Remo Djembe  

I have played this djembe for 13 years and it is still my favorite hand drum to play live.  The 12 inch is the best size because it still has a responsive and deep low-end but you'll be able to get the pop and the ring out of the high-end as well.  It is durable enough to survive camping trips, junior high students, years of live performance, and mine still has the original head.  I highly recommend thisdjembe to both beginners and skilled players.  You won't be disappointed.  Get this drum.

Well built. It arrived in tune. Nice looking drum.

I bought this drum because it looked like the most bang for the buck, and I was well pleased. I don't play drums at all but I have played guitar for 41 years and I know what sounds good to me. I was a little hesitant about buying because several of the reviews complained about a ringing sound they didn't like. Well, the drum arrived, (right when you said it would) and I got my son-in-law, who is a drummer, to play it on some songs we were working on and we all liked what we heard. To me the ringing sound gave the drum an extra quality which makes the drum more versatile. The drum was in tune right out of the box with the exception of one lug which we turned less than a quarter of a turn. I was very pleased with the buying experience from beginning to end and would recommend this drum to anyone.

I have bought a 16 inch djembe and the 12 inch.The 12 inch Remo djembe has been the workhorse. They need little to no tuning out of the box. As a beginner it is fool proof for me. The designs are totally cool. In comparison to a rope tuned djembe it does have a slight ringy sound but that also varies from drum to drum. The bass sounds are deep and the slaps are crisp. Nice weight compared to my roped tuned djembes that are carved out of a tree. They have a carry handle. The drum head can be replaced but have not had a need to do so. I have had my drums for 3 years and haven't had a need to be tuned. I also live in a cold environment and the drums have had no problems with the weather.

Even though I rate this as an 8 I have no other mechanically tuned djembes to compare against the Remo. I feel that the quality is superb enough to do this review and to go back and order more of these drums for my friends and family.

Of course I would love it to be  inexpensive.then I would collect the other designs. Too bad I'm not pro enough to get an endorsement. For the beginner it is monkey proof. It has great sound. I see the veterans and beginners like myself use this djembe in the local drum circle. I would most likely buy more of these for my friends to create my own drum circle.

I dislike the cost because it prevents me from buying a whole bunch of these great drums. I rely on Musicians Friend to have some great deals. Compared to rope tuned drums, the smooth shell of these drums tend to slip between your legs. I've been trying to figure out how to prevent that with parachute cord wrapped around the drum otherwise I can just buy a djembe strap. The designs are limited in availability. I only had one on backorder kinda tells you that these drums are popular Their sound is unique. May have a slight ring for some. They definitely hold their own in the drum circle. They are rugged after dropping mine a few times due to the mech tuners attached to a djembe strap that had a "U" shaped drum hook it kept slipping out of. Nothing busted and drum didn't go out of tune. I easily fixed that with a zip tie. It is best to buy a strap that tis in or has an enclosed hook. I also fell off my stool( a three legged portable stool which folded in a few times) and the drum hit the ground and survived without problems. It is light compared to a "traditional" rope tuned djembe. It doesn't feel like carrying a log around. I brought out my roped tuned drum once and returned the following week to the drum circle with my Remo.

My remo djembe arrived quickly.  I like the earth tone covering.  This 16" size has a very deep bass tone when slapped in the center.  I like the light weight of this drum, even for its size.  I found no need to tune it, as it was very playable right out of the box.  I have seen various hints on dampening the little riniging tone that is heard with some weather stripping applied to the inside of the drum, and I may try this in the future, but for now, I like what I am hearing.  This has been one of the most enjoyable things I have purchased for the price range.

Love this drum.

I'm very happy. I've owned the 14' Remo Djembe for almost 4 years.  It's one tough drum.  Temp and humidity do not phase it.  Once tuned to your liking it pretty much stays where you put it.  The sound and tonal qualities are pleasing.  I've played it at the coffee house, church, and bigger stages.  Often I set it to the left of my hi-hat and use it for added effects to my drum kit.  I play it with hands, sticks, and mallets.  You should buy a case or bag for transport as with any fine instrument.  And a standard drum key will not work for tuning, the shaft is to short.  You need a extension from a small socket wrench to get the job done.  I know of some who may poo poo the fact that this drum is constructed with all man made materials, and that in can in no way compare to the sound of a hand hewn wooden drum with a true animal skin head,  however I salute REMO for their concern of our environment. This drum does what it was built to do, and it does it very well.

This drum is worth every penny. Make sure you buy the right size drum for the music you intend to play with it.