Djembe Instruction & Drum Circle News

All X8 Pro Djembes come with a FREE Djembe Setup

2007-12-21T09:17:00.000-08:00

Whether you set up your djembe yourself, or have it done by a professional tech, a good set-up is crucial to achieving not only optimum playability but maximum tone too.

By "set-up," we usually mean a combination of things that all work toward keeping your djembe in good condition, somewhat like the full tune-up you occasionally give your car.

The X8 Drums full djembe set-up includes priming and conditioning your drum head by shaving and sanding to make sure it has a silky smooth playing surface. A smooth playing surface helps to ensure that your hands will not risk injury from excess goat hair and rough surfaces that could lead to cuts.

In addition your djembe will be tuned and tested for optimal tones based on the build of the shell, ring placement and skin quality.

As a top-off, your drum head will be conditioned using a light, natural oil. If needed, the drum shell will also get a fresh application of Teak Oil for a rich, and protected glossy finish.

All work performed on your djembe is done by experienced djembe techs that are also active, performing hand percussionists. We understand what tones can be produced by our X8 djembes and we'll make sure that your drum is ready to sing as soon as you pull it out of the box.

As you get to know your drum, most players will learn to tune and maintain its playability. Every new X8 Djembe comes with a Djembe Care and Maintenance Guide that will help you learn how to rope tune and provide you with tips on keeping your drum in excellent condition for years to come.

Note: Drum pitch and tones can be very subjective. We will tune your djembe to a level that we personally feel is outstanding. You may need to make adjustments based on your particular taste. This typically only applies to advanced players looking for a very specific tone.

X8 Professional Djembes Qualify for a Free Djembe Set-up:
Ruby Pro Djembe, 13-14"
Ruby Pro Djembe, 10-11"
Stallion Pro Djembe, 13-14"
Stallion Pro Djembe, 10-11"
Matahari Pro Djembe, 13-14"
Matahari Pro Djembe, 10-11"
Waring Ridge Pro Djembe, 13-14"
Waring Ridge Pro Djembe, 10-11"

Djembe Drum Multi-Media Site Creates Personalized Shopping Experience

2007-11-28T06:07:00.000-08:00

X8 Drums unveils a new multi-media online shopping experience for percussionists. X8djembe.com offers high definition video and audio samples of every djembe drum in stock, plus free djembe instruction videos, audio rhythm samples and a top-quality djembe repair service center.

Jersey City, NJ (PRWEB) November 28, 2007 -- Hand drum specialty store X8 Drums announced today their new multi-media e-commerce website: X8Djembe.com. The new site showcases their full line of hand carved African djembe drums and djembe accessories in a cutting edge multi-media format that's drawing rave reviews from djembe buyers and players. The first in the industry to incorporate full video and audio, X8djembe.com offers high definition video and audio samples of every djembe drum in stock. "Creating a personalized buying experience was at the center of developing x8djembe.com," noted musician and shop owner Mark Stancato. "We want every online visitor to experience how amazing these drums sound as well as look. Performed by New York City percussionist, Raphael Torn, the X8 line of custom djembe drums are already becoming widely know for their superior sound quality and aesth etic beauty.

Customers are not only benefiting from being able to watch and listen to each djembe being played; they are able to watch the djembe performer for proper playing technique and, through the videos, have been able to better acquaint themselves with finding the right size djembe. "Since we launched the site we've been receiving e-mails every day from people thanking us for providing them with high quality video and audio samples on all our djembe drums", added Stancato. "Having the ability to watch and listen to the djembes before buying has truly helped our customers make a better buying decision."

In addition to offering the entire line of X8 custom djembe drums and accessories on their multi-media website: X8djembe.com, X8 Drums also offers a free rope-tuning video session, drum-circle video and audio rhythm samples, educational articles on all things djembe, a djembe blog, and a top-quality djembe repair service center.

Stop Illegal Logging and Protect Wildlife Worldwide

2007-11-02T13:23:00.000-07:00

At X8 Drums we take great pride in the fact that our entire line of X8 djembe drums are produced using legal wood that is environmentally sustainable. Unfortunately we're in the minority as there are many more companies importing wood that is illegally harvested. A big incentive is cost. It's much cheaper to go into the world's forests and rip down trees illegally. It's actually about three times more expensive to secure wood that is legally harvested than wood that is taken illegally. To make matters worse there are no laws in this country that prevent importers from bringing in illegal wood. And many consumers are not educated on knowing the difference and demanding legal wood.

