Are you after a Darbuka? Are you feeling that beat in your bones and the desire for a Doumbek? It sounds like you’re in the right place. I will be taking you through all the ins and outs of buying a Darbuka.
Whether you’re a seasoned percussionist or just someone starting to tap into the rhythm world, finding the right darbuka is like finding your perfect dance partner. From size and material to famous brands like Gawharet El Fan, Meinl, or Earth Percussion. From the cheapest out there to the most glorious options.
Buckle up, because we’re about to dive into the fascinating world of the Darbuka market! Let the drum roll begin…
Turkish, Egyptian, or Clay?
So you’ve made up your mind to buy a Darbuka, which one should you choose?
Turkish Darbukas: Recognized for its crisp sound and rather thinner shell, the Turkish Doumbek is often made of metal. The classic Turkish darbuka has a flat head. That means that finger-rolls and faster playing techniques are easier. Also, weight-wise, those are usually lighter at an average of 2.5kg.
Egyptian Darbukas: With the ever-famous round-edge design, and a thicker aluminum shell, these drums offer a deeper and more present sound. Have you seen that shining, mother of pearl-covered Darbukas? This is Gawaret El Fan drums’ most famous trademark. Artists in Cairo specialize in this unique collage art, making the most amazing pieces.
Clay Darbuka: As a percussionist myself, this is my favorite category. Clay drums offer an earthy sound and natural skins. Cow, goat, or fish skin is commonly used. Some of today’s best artists (like Ahmet Misirli) choose these drums for their deep resonance and amazing performance.
Our Recommendation
If your budget is anywhere above 200$ we’d recommend the Egyptian darbukas.
Choosing the right size: Solo, Sombati or Dohola?
The size of the Darbuka significantly affects the sound and playing style. This pick is essential for you to get the correct drum. The following size guide refers to the actual skin size. To understand, have a quick look at this photo:
Solo Darbuka (8.5-9 inches): Ideal for a solo performance or as a leading drum in an ensemble, this size offers a balance of bass and treble tones. This one cuts through the rest of the instruments, and it will be easily noticeable by everyone around you.
Sombati (9.5-10 inches): Named after the famous Darbuka player Mohamed El Arabi Sombati. this size has a deeper bass sound and resonant tones. Perfect for more traditional Middle Eastern rhythms. It’s also heavier, and we’ll get to that later.
Doholo aka Bass Darbuka (10.5-12 inches): If you’re looking for profound, earthy bass sounds, the Dohola or Dahola is your best bet. Some famous clay Dohola players include musicians like Hossam Ramzy and Raquy Danziger.
Our Recommendation
As a beginner, go with the Solo Darbuka. It is easier to grip with the hands, less heavy and it sounds really well.
The Material Matters: Finding the Right Darbuka Composition
When you’re looking for a Doumbek to purchase, the material it’s made of is super crucial. Darbukas come in various compositions, each providing a unique sound pattern and quality. Here’s a quick overview of what’s in the market:
Metal Darbukas: Usually made of cast aluminum or other metals, they offer bright, sharp tones and are known for their lightweight and durability. It’s the most common Darbuka material type.
Copper Darbukas: These darbukas, with their beautiful appearance, are renowned for their warm, resonant sound. Copper is a heavier metal, and usually, it’s hand ornamented.
Clay Darbukas: These are 100% handcrafted and decorated, Clay darbukas provide a more earthy, deep tone. Many professional players favor them but may require more careful maintenance.
Synthetic Materials: Modern darbukas sometimes utilize synthetic materials like fiberglass and specific types of PVC. You might have seen those transparent Darbukas. There’s an ongoing discussion regarding the sound quality of these drums.
Our Recommendation
For beginners, our natural recommendation will be metal Darbukas. Those are both budget-friendly, great sounding, and comfortable to play.
Used vs. New Darbukas: What to Look for?
