to attend a Native American pow wow up in the Pacific Northwest. One of the local Native Indian tribes was having a ceremony to honor the men of the world. Subsequent years would be focused on women, children, and grandparents. The multi-year process was going to culminate in a huge Pow-wow ceremony with a gathering in Washington DC to honor grandmothers.

It was a rare, sunny day and a beautiful ceremony in the Pacific Northwest. There were pow wow and frame drums, dancing, traditional costumes, great food, and a lot of good will. The non-native participants all stood in a circle to watch. The most moving segment was when all the veterans who were present, went around the circle to be hugged and thanked by each of us. You didn’t have to be a Native American tribe member to be honored; it was for all the vets. I doubt there was a dry eye throughout this touching ceremony. At that moment I think everyone truly believed that there could be Peace on planet Earth, that we are all connected, and we are a family.

Since then, I’ve been able to pursue my interest in Native American ceremonial drums. I even have my own frame drum which I painted with symbols that are meaningful to me, and whenever we have a drum circle to celebrate the solstice or equinox, I bring it out and relive that special occasion when I was first introduced to the power of drumming and ceremony.

Nowadays, I’m glad to know there are many drum circles all over the country. It’s easy to find one in almost any town or metropolitan area. Playing Native American or African hand drums and other percussion instruments is a good way to meet people, plus a drum circle also provides a great opportunity to learn how to play a hand drum.

At Djembe Drums Online we offer a variety of Native American ceremonial pow wow and frame drums and rattles. They range in size from 8”- 48” across. Smaller frame drums are generally played alone, while pow-wow drums, which have skin stretched across both ends, are much larger and can be drummed by several people at a time. These beautiful hand made drums are crafted by artisans who have over 30 years of experience. They also make beautiful shakers and rattles to complement their Native American ceremonial frame or pow wow drums.

You can also find djembes and other African drums, which are made in Africa from legally harvested, sustainable mahogany wood. Each drum is a work of art, and guaranteed to bring you many years of drumming fun, whether at home or in a circle.

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As more people begin to understand the interconnectedness of all life, many desire to experience meaningful participation in authentic shamanic or Native American style pow-wows, ceremonies and sacred rituals. Native American ceremonial hand drums have a long and rich tradition. Drumming is a way of uniting the members of Native Indian tribes, connecting with each other and Mother Earth. Drums mark the beginnings and endings of certain ceremonial events. They communicate, in a visceral way, emotions that aren’t easily spoken. The frame and pow-wow drums tell stories, and pass on the cultural identity of the players. Each Native American tribe has its own way of using hand drums to tell their stories. These ancient ceremonies are recognized for their benefit to more modern cultures as well their ancient ones, and traditional methods of making drums are also gaining respect. People are looking to bring authentic, hand-made Native American ceremonial, frame and pow-wow drums into their own lives.

You don’t have to belong to a Native American Indian tribe to benefit from having ceremonial hand drums around. Drumming is important in many cultures, and a frame or ceremonial drum can give you opportunities to enjoy this meaningful activity. Gathering with family and friends, you can create a ceremony that has meaning in your life. Honoring one’s ancestors and traditions is valuable for passing to a younger generation the values and important occasions that mark your own history. It doesn’t have to follow anyone else’s directions. It only has to feel right for you.

A steady beat is a good way to initiate the drum ceremony. It’s also a great background for story-telling. And, drumming provides a foundation for singing songs that your family enjoys. Even young children can take part in rituals and ceremonies if they have a small Native American frame drum or shaker.

Here at our online drum shop, Djembe Drums Online, we offer Native American frame and pow-wow drums at great discount prices. Each is hand-crafted by drum makers, living in the Pacific Northwest, who have many years of experience creating the beautiful and functional ceremonial hand drums that are used all over to bring meaning to ceremonies and celebratory occasions.

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Although African hand drumming has become very popular, even mainstream, Native American shamanic drumming is also making its way into our culture. Spiritual drumming has been an intricate part of Aboriginal groups and Indian tribes throughout history. Many indigenous peoples have a close connection to Mother Earth and use ceremony and drums to interact with Earth’s spirit. Here in the United States, there are Native Americans who come together for the traditional dances of their Indian tribes. Drummers and dancers participate at pow wows with painted sprit drums, rattles and authentic costumes to keep their traditions alive. In the past, these gatherings were held in secret and were only for tribal members. Nowadays, many pow wows are open to the public and attract large crowds of visitors, each with their own Native American frame drums and rattles.

