MEINL ORIGINAL AFRICANSTYLE ROPETUNED WOOD DJEMBE

JUNE 2008 RHYTHM 103
E
ven with the sad news of the recent
passing of its founder, Roland Meinl,
the German company seems to be
going from strength to strength,
particularly with its growing catalogue of
beautifully conceived, top quality percussion
lines. Meinl has long been the European
leader in creating exciting, highly playable
and affordable djembes, and their presence
on stages worldwide is testimony to this. They
have a wide range of wooden and fi breglass
models, featuring key tuning (or rope tuning
on their 12" rubberwood model) although this
range is the fi rst to be made from a single
solid piece of plantation-grown mahogany, a
weighty but reassuringly resilient and highly
resonant tone wood. Meinl’s Water Rhythm
series, of which this djembe is part, is
denoted by a sequence of hand-carved wave-
shaped swirls on the drum shells, and these
dark indentations complement the natural
matte fi nish beautifully.
Build
Meinl sent
Rhythm the 10" (medium) and 12"
(large) models to try our hands at. Their solid
and impressive high-pitch slaps. These are
traditional, authentic instruments that hark
back to original African designs, and their
sound certainly refl ects that. The tuning holds
exceptionally well and should provide trouble-
free, dependable consistency throughout the
life of the head.
Verdict
The Water Rhythm series is one of three new
solid mahogany ranges, with Meinl’s Moon
Rhythm and Earth Rhythm djembes rounding
off the collection and sporting fancier carved
fi nishes and variations on the goblet shape.
The Water Rhythm drums are the most
understated in their design and fi nish,
represent superb value for money, effortless
comfort when playing for extended periods
and, most importantly of all, they sound
wonderful. With plenty of volume, cracking
articulation and that simple but effective
padded bag to protect the djembe, any
percussionist would be proud to own such a
well-crafted instrument.
Rating ✪✪✪✪✪
MEINL ORIGINAL AFRICAN-STYLE
ROPE-TUNED WOOD DJEMBE
From £119 As Meinl adds some traditional models to their djembe inventory,
Charlie Price taps into these ‘original’ re-creations
THE ‘MALI-WEAVE’
method of head tuning is used,
the strong double-braided
nylon ropes holding the head
secure with a counterhoop
PRICES
Medium £119
Large £189
Extra Large £229
SHELL MATERIAL
Mahogony
CONSTRUCTION
METHOD
Solid, single-ply shell
BEARING EDGE
Smooth
FINISH
Natural wood with
carved detailing
HOOPS/RIMS
Steel counterhoop
SUPPLIED HEADS
Natural goatskin
CONTACT
Active Music
Distribution
7 Goosegreen Trading
Estate
47 East Dulwich
Road
London
SE22 9BN
Telephone
0208 693 5678
Website
www.meinlpercussion.
com
ESSENTIAL SPEC
mahogany construction means that, although
they weigh in on the heavy side, they boast a
reassuring stability. The responsive natural
goatskin heads are tuned via the traditional
‘Mali weave’ method, with strong double-
braided nylon ropes holding the head down
with a slim counterhoop. The drums come
pre-tuned but can be tightened if required.
The 10" diameter drum stands 20" high and
would be great for the younger player or as a
high ‘solo’ drum. The 12" is 24" tall and would
be the best choice as an all-rounder. All
models come supplied with a pro-quality
padded nylon bag, which zips up at the top
and will prevent knocks and damage to the
head. This is a great idea, as you will defi nitely
want to look after these beauties!
Hands On
The fi rst thing that strikes you about this
range, soundwise, is the sonorous boom of the
bass tones, which have signifi cantly more
volume than most thinner-shelled models.
Even the 10" had serious bass capabilities.
Both models contrasted well, with delicate and
highly articulate open tones towards the edge
RE
COMMENDS
RHY151.gear_meinl 103 17/4/08 18:04:09