Help me choose my beginner djembe

[tchibo]

Hi everyone,

I decided I want to learn how to play the djembe

I am undecided which beginner djembe to buy, can you give me some advice:
Meinl Moon rope tuned 12"
http://www.amazon.com/Meinl-African-Tuned-Djembe-Large/dp/B001MWC1K2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=musical-instruments&qid=1268275307&sr=8-1

or

X8 Drums Celtic Labyrinth rope tuned 12"
http://www.x8drums.com/African-Djembe-Celtic-Labyrinth-p/dj60lab.htm

Price is the same for both ( ~$150 )
Even if I am a beginner, I'd like to buy quality stuff which sounds good, with nice bass.

Thanks in adance for your help!

tchibo

[Djembe-nerd]

Even if I am a beginner, I'd like to buy quality stuff which sounds good, with nice bass.

Good attitude, so here is the advice. None of these.

Good djembe can be anything from $ 250 and above upto $ 750. But for a beginner it should be what your budget is right now. If you tell your budget people here can advice you better. There are several vendors which are good but that will depend on your budget.

When I started, I didn;t knew much and bought a cheap djembe. Fortunately you found this forum and it will be a good start for you both ways

[tchibo]

Adam, thanks for your comment.
My budget is around $150-200, since first i'll have to learn the very basics I consider this should buy me a pretty fair beginner djembe.

That said, I am open to suggestions - what is it that you guys recommend for this budget

[Djembe-nerd]

I would recommend going up on your budget a little up to get a djembe.

Goatskins and rhythymhousedrums have Iroko wood djembes at 295. there was one at 259 at djembedirect but shows out of stock.

[michi]

I am undecided which beginner djembe to buy, can you give me some advice:
Meinl Moon rope tuned 12"
or
X8 Drums Celtic Labyrinth rope tuned 12"

[...]

Even if I am a beginner, I'd like to buy quality stuff which sounds good, with nice bass.

Neither of those is a quality drum. As Adam said, go up a little in budget and get a real African shell; you'll be much happier that way.

Cheers,

Michi.

[dununbabe]

If you can, be patient and save up a little more money. Or borrow a few bucks to bring up your budget. Time and time again, I have seen folks buy a djembe for less money, but then they are unhappy with it in a few months and want a better one. If you are just starting out and learning "the basics", why settle for a djembe that might not sound as good?

[tchibo]

Thanks for the advice everyone, I guess I'll increase my budget and go for a real african djembe ( or something close to it )

[bops]

Wula drum offers beginner drums in Melina. I'm not sure how much they run, but it may be within your range. They have very nice products - I would recommend emailing or calling to find out what they have in stock right now... http://wuladrum.com/contactus