Having a Native American frame or pow wow drum is a good way to create and experience your own ceremonies to connect with Earth and Sky. You can paint your hand drum head with acrylic paints or use pen and ink to personalize it. You may want to hold a drum circle to create a gathering for your friends and community. You will be surprised at how satisfying it is to make music with friends who share your love of Native American traditions and drumming and how much closer you feel to the environment.

Another drum that works well with Native American or Indian drums is an African djembe hand drum. There are many kinds of rhythms that you can learn, that will be complementary to the steady beat of a Native American frame drum. Take a look at the authentic Native American and African hand drums that we offer for sale at discount prices at our online drum shop Djembe Drums Online. Our drums are made by expert craftsmen and come from the forests of the Pacific Northwest or sustainable mahogany harvests in Africa. They are beautifully crafted and will give you a lifetime of drumming pleasure. Be sure to check them out and make your choice today.

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Scotty McCreery. Taylor Hicks. Kevin Skinner.Chris Daughtry. Phillip Phillips? Your name? It really could happen. And you know you’ve got the talent—but how do you impress the judges and give yourself an ‘edge’ over the other contestants?

One thing the names above do have in common is all of them started out playing live music and honing their skills before the auditions. Oh, and they all play acoustic guitar! Taylor is more of a harmonica player, but he plays guitar, too. One the latest most impressive contestants Phillip Phillips, auditioned WITH his acoustic guitar. See a pattern? Hmmm…live music, acoustic guitar…an winner’s edge?

That’s exactly right. If you watch the episodes of any of these competitions, you’ll see these guys constantly outperform the other contestants. Why? Because, in many cases, that live playing experience, playing acoustic guitar shows for a while taught them many things about expression, entertaining, singing properly, and more. And there’s just something about acoustic guitar that people love. Maybe it’s the thought of a campfire, singing songs and eating marshmallows. I don’t know. But the acoustic guitar is something people love to hear, and watch.

Chris Daughtry didn’t even win American Idol, but he had a good deal of live music experience, plays guitar, and he has now sold MILLIONS of music downloads! Kevin Skinner, 2009 winner of America’s ot Talent won with what…an acoustic guitar. People are starting to realize that playing live acoustic guitar shows is a GREAT way to train before you audition for American Idol, X Factor USA, etc.

The GOOD news is that someone has actually written an e-book that teaches you how to train yourself for American Idol, X Factor USA, etc, and make good money while you prepare! That e-book is called Acoustic Guitar Money This book has all kinds of information—where you can get free lessons, vocal tips, booking tips, and more! If you want to audition, and win, go check this book out!

You love Nature and you love being outdoors, but you’re not a hunter, fisherman, climber or hiker. You like being with your buds, hanging out with friends, feeling the earth, maybe even healing the earth. Its not such a stretch to think of the holistic health of Mother Earth. While the usual methods include cleaning up the environment and setting aside certain areas for the flora and fauna to thrive, you can have a part in the healing of nature, as well as an enjoyable recreational activity.

How about gathering some friends together to go out in the woods and drum! Any open clearing is perfect for sitting in a drum circle and experiencing the energy and joy of music making. It can be one of the best alternative medicines around. You don’t have to be a professional to find your own rhythm. Take along some rattles and shakers, and a Native American frame drum. African djembe hand drums are also easy to take outdoors for drumming up the spirit of Mother Earth. You may find yourself dancing to the addictive sound of the drums. It can be very freeing and you can give your own spirit a lift too.

High quality African djembes that are made from sustainable mahogany forests by expert craftsmen, and Native American frame drums, rattles and shakers can be found at our online shop. Each drum is carefully crafted with attention to detail, with goat, cow, deer and buffalo hide drum heads, and will provide you with a lifetime of pleasure, whether in the great outdoors, or sitting comfortably at home. Take a look today and begin your new outdoor adventure!

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Modern chemistry is a wonder! Working with various substances, instrument makers have created many varieties of materials with which to make modern versions of ancient musical instruments. Choosing whether to buy a traditional or contemporary version is one that calls upon the musician to do some research to discover which kind is appropriate for his/her current needs.