There are essentially two ways to help combat this worldwide epidemic. One is through education. We're trying to do our part by educating djembe buyers on the differences between legal and illegal timber through articles and blogs on the topic and making references to our sustainable djembe drums all throughout the product pages. The other and quicker way to help combat illegal logging is through Governmental policy. Setting laws in place that prevent companies from importing wood that is harvested illegally will swiftly help curb this major epidemic. We're definitely fans of policy that will help end deforestation through illegal logging.

You can image my surprise when today I received an e-mail from the Petition site discussing this very subject. Not only that but there's currently a bill on the Senate floor that will put an end to illegal logging. The Combat Illegal Logging Act of 2007 (S.1930), legislation would make it a crime in America to knowingly import, sell, buy or transport illegally sourced wood and wood products. Illegal logging makes life more difficult for millions who depend upon forests for meeting their most basic needs. Environmental degradation including soil erosion, desertification, and reduced agricultural productivity, and the ongoing struggle for resources all contribute to an unsound policy of allowing illegal wood to be brought into this country.

Please help fight illegal logging by sending a message to your Senators today to support the Combat Illegal Logging Act of 2007 (S.1930)!

When shopping for wooden based products it's important, as a consumer, to know the source of the wood so you can make a more educated decision. By only purchasing wooden products that can prove a Government certification process and are made using legally certified sustainable timber can we together help protect our world's forests, assist in preserving and maintaining a well-balanced eco-system and help support local economies. Get the facts before buying and ask questions. It's your buying decision that helps shape the world in which we live!!

Link to the petition form: http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/536283881

Thanks,

-mark (signature #1787)

Important Facts about Hand Carved Djembes

2007-10-30T17:43:00.000-07:00

When shopping for a djembe drum please understand that these musical instruments are hand made and will at times show natural imperfections.

Here's a brief note on what not to worry about:

Most African djembe drums are hand carved in Indonesia or other parts in Asia from a single piece of wood (ex: mahogany). As such, many djembe drums are not going to be perfectly symmetrical or evenly built. It's just a natural part of the process. After all djembes are made with hand tools from skilled craftsman. In some cases the djembe drum will even be lopsided as it rests on the floor.

How to Play a Djembe

2007-10-30T17:17:00.000-07:00

It's important to understand the fundamentals of playing the djembe when you're first beginning. In fact even if you've been playing for years, it never hurts to go back to reviewing the basics. Too many times players have jumped into playing their instrument without properly understanding correct body positioning and playing technique. And when it comes to playing hand drums this can surely lead to sore hands and painful joints.

Playing Positions

I would venture to say that the sitting position is probably the most common position when playing the djembe. For more on selecting the right size drum click here. Sit on the front edge of a chair and place the djembe drum between your legs gripping each side with your knees. Tilt the djembe away from you so that the base of the drum is open. This is important as the bottom hole must be exposed in order to obtain a proper sound when playing. Some players will choose to hold the base of the drum with their feet for overall instrument control. Please remember not to lift the drum completely off the floor. If the drum is lifted off the floor when striking the head, it could slip and the base could hit the floor causing damage to your djembe.

It's vital that you keep correct posture when playing. Remember to keep your back straight so as to keep from slouching. Correct posture will ensure a longer playing time without the aches and pains associated with improper playing technique.

Basic Playing Strokes

The bass stroke is played with a hand at the center of the drum. The right hand bass note is called 'GUN', and the left is called 'DUN'. Essentially your goal is to bounce your whole hand off the skin without too much slapping sound. When struck correctly the tone will resonate out from the bottom of your drum. Take note that you don't have to hit the skin very hard. Your entire hand should be inside the rim of the drum, and should have a degree of firmness to it - not so firm that your hand is rigid, however not to loose either. Practice a few times so you can figure out what works for you. Remember, only one hand should be on the skin at a time.

Next is what's called as "edge tones". Edge tones are played at the edge of the drum where your hands are lined up at the rim of the djembe closest towards your body. Move your hands towards you until your knuckles have just come off the drum. The remaining pads of your fingers should be held over the drumhead. Striking the drumhead at the edge with the pads of your fingers will produce a type of ringing tone. The right hand stroke is called 'GO', and the left hand stroke is called 'DO'. You can play these tones by making your finger pads hit the skin very evenly or by striking the skin on more of an angle.

