World Rhythm Mahogany-wood Djembe with Goatskin Drumheads (Indonesia)

I love this djembe. It's rich tone and the difference between its base and treble is really a very pleasant surprise. I wasn't sure that I'd be getting a real musical instrument at this price, but I have been very pleased indeed. It's easy to play and doesn't require much pressure or force. I am a novice player and I love the sounds I can generate with this thing. This a well sized djembe. Not a mini one, and not a large, but just the right size for casual and fun drumming. I think anything smaller would not look, feel or sound like a real instrument and anything larger would be impractical for taking to drum circles, or anywhere. It does have a short handle that makes it easy to pick up, although I don't think it would be useful for hanging and definitely too short to use as a shoulder sling. The tag on it says that it is government inspected for being made with sustainably harvested mahagony. An added bonus. Aesthetically it has a precision to it - it does not look "Arts and Craftsy", and does not have any obvious imperfections to announce that it is hand made. It is not shiny as in this picture. In terms of decor it does better as a subtle element in a modern environment. If you're looking for the drum to announce itself as an ethnic statement, this would not be the one. I don't particularly care for the skin being stamped with 8x and a logo, that's about 1.25 inches wide and .75 inches high. It certainly detracts from the ethnic look and feel to the djembe. However, I do like that it helps me place my hands. I wish the skin makers could have simply stamped their logo and no text on there instead. I would love to gift this drum to others who love making music. But if I can get one that sounds as good without the logo on the skin, I'd prefer that.

• Would you recommend this to a friend? Yes