Take drums for example. African djembes are very popular hand drums. Great for drum circles, family gatherings, and just entertaining one’s self, it can be surprising to discover just how many styles there are. From the 4” mini djembe, to the 48” tall Ashiko drum, each is used to create certain sounds and rhythms. There is also a choice of materials that go into creating an African djembe drum. The traditional style is to have the drum shell made of a wood, such as mahogany, and the head, or hitting surface, made out of goat or other animal skin. These materials combine to create the warm, rich sound that is so loved by drummers around the world, whether amateur or pro. In fact, most people choose a wooden djembe for their first one, as much for the artistry as well as for the sound, since wooden djembes are made by hand and each is distinctly unique.

But if you are a drummer who is on the go, with lots of traveling and moving instruments around, you may find a synthetic key-tuned drum to be more practical. The fiberglass shell is nearly indestructible, and the head is designed to create the same tones as the more traditional variety. Also, if you take your drum to teaching or demonstrating venues, it may make more sense to have one that can be passed around without too much concern for its well-being.

At Djembe Drums Online we have both traditional rope tuned and key-tuned African djembes. All are high quality drums, made of the finest materials, by expert craftsmen, to give you the best hand drumming experience possible. Each is authenticated as to its origin and the sustainability of the wood its made from.Check out our site and choose the one most appropriate for your current needs. Then go find your beat!

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We offer the Johnson Solara Classic Guitar for sale at the best discount price. Classic style and classic sound make it an excellent choice for players of all styles. It has a gently-curved, arched, maple top, with solid mahogany body for excellent sustain and resonance. With a comfortable neck profile for easy playing, the single cutaway allows access to high-register treble strings. With dual EMG-designed humbucking pickups for scorching tone, the Johnson Solara Classic is a serious guitar for serious guitarists.

You will find this excellent LP copy on our Electric Guitars category page. Every Johnson guitar is covered by a Johnson manufacturer’s warranty. Orders with a New York State shipping address will pay New York State sales tax. Please refer to our Policies page for details about shipping & returns. If you have any questions, please call our toll-free Customer Service number, or send us an email. http://www.hotguitarstonight.com

We’ve heard a lot about sustainability, probably even know what it means. But how do we tell when we are buying a drum that’s sustainably made? Most African hand drums are made of wood; its their original material, and although there are some that are synthetic and are great for certain uses, its hard to improve on mother nature’s gift of trees.

Unfortunately, many of the drums on today’s market are made from illegally harvested wood, many of them from Indonesia. This practice of cutting down trees for drums without concern for the ramifications harms all of us, because if forests are destroyed, well, we already hear about what’s happened to the Amazon rain forests from clear-cutting. It contributes to many problems worldwide. We need our forests, but we also need the wood from them.

Fortunately, there are drum companies in Africa that work diligently to only harvest wood that is certified to be sustainable. This means that every step of the manufacturing process is licensed, overseen and verified by inspectors who adhere to strict guidelines.

When it comes to African hand drums, mahogany is a great wood to use, and can be sustainably grown and harvested in Africa. There, traditional craftsmen cut, carve and decorate each drum according to their native training.

At Djembe Drums Online, our African drums all come from certified sustainable mahogany forests, with verification every step of the way. Whether you purchase a djembe, ashiko, or dun dun, you can be sure that you are helping to keep our Earth green and healthy. And don’t forget how much fun they are to play. Check us out and choose your drum from our beautifully hand-crafted selection.

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Throughout history people have come together to share memorable occasions and to participate in ceremonies. There is a deep need within humans to feel a connection with one another and with something greater than themselves. Religion fills that need for some; group prayers and meditations are another way the spirit can be satisfied. And there are those who welcome the opportunity to make music together, believing that there is a unifying energy of well being and sacredness that is created in the experience of sharing a common rhythm and space.

Drumming is as old as humanity. It is one musical expression that doesn’t depend on anything but a surface to strike and desire to strike it. Our first rhythmic experience is that of our mother’s heartbeat, as we grow and develop into our own. We have the rhythm of our spinal fluid traveling up and down our backs, delivering messages and directions from our brains to the rest of our bodies. Today, some health practitioners even use that spinal rhythm to facilitate healing and balance.

Having the ability to carry a drum with you means that you are always ready to take any opportunity to play that arises, alone or with a group. You can back up others who are playing guitars, pianos, or other drums. Impromptu drum circles? No problem; you are part of it. When the circumstances provide the setting, you provide the beat. Having an African hand drum on your back is the way to be ready for anything. Djembes are so easily portable that they are the standard for drum circles and group activities.