Perfect djembe instruction DVD for anyone wanting to join a drum circle or to review the basics.

Lastly, there are the "slap tones". The slap tones have characteristics of both the bass and edge tones. The slap tones produce more of a 'crack' and bright sound, however they also have a little bass resonance. The slap tones are played near the edge of the drum, with your knuckle line over the rim of the djembe falling onto the playing surface. Relax your hand so that there is a little pocket of space between the drumhead and your hand. From here your fingertips should almost reach the middle of the drum and your palms should fall over the rim of the djembe. Your hand should bounce off the drumhead so that the fingertip pads flick quite sharply on and off the surface with a slap. The pocket of space under the palm gives the tone a hollow sound, and the flicking action produces a sharp sounding tone. As with the bass tones the reach of the fingertips towards the center of the djembe provide the lower tones. The right hand stroke is called 'PA', and the left hand stroke is called 'TA'.

Learning to play the djembe takes time, dedication, and a personal commitment of continuing at it until you get it right. Just like learning to play any other instrument practice is the main ingredient and perseverance is at the heart of improving your skills. But above all else remember to have fun and enjoy the process. After all, you're making music - what a treat!

Djembe Rhythms

2007-10-27T21:08:00.000-07:00

Use the djembe rhythm audio tracks below to practice your hand drumming skills before your next performance. All rhythm samples are free, courtesy of X8 Drums. Each track is performed by pro djembe player and instructor, Raphael Torn.

TRACK 1: Sounds from a Drum Circle.
Play along and find your own rhythm to add to this session or mimic one of the patterns in the circle. Either way, you'll have new grooves to play at your next performance.

The instruments included in this drum circle track are:
1. 13" Pro Djembe, Waring Ridge (foundation rhythm)	2. 10" Ruby Pro Djembe & 10" Matahari Pro Djembe (played together, one with left hand and one with right)

3. Cowbell / 4. Shakere	5. 13" Pro Djembe, Ruby (lead line)

TRACK 2: Sounds from drum circle without the Lead Line
After listening to Track 1, create your own lead line by playing along with the same groove, minus the recorded lead line.

TRACK 3: Djembe Solo
Join this track to create rhythm patterns to support a drum solo. The drum in this track is a Ruby Pro 13" Djembe.

More coming VERY soon! Bookmark this page.

Djembe Instruction - Online Video Lessons & Rhythm Samples for Djembe Drumming

2007-10-27T18:10:00.000-07:00

We are currently in production of a series of djembe instructional videos that will be a favorite resource for all hand percussionists.

The series is set to include a rope tuning demonstration, how to replace a djembe head, djembe rhythm samples, djembe playing techniques and our special X8 drum circle (you'll have to wait for the scoop on that!).

Bookmark this page now. We'll be posting the full list of videos here the week of October 29th.

While you're waiting, let us know if there are any specific djembe videos you'd like to see as part of the djembe video instruction guide. The segment topics above are based on customer requests, so we're definitely listening!

Some entertainment while you wait...

How to Tune a Djembe - Video Demonstration

2007-10-27T13:23:00.000-07:00

Watch step by step instructions for tuning a djembe. We also provide rope tuning services and djembe head replacement customers nationwide. Click here for full details.

Part 1 - Understand the Concept of Rope Tuning

Part 2 - Tuning

The drum is tightened by weaving triangles with the extra rope. The more triangles, the tighter the head becomes.

Step 1 - Uncoil the excess rope after the last triangle. You will be creating new triangles as you work around the drum.

Step 2 - From the last triangle, working in the same direction as previous row of triangles, look at the next 2 separate vertical ropes; verticals-1 & -2. Lay the loose rope over verticals-1 & -2.

Step 3 - Pass the loose end backwards only under vertical-2.

Step 4 - Lay the loose rope over vertical-1 and pass the loose rope back under verticals-1 & -2. If your drum wraps right to left, as in the photos, you should be looking at a Z pattern in the loose rope. If your drum wraps left to right, you should see an S pattern.

Step 5 - The object of this weave is to pull the vertical-1 under the vertical-2. Pull down hard on the rope. This will add a triangle to the ropes.

