Collection: Composite Djembes

Composite djembes in six to eight inch sizes, from Groove Masters Percussion, REMO, MEINL and NINO.

These are moulded shells rather than carved wood, fitted with synthetic heads. The result is a drum that weighs very little, holds its pitch through humidity changes, and survives being stacked on a cart and carried around a school all week.

The tone is bright and clean, with a clear bass in the centre and a sharp slap at the rim. It is a little more focused and a little less complex than a carved wood shell, which in a group of thirty players is often an advantage, since the sound stays defined rather than turning into a wash.

Sizes here suit children and small hands. The six inch NINO mini and the seven inch models sit comfortably in a lap, and the eight inch models work for older students playing seated. Several come in a choice of colours, which is useful when instruments are assigned to individual students.

These are also the drums to reach for if the group plays outdoors, since damp grass and afternoon sun leave them unaffected.