Today’s portable African hand drums range from the most simple 4” mini djembes to highly complex instruments that require tuning and care, such as bougarabous, ngomas and ashikos. There are drums for every level of competence also, from beginners to professionals and everywhere in between.

Include an African hand drum in your list of ways to create community and connections with others and begin to enjoy the experience of dancing to the beat of your own drum!

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Many people are becoming conscious about the environment, and they want to know that the purchases they make are in alignment with their principles of sustainability and fair trade. In the world of musical instruments it is especially difficult to know if the materials that go into a final product are environmentally sustainable. How can you find out, when you are buying an African drum, if the drum, whether it be a djembe, ashiko, bougarabou, or djun djun, is made in with these principles in mind?

As a drummer you will be looking for several things. First, where is the drum made? Many drums come from drum makers in Indonesia and other countries that are using protected or endangered wood. Many of the forests are being depleted because of unsustainable practices and some rare woods are becoming extinct. You want to be sure that your drum is made of a wood that is grown on plantations that are using best practices and following all the eco-laws of the country of origin.

Secondly, who is making your drum? Is it being mass-produced by machines or workers who are not skilled or experienced? Are inferior skins used to make the drum heads?

Finally, how is your drum stored as it awaits purchase? Temperature control is an important determiner of how good your drum will sound when you first receive it. The correct amount of humidity is important for keeping the base and head from getting too dried out.

At Djembe Drums Online, we take pride in providing you with African drums made of legally harvested, environmentally sustainable, government certified Mahogany. Master artisans in Africa carefully hand carve and decorate each drum shell, providing a truly one-of-a-kind instrument. The heads are made of goat or cow skins, with low Stretch Alpine Nylon HTB 5 mm rope used for tuning. The drums are stored in a temperature-controlled environment while awaiting your purchase.

Our Native American frame and Pow Wow drums are covered with either deer, elk, cow, bison or horse hides, and are crafted by artisans who have been making them for several decades in the Pacific Northwest. They also make ceremonial rattles and mallets. Each drum or drum stick is created with the knowledge that it will last a lifetime and give its owner many years of drumming pleasure.

Check us out and make your choice for a sustainable drum. Your satisfaction is guaranteed!

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Of course one can visit one of the large chain stores and spend time looking for the few selections among the overwhelming music styles that are displayed; the few Christian and Catholic cd collections of worship music. The advantage of online shopping over those choices is that you may do it from your home at any time you wish. Christian and Catholic praise and worship music on cd is always available for purchase online, and is also always available at a discount. One of the newest artists on this music scene, is Brian Flynn, winner of numerous Catholic music awards. His new album, “Beyond The Veil”, brings a deeper understanding of Catholic theology to the modern music scene, featuring worship songs, Eucharistic hymns and a very moving composition honoring the priesthood, You Are a Priest Forever. It includes a dynamic pro-life song, American Anthem for Life, which weaves patriotic themes with the Judeo-Christian roots of our country. Other gems include Panis Vere (True Bread), Lift High the Cross, Beyond the Veil, Lord Have Mercy and more. Whether your musical tastes for good Christian and Catholic range from charismatic worship and praise music to Gregorian chant or a Bach mass, you will find elements of all of this in Flynn’s album “Beyond The Veil”.

Do visit us at http://www.thechristianbookcorner.com where you will find not only Brian Flynn’s “Beyond The Veil” but many other excellent cds of modern, charismatic praise and worship music, and Christian and catholic music cds in a wide range of styles and types for every music taste; all of them “Chosen with care; chosen with Prayer.”

I was in my forties before I even heard of African drumming. A friend was taking African Dance classes and invited me to attend one with him. It was an exciting, enjoyable evening, and I became a regular at the classes. I loved the wonderful energy that the drums generated. I didn’t even consider the idea of drumming for myself, just appreciated those who provided the rhythms and beat. Eventually, I was exposed to other places where people got together to express their enthusiasm about drumming.
You may be wondering yourself, how to become part of a community of drummers.

Many cities, such as Asheville, North Carolina, have had ongoing drum circles for many years. On Friday evenings, Pritchard Park is filled with drummers, dancers and tourists - people from every walk of life, who find the music to be uplifting and energizing. You can find one in your area by checking out the alternative newspapers, or looking at the bulletin boards in co-ops and coffee shops. The USA Drum Circle finder, online, has a list of drum circles around the country.