Repeat this procedure moving in one direction around the drum until the head is tightened. Then tie off your loose rope and secure it around your drum.

Djembe Repair Service - Head Replacement & Tuning

2007-09-26T05:34:00.000-07:00

X8 Drums has partnered with Giving World Percussion (GWP) for all drum repair service. Located of Central Florida, GWP offers quality djembe repair service for clients nationwide. Each drum tech has years of experience repairing, building, teaching, and performing with traditional drums. GWP also offers many customization options: rope color, wood stain, painting, ring color, etc.

How it works:

Please contact Giving World Percussion at (407) 484-0026 or email to confirm what you'd like to have repaired and they will be happy to provide you with a quote. Most work takes approximately 1-2 weeks.

Our head replacement and tuning package includes:

Drum inspection
Removal of existing head
Bearing edge lightly sanded and oiled
Replace with new head
Shave and tuck skin to preferred style
Apply coat of appropriate oil (Teak, Boiled Linseed, Tongue oil)
Tune and Test your djembe

The cost for the head replacement and tuning package is $100. GWP provides the new head which is a high quality goat skin. For an extra $15 they will fit your djembe with premium quality goat skin which is thicker (taken from the back of the goat) and sounds fuller when played. It's also more durable.

In many cases you will also need new rope. Giving World Percussion offers ropes in nearly any size and color. Please note all rope is high quality 100% Polyester with less stretch than most nylon cords:

Standard Black HTP 4mm - $25 MBS 517 lb
Standard Black HTP 5mm - $30 MBS 1056 lb

*There is an additional charge of $20 to re-fit your djembe with new rope.

Shipping costs are not included in pricing. Please contact GWP at (407) 484-0026 or email info@GivingWorldPercussion.com for additional work including ring and shell repair.

Thanks!!

Free Shipping on All Djembe Drums

2007-09-05T05:47:00.000-07:00

We are pleased to offer free shipping for customers interested in the drums showcased on this site. To order, click on the djembe of your choice and place your order through our secure online shopping cart.

Free shipping is available through UPS Ground to the lower 48 states. Most orders shipped via UPS Ground will arrive in just 2-5 business days. No delivery on weekends.

Wholesale clients also receive a free shipping on bulk djembe orders. Please contact us to get a quote.

Orders received before 9AM Eastern Time are shipped the same day! Orders received after 9AM, or on the weekend, are not likely to be processed until the following business day. If you would like your item faster or you are outside of the lower 48 states, please contact us for a shipping quote.

Phone: Feel free to call us anytime, toll-free at 1-800-771-9645.

West African Manufactured Djembe Drums - Cause for Concern

2007-08-30T17:39:00.000-07:00

When shopping for a djembe drum it's important to consider the environmental ramifications of purchasing a djembe that uses illegal wood. Unfortunately, many djembe drums that are being imported into this country, from West Africa, are made from wood that has been illegally harvested. Essentially what this means is the wood used to produce the shell of the djembe is being secured from illegal activity including cutting down trees in tropical rainforests without taking proper steps to safeguard the ecosystem and preserving the biodiversity. Unethical importers that practice this trade are doing so because of the economic benefit of purchasing wood that is far cheaper than purchasing wood that has been legally harvested.

West African countries including Guinea, Senegal, and the Ivory Coast were once lush and extensive rainforests are now becoming a historical footnote. Gone to build ships, furniture, instruments, and supply minerals and gems to the West, the band of tropical forests that once extended from Guinea to Cameroon are virtually a memory. The loss of West Africa's rainforests has triggered a number of environmental problems that have contributed to social unrest and exacerbated poverty across the region.

Disappearing African Forests

According to data provided by the United Nations, today about 1.5% of West Africa has primary forest cover. In the past 15 years, more than 5400 square miles (1.4 million hectares), or 26 percent, of primary--or old growth--forest has disappeared from the region, leaving West Africa with somewhere between 11,600 and 15,400 square miles (3 and 4 million hectares) of such forest. Forest loss has made life more difficult for millions of West Africans who depend upon forests for meeting their most basic needs. Environmental degradation including soil erosion, desertification, and reduced agricultural productivity, and the ongoing struggle for resources has made the region one of the most unstable in the world!

