Have you ever been to a musical party where every guest is amazingly different but also strikingly familiar? Well, that’s the world of Darbuka. It is where soundscapes and shapes change by geography but the heart and core remain the same.
Originating from the historical crossroads of the Middle East, the Darbuka (or should we call it Darbouka, or even Doumbek?) isn’t just an instrument, my dear friend. It’s the star of the show. It’s been around since the era of the majestic pyramids in Egypt, to the bustling bazaars of Turkey. From the dunes of Morocco to your neighborhood music store. This fantastic goblet drum has really traveled around, far and wide.
In the words of a wise percussionist (probably): It’s not just about the beat; it’s about where the beat comes from!
Geo-Diversity: The Darbuka’s Global Footprint
Now let’s embark on a musical journey through continents and cultures, exploring how this drum has been adapted to local sounds and traditions.
Egyptian Tabla aka Darbuka
No discussion about the Darbuka would be ever complete without mentioning Egypt. The ‘Table’ here is a term often synonymous with the Darbuka.
The Egyptian Tabla differs slightly from its other Middle Eastern versions. It’s traditionally crafted of clay but the more years pass, also popularly made of metal. It typically has a rather large diameter to get those bass frequencies that it’s so iconic for.
A unique trait of the Egyptian Tabla is its Mother of Pearl inlay work. Made with shells from the coasts of New Zealand, imported and hand-embedded into the outer part of the darbuka’s body. This amazing art creates intricate geometric patterns that shimmer in the light. Not only it sounds heavenly, but looks divine too!
The head of the Tabla is usually made of goat or fish skin. This, in turn, provides a rich, warm sound that synthetic materials find hard to replicate.
Moroccan Taarija
Keep traveling with your fingers on the globe and you are in Morroco, where you’ll find the ‘Taarija‘. It’s a close relative of the Darbuka but with its own distinct flavor.
Used primarily in traditional Moroccan music, this drum helps set the rhythm for singers and dancers, and you might just find yourself swaying to its hypnotic beats.
At first glance, you might notice the Taarija’s petite shape, compared to the Egyptian Darbuka or Turkish Darbuka. But don’t let its size fool you. This hand drum is capable of some amazing sounds! It’s the essence of Moroccan gatherings, especially in Gnawa music ceremonies.
The Taarija’s body is traditionally crafted from ceramic clay, which gives it an earthy resonance. It also often showcases hand-painted designs, reminiscent of Moroccan Zellige tile artwork.
One standout feature of the Taarija is its skin. Unlike the Egyptian Tabla which uses goat or fish skin, the Taarija typically employs camel skin. This choice of skin gives its dry, crisp note that punctuates through the other instruments around.
Doumbek – The Western Cousin
The Darbuka, when traveled to Western shores, it was often called the ‘Doumbek‘. This name is particularly common in North America. Still essentially a Darbuka, the Doumbek might have subtle variations in design and sound due to the fusion of Eastern rhythms with Western musical influences.
The story behind this funny name is as simple as it can be. Doum for the bass sound, and bek for those high-pitched strokes. It’s like when you have that cousin called “Jonathan,” but everyone in the family insists on calling him “Johnny” because it’s just snappier.
Turkish Flat Head Darbuka
Turkey offers its own take with a flat head, making it distinct from its rounded-corner Egyptian version. The result? Crisp, clear notes that also the solo player faster movements and finger-style strokes on the head. When you hear a Turkish Darbuka, you’re in for a series of sharp, clean notes that can be both assertive and incredibly intricate.
It’s often crafted with a beautiful, hand-carved ornate design, these darbukas aren’t just instruments, but a work of art!
Crafted typically from aluminum casting, this darbuka is significantly lighter in weight compared to its Egyptian sister. A common Turkish darbuka weighs around 2.5kg while the Egyptian starts at around 5kg. Hence making the Turkish darbuka a favorite for players who do long sessions and street performances.
From Solo to Bass: The Darbuka Size Guide
Solo Darbuka: First up, the Solo darbuka! Standing at a neat 22cm-23cm, this is your “standard” size, the one you’d typically encounter in ensembles or solo performances (pun totally intended!). It’s the go-for size of darbukas: not too big, not too small, but just right.
Sombati or Medium Bass: Up next, the Sombati, which stands slightly taller at 24cm-25cm. Named after the famous darbuka player Mohamed El Arabi Sombati. This size brings a deeper, more resonant bass sound. It’s like the older sibling of the Solo darbuka – a bit more mature, slightly more serious but still knows how to have a good time.
Dohola (Bass Darbuka): Finally, we have the big daddy of the family, the Dahola, also known as the bass darbuka. Ranging from 26cm-30cm, this drum is the giant of the darbuka world. With its profound depth and resonant bass tones, the Dohola is the backbone of any ensemble, providing the rhythmic anchor. Often comes in a clay body form, and is popular in world-beat music. Percussionists like Ishay Afterman or the ever-famous Misirli Ahmet, use a clay Darbuka as their signature drum.
Crafting Sounds: Copper, Metal, Clay, and Beyond
Just like you’d select the wood for a guitar or the brass for a trumpet, the material of your darbuka significantly influences its sound.
Metal Darbukas: These are popular, especially among modern percussionists, and they’re known for their bright and crisp tones. Metal darbukas tend to be more durable, easier to maintain, and can project sound more robustly. Copper darbukas, for example, offer a deep resonance that some describe as “earthy” or “warm”. Aluminum casting drums, on the other hand, have a more sharp & robust sound.
Clay Darbukas: The traditionalist’s favorite! Clay offers a unique tonality. These darbukas have a more “organic” sound, resonating with the very earth they are molded from. However, they are fragile and need to be handled with care.
Heads – Natural vs. Synthetic
There’s one last choice to make: the drum’s head. You may opt for Natural heads, which are commonly made from fish or goat skin, and provide a softer and warmer tone. These are sensitive to weather changes, though, and can be a bit temperamental. Synthetic heads, on the other hand, are consistent in tone and are more resistant to wear and tear. But, as with all things, they might not deliver the same “soul” as in the natural skin.
Summing Up the Darbuka
So, which Darbuka is your favorite? Let us know in the comments