It’s very tempting to take a chance with a used 2nd hand darbuka. But is it worth it? (spoiler: it might be).
It’s good to remember that nothing compares to the charm of a brand-new Darbuka, with its untouched quality and perfect surface, just ready to play. A new darbuka allows you to create your own musical journey with it, and is often delivered with a manufacturer guarantee. If you’re looking for a specific head, and any kind of customization, a new instrument would probably be the way to go.
On the other hand, imagine an old, wise musical companion. Some instruments come with their own mojo and story. And let’s not forget the reduced price 😉. A used Darbuka can be a really great bargain, offering high quality at a fraction of the price. Take all of the above with a hint of salt, because that’s as long as it is in good condition.
What to watch for when buying a second-hand darbuka?
Here it might get a bit tricky, especially if you’re buying this instrument remotely from Craigslist or Facebook marketplace. Save the following list for your future Darbuka purchase. Make sure to ask the owner the important questions:
- Physical Condition: Look for any cracks, dents, or chips that might affect sound quality or the overall durability of the drum. A damaged body can result in buzzing and annoying sounds.
- Skin/Head Condition: Examine the drumhead for signs of wear or damage, as this can greatly impact the sound. In the case of clay darbukas, keep in mind that there’s a significant cost of changing the skin.
- Sound Quality: If possible, play the darbuka or have someone play it for you. Listen for anything cranky in the sound
- Price: Compare the price with similar used and new models to make sure you’re getting a fair deal.
- Accessories: Check if it comes with any necessary accessories like tuning keys, case, or stand, as this might affect the overall value.
- Brands: Some brands’ quality is known to last long. For example Gawharet el Fan (Egypt), Meinl (Germany), Earth Drums (Turkey), and Emin Percussion (Turkey). Those drums are more likely to sustain the time test and have longer-lasting life.
Our Recommendation
You might say we’re biased, but we definitely think buying a new Darbuka is the way to go if that’s your first purchase.
Brands that Resonate
Let’s take a quick look at some of today’s best brands that offer solid quality, and you won’t be disappointed by purchasing their drums.
Gawharet El Fan: A renowned Egyptian Darbuka maker based in Cairo, Gawharet El Fan has been a top choice for both beginners and professionals for decades. Known for their authentic sound and handcrafted artistry, Gawharet El Fan Darbukas offers a blend of tradition and innovation. They are mostly famous for the blue pearl inlays that cover their premium Darbukas. Along with a strong double-layered aluminum casting, their drums offer rich and robust sound quality
Meinl: A German brand with a global reputation, Meinl is a name synonymous with quality in the world of percussion instruments. Meinl’s Darbukas stand out for their cutting-edge technology, durable synthetic materials, and consistent sound. Meinl’s instruments are actually made in Turkey, some might not know this. So their price is a bit higher than buying directly from Turkey. They do however offer a wide range of styles, from classic to modern. Renowned musicians such as Luis Conte endorse Meinl for their reliability and superior craft.
Earth Percussion: Proper disclosure, this is our home brand. At Earth Percussion we teamed up with today’s best Darbuka manufacturers. Both metal and clay doumbeks. We didn’t settle only for quality but also brought the best designs out there, and made sure to test every material with professional percussionists to make sure these darbukas are not less than outstanding. Having being shipped directly from Turkey saves you some bucks, while you can be sure that this is the original quality of local workshops who specialized in percussion making for decades.
Finding Your Rhythm
We’ve explored the market of Darbukas, and hope you have grasped some basic understanding. You are now officially less clueless 🤩
With the wonders of online shopping, your perfect Darbuka is just a click away. Make sure to check out our Darbukas section for great deals. Another solid option is Amazon, where you can see reviews and use gift cards. You will find all the above darbukas available for sale also there.
Let’s remember: Buying a darbuka is just the first step. It’s time to start playing. And if your neighbors complain about the drumming, just remind them: it’s not noise; it’s art!