Nowadays, I feel like a real drumming enthusiast. We’ve been hosting Solstice and Equinox potluck drum circles for the past few years. We usually do one or two pieces that are focused on sacred issues, like world peace or eliminating homelessness, and others by inspiration. Sometimes there are kids, sometimes its outside. But always, there is the feeling of belonging to something greater than ourselves.

At our online drum shop, we offer a wide variety of African and Native American drums. All are hand-crafted by artisans who have decades of experience and take great pride in creating the perfect drum for you. Our djembes and other African hand drums are made from sustainably harvested mahogany wood, certified by the country of origin, and carved and stained or painted with native designs and symbols. Take a look and you are sure to find the drum that will reflect you!

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I think almost every culture in the world has some kind of instrument with which to emulate the heartbeat of Mother Earth. Connecting to Mother Earth is grounding and transformative. North American native cultures have been using drums for centuries. Drums are used in powwow, to call everyone to the circle, to connect and communicate with the spirit world, to announce and pass on information, to celebrate and join together in song and dance. Drums keep traditions alive. You don’t have to feel left out of this energizing experience. Drum ceremonies are not only for the native peoples of the world. You can join in them too, or create your own.

Traditionally, Native American Indian hand drums are made from a wooden frame of staves, or a hollowed-out section of wood. Most tribes use the former, but a few, like the Taos, still carve out a log to make the shell, then cover it with an animal skin. Those that have only one side covered, frame or hoop drums, are easier to play, but harder to make. The backside of the drum is used to stretch the rawhide laces that hold the head in place. It requires something upon which to anchor those laces, namely, a cross bar. Winding the laces around the crossbar is much trickier than attaching the two skins to each other from both sides, which is how a pow wow drum is made. Also, pow wow drums are often much larger than frame drums, so that more than one person can play.

Frame drums are great for keeping the beat in a drum circle. Djembe and other drum players can get fancy, when they have a steady beat to work with. Frame drums are also a good way for someone who wants to drum, but would rather not try anything complicated yet.

Djembe Drums Online offers Native American frame and pow wow drums, made by Ralph Akers, in Bellingham, WA. Akers Drums has been in business for over 40 years, and each one is hand-crafted. Check them out and you will find the perfect drum, drumstick or rattle for your needs. The heads are made from either deer, elk, cow, bison, or horse hides, and come in various sizes, from 8-24 inches.

While you’re at it, take a look at our wide selection of African drums too, which are hand-crafted in Africa from sustainably harvested wood. Make your choice now and get ready for many years of drumming fun.

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Finding ways to include everyone in the family in an activity is not an easy thing to do. With all the levels of abilities and interests, parents can spend a lot of time spinning their wheels trying to provide family activities that all will want to participate in. Family night at the movies is always fun, but can be really expensive. Plus, it only lasts for the amount of time you are actually doing it together. What can you do at home, or on vacation, or anywhere, for that matter that lasts, and is a fun activity for all?

African hand drums are very much a part of life in America these days. Drum circles are forming everywhere, and often are the entertainment for tourists and families in various cities around the country and around the world. You don’t need to be a professional to participate. In fact, beginners are encouraged to give it a try.

There are many kinds of African hand drums, djembes seem to be the most popular right now. In fact, djembes are one of the most popular drums in the entire world! They are easy to play and transport. Little children can learn to keep a beat on smaller drums, and older ones can learn fancy rhythms on the larger sizes. There are lots of demos online, and even free classes to get you started.There is an initial investment, but it is one that can last a lifetime.

Djembes are not the only easy-to-learn-and-play African drums. Others, like ashikos, udus, ngomas, and bougarabous add different tones and are all a valuable addition to a family hand drum band. One of the best things about owning drums is that they can be played alone or together. Shakers, rattles and chimes are instruments that even the youngest children can make music with.

At Djembe Drums Online we offer a wide variety of beautifully, hand crafted, sustainably harvested African hand drums. You will be delighted with the workmanship and eco-friendly aspects of all of the African drums we sell. You can also find drum bags to keep your djembes and other drums protected from scratches as well as making them easy to transport. Take a look, find your favorite drum and buy one today!

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When choosing which kind of African djembe to buy, you should consider three things - the ease of tuning, the weight of the drum, and the look you prefer.