What You Can Do to Help

Only purchase djembe drums that can prove a Government certification process of harvesting legal, sustainable wood from tree plantations. Ask to see a copy of the Government certificate if you want to know for sure. There are many cases where djembe importers have a CO-OP letter or Corperasi from the local area where they're harvesting trees however this is just Village documentation and not a real Government Certificate process. These village CO-OP letters are easily bought and copied and presented as legal documents to importers and because certain importers don't know, don't care or don't take to the time to properly research they're really bringing in illegal wood.

Also, stay away from African djembes that seem to be sold too cheaply! One of the primary reasons these drums are being sold cheaply is because they have been produced using illegally harvested wood. Djembes being manufactured in West African countries including Guinea, Senegal, and the Ivory Coast are largely suspect when their prices are low. There's no magic formula to produce cheap drums and still claim quality -- using illegal wood is most likely the culprit. Reputable manufacturers that use legal timber have to pay three times the amount for legal wood than illegal wood. That's why quality djembe drums that are made from legal, sustainable wood are more costly. It's basic economics. They cost more because they cost more to make.

We Can All Make A Difference

When shopping for a djembe drum it's important to know the source of the wood so you can make a more educated decision. Purchasing djembe drums that can prove a Government certification process and that are made from legally harvested, sustainable wood help protect our world's forests, assist in preserving and maintaining a well-balanced eco-system and help support local economies. Get the facts before buying and ask questions. It's your buying decision that helps shape the world in which we live.

Djembe Size - How to Determine Which Size Drum is Right for You

2007-08-26T05:28:00.000-07:00

When selecting the right size drums it's more important to find a drum that is the correct height more so than the diameter of the drum. However, what you'll find when shopping for djembes is that the diameter of the drumhead increases as the height increases. You could say that they have a positive correlation.

You should select a drum that stands tall enough for you when sitting down to play. The base of the drum should rest on the floor and the drumhead should rise about two or three inches from the top of your legs, in a sitting position with the drum leaning away from you. If the drum is too low you will have a difficult time striking the head because your knees and legs will be in the way. On the flip side, if the drum is too tall you will find that you'll have to lift your shoulders when striking the head and this will surely lead to fatigue much quicker. You should always be in a comfortable position and shouldn't be straining your body when playing. Your movements should be fluid and smooth.

Here is quick reference table to help you get an idea of djembe drum sizes. Please note this table is not all-inclusive as djembe drums can and do vary in size depending on the manufacturer.

DJEMBE HEIGHT	HEAD SIZE
12"	7"	View All Small Djembes
16"	8"	View All Small Djembes
20"	10"	View All Medium Djembes
24"	12"	View All Medium Djembes
26"	13"	View All Large Djembes
28"	14"	View All Large Djembes

Example of Desired Djembe Positioning for Seated Players
(Performer is 5'9" playing 12" Duafe)

Example of Desired Djembe Positioning for Standing

Wholesale Djembe Information for Retailers

2007-08-21T06:15:00.000-07:00

We look to partner with niche retailers that appreciate the healing power of music and rhythm. We're proud to offer environmentally friendly djembe drums, hand-carved to perfection and high quality djembe accessories.

Annual Minimum Order ($2,500)
Drop Shipping Available (48 Contiguous States)
Quarterly Promotions
View Full Catalog PDF Online (request hard copy)

About our Drums
X8 Drums Wholesale djembes are imported directly and we work closely with our manufacturer to ensure we only import drums that meet our stringent specifications. The djembe drums we import are built specifically for us. This means we can offer you a custom drum at real wholesale prices!

We only work with environmentally friendly suppliers that can prove a Government certification process. Our manufacturer uses government inspected legally harvested wood. We have a copy of their Government approval certificate. Because our factory is the buyer and manufacturer of the wood, it makes it very easy to trace back our drums to the Forestry department.

We warehouse our djembe drums in a secure facility where we can control the environmental conditions ensuring that each drum is properly stored. Prior to shipping out your djembe drum we inspect it for performance and build quality.

Pricing
We respect the relationships established with our retailers and make every effort to make the X8 Djembe line a success in your shop. While we occasionally offer special promotions on our website, we will never undercut our wholesale partners.

Shipping
We will securely package and ship your order via UPS Ground. Most of the time your order will arrive in three to four business days from the date your order is processed. All djembe drums are shipped for free. Djembe accessories will incur modest shipping costs and will vary based on the weight of the package and the delivery address.

