Djembe too small?

[sijomon]

Hi,

I've just started actually learning the djembe, despite having bought one several years ago after a fit of post-drumming-circle euphoria.

Now I've come to actually using it I think it maybe too small for me. I'm about 6'2" and my hands are about 7 1/2", my djembe is 12" x 22". The 12" head feels a nice size to me, but I thimnk yher height maybe to short. Most sites I've looked at seem to recommed a 24+" for someone of my height. When seated on a comfortable height seat with the drum head at a nice height (about a inch above my legs height) it doesn't quite reach to floor and I have to grip it with my legs to hold it up. I don't find this particularly tiring or stressful, and I have rigged up a waist strap as I prefer to stand when practicing, but I am concerned that it is too small and that this may cause me problems that I'm as yet unware of.

Can anyone advise on whether this is going to be a problem or is something I can live with?

This is my first real post here so go gentle on me

Thanks,

Simon.

[Dugafola]

it's too small!

i'm 6'3" (w/o dreds) and my hands are about the same size as yours (assuming you measure from wrist to tip of middle finger).

you want to avoid having to hold the drum up with your legs.

i'd recommend a drum with at least a 12" inner diameter and 24"+ tall. that puts the outer diameter at 14"+. your hands will have more room, you'll be able to have a natural bend in your elbows and arms, you'll probably sound better when you learn to play it, you'll have more fun, and chicks dig the big drums.

if someone tells you a 12" drum is fine for your size hand, they are lying to you.

[e2c]

...and chicks dig the big drums.

LOLZ. I've never noticed that myself, but then, I'm most interested in my own drum(s) when playing.

[archetypo]

Dugafola wrote:
... and chicks dig the big drums.

Some rude chicks might even snicker at the sight of a big guy with a little drum.

(I'm far too polite for that. I'd snicker politely behind my hand. Because I'm Canadian.

In all seriousness, yes, you need a bigger drum. You will feel more comfortable playing it, sound better, and feel more manly