Key tuned djembe drums are easier to tune, because a wrench is used to tighten the bolts, (which are attached around the side of the head) until you get the sound you want. Traditional, or roped djembes are a bit more complicated. There is an interweaving of ropes, which are attached to the drum head by a ring that holds it in place. Learning how to adjust the knots on your djembe requires a bit of practice, but it’s well worth the time spent, especially if you like the more traditional look and sound. You can also purchase a rope puller to make the job easier on your hands.

Because key-tuned djembe drums are made of a fiberglass shell with a synthetic drum head, they are lighter in weight than djembes made from a single piece of wood. They are also practically indestructible. This could affect your decision about which kind to buy, especially if you like to carry your drum in a backpack carrier or if you have a lot of instruments in your car or van. Also, the synthetic drum head has a pitch that is distinct from the sound of the skin-covered drum which many drummers like to include in their drum circles. Having both kinds of drums give you that much more variety.

While some folks are purists when it comes to the look of their djembe and wouldn’t consider a key-tuned, others find the unique qualities of the fiberglass body and synthetic head to be appealing, especially if they already own a traditional one.

Whether key-tuned or rope pulled, Djembe Drums Online offers you the best quality African hand drums you can find online. Buy yours today!
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It is the exuberance and obvious joy of the African drum players that usually first attracts someone to think about learning to play portable hand drums. Once you buy one and start to play, you’ll be amazed at how many others are already enjoying the benefits of owning an African drum. It stands to reason that you will want to take your drum to different places to participate in drum circles or other events. And you’ll also be interested in learning how to tune and maintain your drum.

One important accessory is a drum bag. It protects the head from sharp objects and weather conditions, like rain or extreme temperatures. A good drum bag will have either padding or a hard shell. Many can be carried like backpacks, making them easy to transport.

The ropes that are placed around your djembe are also used for tuning it. They are attached to a metal ring that holds the head onto the drum. You make changes to the sound by adjusting the tension. A puller assists in getting under the ropes so they can be more easily tightened and also save some wear and tear on your hands.

Shea butter or karite comes from the shea tree in Western Africa and is traditionally used to keep the drumhead smooth and supple. You can use it on your own hands too, for shea butter has been used for ages as a skin conditioner.

To find the perfect drum bag or puller for your djembe check out our drum shop for a complete selection of African drums, made by dedicated craftsmen from sustainably harvested wood.

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The single-cutaway body features a spruce top and mahogany neck, with rosewood fretboard & bridge, diecast machine heads, high gloss finish, and a 3 Band Equalizer. It comes with a manufacturer’s Lifetime Warranty. Our website offers this inexpensive acoustic electric guitar on our Acoustic Guitars category page. http://www.hotguitarstonight.com

Playing traditional African drums is something that feels good, and that feeling is intensified whenever we get to play at drum circles or other events. Hauling our drums around is no big deal. That’s one of the great benefits of hand drums, they are very, very portable. But there is the issue of the weather. Sometimes the weather can affect the heads of traditional djembes. If it’s too hot, wet or cold, there is a greater likelihood of the heads getting out of tune. There is also the potential problem of wooden shells getting dinged or scratched if you are constantly moving them from one place to another.

Enter the key-tuned fiberglass djembe. Many modern day musical instruments can be successfully made out of synthetic materials. African djembes are one of them. Key tuned fiberglass djembes have a metal rim that fits around the head and is secured to the body using metal tuning hooks. Many beginner players seek the mechanical tuning system because it is relatively easy to understand and cuts down on tuning time — just grab the wrench and begin tightening the bolts found on each tuning hook as you go around the head. Tightening the bolts will tighten the skin thus pitching up your sound.

Here at Djembe Drums Online we offer key-tuned djembes with a durable synthetic fiberglass body that delivers booming resonance and can withstand changing weather conditions. The drum head features our new synthetic head, designed to produce the same tones, with a similar texture, as a traditional goatskin. In addition, these heads offer incredible durability, stability of tuning and more possibilities with the high end hits on the rim.

Our synthetic key-tuned djembes are perfect for drum circles of all kinds and all ages. They offer durability and ease of tuning, whatever musical situation you find yourself in – a drum circle, a classroom, or a van full of instruments.

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There is nothing quite like being part of a drum circle, drumming with your friends or at a party. The rhythms and beat get into your blood and the evening sails by. The sounds of percussion instruments are earthy and vibrant. The different varieties of African hand drums all contribute to a rich drumming experience. It is difficult to know which kind of drum is best for you. Whether you are an amateur or pro, you want something that can be taken along wherever you go, that contributes the authentic sound you want as well as that certain style that reflects who you are.