Retailer Requirements
To request a wholesale price list, contact us via email or call us toll free at 1-800-771-9645. Please include the name and a brief description of your shop and your retailer Tax ID number.

Please note that beginning 2009 we require our wholesale partners to commit to an annual minimum requirement of $2,500 or an initial order of $700.

*Wholesale accounts are only available to retail outlets and ecommerce websites. If you have a personal website or blog related to hand drums, you might be interested in joining the X8 Drums Affiliate Program.

Request Hard Copy of Catalog

Djembe Rope. Why Quality Matters.

2007-08-16T15:43:00.000-07:00

When shopping for a djembe drum it's important to know the type of rope used to secure the drumhead. Due to the high tension that are put on the ropes it's essential that your djembe drum has good quality rope that is quite thick and also low stretch. Top end djembes are typically strung with 5mm thick ropes for extra durability and performance enhancement. X8 Drum Djembes use high performance, low stretch Alpine rope on all of our custom djembe drums.

To help you make a better buying decision we've put together this rope guide that lists out the specifications on all series of X8 djembe drums.

PRO AFRICA SERIES - (Matahari, Waring Ridge, Stallion & Ruby)

Rope Type:

13"-14" Head: Low Stretch Alpine Nylon HTB 5mm, 35 rope runners
10"-11" Head: Low Stretch Alpine Nylon HTB 5mm, 30 rope runners

Amount of rope used per drum:

13"-14" Head: 28.5 meters of HTB 5mm
10"-11" Head: 24 meters of HTB 5mm

INTERMEDIATE SERIES - (Red Black, Duafe, Deep Carve)

Rope Type:

13"-14" Head: Low Stretch Alpine Nylon HTB 5mm, 24 rope runners
11"-12" Head: Low Stretch Alpine Nylon HTB 5mm, 21 rope runners
10"-11" Head: Low Stretch Alpine Nylon HTB 4mm, 19 rope runners
8"-9" Head: Alpine Nylon PP 4 mm, 16 rope runners

Amount of rope used per drum:

13"-14" Head: 23 meters of HTB 5mm
11"-12" Head: 19.5 meters of HTB 5mm
10"-11" Head: 16.5 meters of HTB 4mm
8"-9" Head: 12 meters of HTB 4 mm

BEGINNER SERIES - (Kalimatin)

Rope Type:

13"-14" Head: Alpine Nylon PP 6 mm, 24 rope runners
11"-12" Head: Alpine Nylon PP 5 mm, 21 rope runners
10"-11" Head: Alpine Nylon PP 4 mm, 19 rope runners
8"-9" Head: Alpine Nylon PP 4 mm, 16 rope runners

Amount of rope used per drum:

13"-14" Head: 21 meters of PP 6mm
11"-12" Head: 17 meters of PP 5mm
10"-11" Head: 13 meters of PP 4mm
8"-9" Head: 12 meters of PP 3mm

** Both HTB and PP are low stretch Alpine Nylon rope, however HTB is a better quality rope than PP.

1 kilogram (Kg) HTB rope 4mm = 89 meter

1 kilogram (Kg) HTB rope 5mm = 64 meter

1 kilogram (Kg) HTB rope 6mm = 50 meter

1 kilogram (Kg) PP rope 3mm = 177 meter

1 kilogram (Kg) PP rope 4mm = 102 meter

1 kilogram (Kg) PP rope 5mm = 70 meter

Earth Friendly Djembe

2007-08-16T13:09:00.001-07:00

Hand drummer questions source of wood used to make djembe drums.

The premise of this article is to help facilitate an understanding of the manufacturing process in using environmentally prudent wood to produce djembe drums. Purchasing djembe drums that are made from legally harvested, sustainable wood help to protect our world's forests, assist in preserving and maintaining a well-balanced eco-system and help support local economies.

Our world is more connected than ever before. Modern technology has made the planet a smaller place through cutting edge advances such as e-mail, broadband, internet, fiber optics, and of course the iPhone. Along with these advances comes information - lots and lots of information. Just pull up your favorite web browser and type in 'Global Warming' and you'll see that Google has indexed roughly 72,400,000 web sites that contain those keywords. Type in 'Legal Wood' and you'll see an impressive 21,600,000 web sites found. And hey, it posted those results in just .07 seconds. Now, that's fast! However, even with all this speed and information, I was hard pressed to find any decent content on the kind of wood used in manufacturing traditionally based djembe drums. Not only that, but I couldn't tell which companies were using legal wood, the benefits of using legal wood, and the concerns with using wood that wasn't legal.

