Your djembe drum is an investment, and you have invested both time and money to acquire it. Now that you have your djembe drum, it is important to take care of it so that it functions effectively and lasts for a long time. There are several ways to care for your djembe, including getting a djembe bag for transporting your drum and regular maintenance of the skin.
When your drum is not in use, it should be stored in a safe place to prevent unnecessary damage. To preserve the longevity of the skin, it is helpful to detune the djembe when it is not being regularly played. By detuning the drum, it gives the skin a break and can extend its lifespan. Additionally, it may also extend the lifespan of the drumhead itself by up to 50%.
It is also important to periodically massage the drum skin. Applying a layer of oil or cream helps to rehydrate the skin. Taking care of the skin will help maintain the sound quality and appearance of the drum. It is recommended to test a small amount of the oil or cream on a hidden part of the skin to ensure that no unwanted discoloration occurs. Please note that this type of treatment is only suitable for drums with natural skins and not for those with synthetic skins.
Djembes should be stored in dry and cool environments. Excessive sunlight can fade colors and make ropes and skins brittle. Excess moisture can cause your drum to become moldy or deteriorate. You will not make many friends at the drum circle if you show up with a foul-smelling, moldy drum.
Investing in a djembe bag is worth the expense. A properly fitted and padded bag will protect your drum during storage and transportation. While settling your drum into the passenger seat and buckling it in may have a similar effect, it can scratch the body and appear less professional. When purchasing a bag, make sure to measure your drum accurately to ensure a snug fit. A bag that is too large will not provide adequate protection, and a bag that is too small will only fit your tennis racket or cat.
Manuel Marino is a seasoned Senior Producer, Music Composer, and Artist with over a decade of experience. He specializes in branded entertainment across various mediums, including video games, films, and advertising campaigns. With 20+ years as a game music composer, Manuel has worked on numerous platforms, creating diverse orchestral soundtracks. HIRE ME