Whether you are an amateur African hand drummer, who just likes to hang out at home or occasional drum circles, or a professional whose livelihood depends on having that perfect instrument, you want to know that the African drum you are playing is one that can easily be taken everywhere. And, just as importantly, represents who you are as a percussionist. The last thing you need is a cheap African hand drum that doesn’t hold its tone, gets beat up, or just plain falls apart.

At Djembe Drums Online we offer a wide variety of hand-crafted, sustainably forested African hand drums. Each is made using traditional methods, but with a twist. All come from mahogany wood that has been certified grown and harvested according to the environmental laws of the country of origin. Whether a djembe, ashiko, ngoma, bougarabou or djun djun, all are given the attention and craftsmanship that only authentic African drum makers can provide. Take a look at our online drum shop today. You are sure to find the perfect drum for yourself, your friends and your family.

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Perhaps the simplest of all drums, the Native American frame drum, also called a pow-wow or hoop drum, is the basic form that is found all over the world. It is easy to play and very portable. It can range in size from the very small, perhaps only a few inches, to some as large across as five feet. The largest pow-wow drums are often stationary and have room for a number of drummers to play together. A mallet is usually used to beat the drum, and both sides are covered with various kinds of animal hides.

Native American ceremonial drums are becoming more and more popular as people around the world recognize the value in drumming and having ceremonies or rituals. There is great peace to be found in getting together with friends and family to celebrate or reflect on the events that happen in our lives.

At Djembe Drums Online we offer a variety of frame and pow wow drums, all hand crafted by artisans who have over fifty years of experience working with wood and skins. Each drum is made to elicit the best sounds and durability. Choosing a frame or pow wow drum is an exciting thing to do for yourself, or as a gift for someone who also appreciates the power of the drums.

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When birthdays come around, we want to give a gift that has special meaning, that will give pleasure and enjoyment for a long time. With so much technology available today, it’s hard to find a gift that doesn’t have a small “i” in front of it. It seems that everyone has a cellphone or a notebook, and dozens of apps for each. Sometimes, however, it is appealing to think in terms of something more organic, more involved than interacting with computers. A hand made, hand-crafted gift of a musical instrument can be just the thing.

Traditional handmade African drums are a great alternative to staring at a screen. They are easy to play, easy to transport, and take excitement with you wherever you go. When you take out your djembe (jem-bay) or other African hand drum, you automatically bring a new element into your gatherings. Suddenly, everyone wants to try it. You can quickly learn the basics of how to play djembes and other types of hand drums. Tapping near the edges of the drum head, or beating the center creates different sounds, and it doesn’t take long to become proficient enough to provide the background beat. Sing-a-longs provide the perfect opportunity to establish a rhythm and add to the fun. As you get more into your hand drum, you will realize that other kinds of African drums, such as udus, ashikos, bougarabous, ngomas and djun djuns blend perfectly with your basic djembe. Suddenly, you’ve given all the people in your life the gift of a musical instrument!

Djembe Drums Online has many styles and sizes of hand-crafted, sustainably harvested African drums. Check out our djembes and other hand drums and you are sure to find the perfect drum or accessory for your birthday gift giving. You may even decide that you want one for yourself!

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A good ceremonial hand drum can be an important aspect of creating a new ritual. Native American ceremonial drums have been traditionally used for communication, celebration and participation. A frame or hoop drum is what is used for an individual, while a pow-wow drum is used for several people to play at the same time. The difference between the two hand drums is that hoop drums are covered on only one side, and pow-wow drums have animal skin heads on both sides. Both kinds of drums are usually struck with a mallet.

Your ritual can be sacred as well as exuberant, and give meaning to any special occasion. Its a great way to feel connected to others as well as Mother Earth. Moving to the rhythms of drum beats is also enjoyable and a good way to get your whole body involved in the new experience. It may seem a little strange at first, but soon it will feel natural and exciting.

At Djembe Drums Online we offer a gorgeous array of Native American frame and pow-wow drums. All are made in the Pacific Northwest by master crafters who have over fifty years of experience creating functional as well as beautiful ceremonial hand drums. You will be delighted with your drum, and enjoy many years of meaningful rituals and ceremonies.

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