We're in the Tree Business

The traditional djembe is made from wood. And many of the djembe drums that are available for purchase in this country are imported from Indonesia, Thailand, and Africa. In fact most of the African djembe drums sold in the U.S.A. are actually made in Indonesia where, according to Indonesian Department of Forestry, the deforestation rate since 1998 is estimated at 2.8 million hectares (7 million acres) per year. During the last 30 years, the world's tropical rainforests have shrunk by 25% around 12.3 million hectares of forest. Agriculture and the trade in tropical wood are the main causes of deforestation.

Unfortunately, many companies (small and large) in this country still knowingly import wood that is neither sustainable nor legal. For instance, in an article posted by the Chicago Tribune, at a Lowe's annual meeting last May of 2006, a shareholder proposed that the company issue an annual report on progress toward its environmental pledges. The company's board of directors disagreed and unanimously recommended a vote against the proposal. Why? It's much more expensive to secure wood that is legal and sustainable than illegally harvested wood which can be acquired cheaply. Buying illegal wood helps corporations keep their expenses down and profits up, however in the meantime they're contributing to an unsound environmental policy that is both harmful and destructive.

Legally Certified Timber - The Green Way!

The good news is that there are many certifications and processes that are in place to properly protect our forests and yet still benefit from their bounty. The first is using legal wood. Simply stated, legal wood is felled and traded in accordance with the law. The producing country is obliged to ensure compliance and enforcement of the laws and rules. To be certain that wood is legal, its origin must be known and documented through every step in the wood trade process – from the felling of a tree to the sale of the wood in a shop.

Sustainable wood is produced in a responsible way taking into account the environment, the economy and social circumstances. This means, for example, not felling more trees than the forest can afford to lose; planting new trees (reforestation); minimizing the damage caused to other trees and plants; safeguarding biological diversity (i.e. the range of animals, plants and microorganisms) and taking into account the impact on the soil, water, landscape and ecosystems.

We Can All Make A Difference

When shopping for a djembe drum it's important to know the source of the wood so you can make a more educated decision. Purchasing djembe drums that are made from legally harvested, sustainable wood help protect our world's forests, assist in preserving and maintaining a well-balanced eco-system and help support local economies. Get the facts before buying and ask questions. It's your buying decision that helps shape the world in which we live.

How to Find a Djembe of Legally Harvested Wood

Find a retailer that works only with environmentally friendly suppliers that can prove a Government certification process. Ask to see a copy of the supplier's certificate of approval that shows the local government has inspected the wood, verified it to be legal wood, and granted permission to move the wood from the area where it was cut to a different area for manufacturing. In order to get this far in the certification process, loggers or tree owners would need to have a license to cut the trees and the Government has inspected the trees to be cut and certified that they are legal.

If the supplier has this certificate and is also the manufacturer of your djembe, then you can feel confident knowing that you are able to trace the wood of your djembe back to the Forestry department.

X8 Drums works only with environmentally friendly suppliers that can prove a Government certification process. Our manufacturer in Indonesia uses government inspected legally harvested wood and we have a copy of their certificate from the Indonesian Government.

Find a huge selection of hand-carved, environmentally friendly djembe drums from a hand drum specialty shop that aims to please percussionists with quality instruments, knowledgeable staff and community.

About X8 Drums Wholesale Djembes

2007-08-01T16:51:00.000-07:00

Looking for that perfect djembe drum at an amazing price? Look no further!! At Wholesaledjembes.com you will find the finest selection of beautifully handcrafted djembe drums imported directly for you. We have pre-selected a limited number of unique designs that are diverse enough to appease professionals to beginners and everyone in between. With gorgeous designs and professional build quality, our unique collection of djembe drums are truly handmade works of art created by master carvers using only top-tier materials including: sustainably harvested/Government inspected Mahogany wood, premium goatskin heads, and low stretch alpine 5mm braided rope.

X8 Drums Wholesale djembes are imported directly from Bali, Indonesia. Our djembe drums come directly from overseas right to you. We work very closely with our manufacturer to ensure we only import drums that meet our stringent specifications. The djembe drums we import are built specifically for us. This means we can offer you a custom drum at the lowest prices guaranteed!!

We warehouse our djembe drums in a secure facility where we can control the environmental conditions ensuring that each drum is properly stored. Prior to shipping out your djembe drum we inspect it for performance and build quality. You can rest assured knowing that the djembe you purchased looks as good as the photo.

100% Satisfaction Guaranteed

At X8 Drums we're happy to offer all of our customers a 30-day satisfaction guarantee. We know you're going to love your djembe drum, however if for some reason you're not completely happy with the look, sound quality, or overall performance we will be happy to replace or refund your money within 30 days of the purchase Please note as standard policy you will be responsible for shipping charges back to us. Please visit our return policy for further information.

History of the Djembe

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The djembe drum originated in West Africa, where it was used in ceremonial dances and sometimes even as a means of communicating over long distances. All djembe drums are the same basic shape, and resemble huge goblets, with a relatively slim base widening out to a large drumhead. A typical djembe drum is around 24 inches in height with a drumhead diameter of around 12 to 14 inches across, but these sizes do vary considerably. The drumhead is traditionally tightened with a system of ropes, although modern drums occasionally employ key tuning.

The shape and size of the drum is important; the distinctive "goblet" form makes a djembe drum into a large resonating chamber and gives the drum its distinctive deep bass note. Too small and the bass will be too high-pitched, too large and it will be impossible to hear. The sound quality is also affected by the interior of the drum. Traditional djembe drums are not totally smooth on the inside, but have special patterning or indentations carved into the interior, which enhances the tonal quality of the drum.

Materials used to construct a djembe drum

Djembe drums are traditionally carved from a single piece of solid African hardwood. African mahogany, iroko, and lenge wood are all excellent materials to use in this regard; Siam oak is a common substitute for drums made outside Africa. The hardness of the wood is important; it allows the shell of the djembe drum to be quite thin, which in turn improves the resonance and sound quality of the drum. Djembe drums made from softer woods are generally inferior.

The drum skin on a djembe is commonly made of goatskin, though other animal skins are also used; African goatskin is said to provide a distinctive sound. Nowadays, djembe drumheads can also be made from synthetic materials, and these are excellent substitutes.

About X8djembe.com

2007-05-30T16:49:00.000-07:00

X8 Drums showcasing professional hand carved wooden shell djembe drums that are manufactured using legally certified timber that is environmentally sustainable. Shop owner educates consumers on how their buying decision can help to protect our world's forests, assist in preserving and maintaining a well-balanced eco-system and help support local economies.

Ruby Pro Djembe

Hand drum specialty store X8 Drums is proud to introduce to you our line of Pro African X8 djembe drums. Working closely with our overseas partners, we are importing the finest selection of beautifully handcrafted African djembe drums and accessories. The selection of djembes are diverse enough to appease beginners through professionals and everyone in between. With gorgeous designs and professional build quality, the X8 djembe collection of African drums are truly handmade works of art created by master carvers using only top-tier materials including: sustain ably harvested/Government inspected Mahogany wood, premium goatskin heads, and low stretch alpine 5mm braided rope.

Matahari Pro Djembe

"We're most proud of the fact that our djembes are made from legally harvested and Government inspected timber," remarked co-founder Mark Stancato. "We spent a lot of time searching for the right overseas partners that met are stringent requirements of using only legally harvested, certified timber and could prove a Government certification process," added Stancato. "It's extremely important that today's up and coming companies strive to be as eco-friendly as possible.

In addition to offering the entire line of X8 custom djembe drums on their e-commerce website: X8djembe.com is also developing strategic off-line wholesale relationships with retail outlets, drum circle groups, and smaller bohemian type shops throughout the country. "It's our goal to work with those off-line, wholesale djembe partners that are active in the drumming community and who are excited in introducing these fantastic and eco-friendly djembes to drum enthusiasts around the country."

Stallion Pro Djembe

About X8drums.com:
X8 Drums is a premier online store for all things djembe. Percussionists around the world are enjoying personal expert advice when selecting their hand drums plus the added benefits of the X8 Drum Circle that includes festival schedules, how-to guides and an artist directory.

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Djembe Repair Service - Head Replacement & Tuning

Free Shipping on All Djembe Drums

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About X8 Drums Wholesale Djembes

History of the Djembe

About X8djembe.com