Remo Key Tuned Djembe

EXCLUSIVE
T
his traditional African instrument, when
tuned properly, can possess a myriad of
beautiful tones and is exceptionally
good fun to play! However, the usual
rope-tuned ‘Mali weave’ method of tuning
does take a lot of practise and might leave the
uninitiated plain frustrated. Remo has
addressed this tuning issue with the
introduction of its contemporary drum key-
tuned World Percussion Series djembes, and
these models (as well as Remo’s awesome
Paulo Mattioli and Leon Mobley signature
djembes) offer hope as infi nitely
easier-to-tune alternatives.
Remo sent us a formidable-looking 12"
diameter Black Earth key-tuned model that
stands 24" tall and, as Spinal Tap’s Nigel Tufnel
famously uttered, “How much more black
could this be? The answer is none. None
more black!”
This model is one of fi ve sizes available,
ranging from 10" to 18" diameters and
between 24" to 28" in height, so there would
certainly be a model to suit your needs. In
addition to the slightly fi brous Black Earth
fi nish you can also choose from fi ve others,
including an interesting Metalized Nickel-Silver
fi nish, from the Remo catalogue.
Build
The drums are constructed entirely from man-
made materials so, as a result, are vastly
different from traditional solid wood drums
with animal-skin heads. Remo’s Advanced
Acousticon shell is strong, much more
weatherproof and environmentally friendly,
whilst their new SkynDeep Black FiberSkyn
Mondo drum head is a revelation. This head
features a ‘straight-wall’ construction method,
which elevates the head well away from the
metal rim, mounting support rim and tuning
lugs, allowing unhindered playing and giving a
unique look to boot.
The SkynDeep head has an attractive black
JANUARY 2008 RHYTHM 103
Verdict
The djembe has become an increasingly
popular instrument for the aspiring or
professional percussionist, and has also proven
to be the best choice for drum circles and
schools, not to mention those solitary buskers
on the London underground. In performance,
this djembe simply slayed the current
competition with an extremely wide array of
beautiful sounds coupled with the kind of
playability that is second to none. You would be
extremely hard pressed to fi nd a better model
for the money.
Rating ✪✪✪✪✪
REMO
KEY-TUNED
DJEMBE
From £199 Djembes are
great fun to play, but tackling
rope-tuned models can
sometimes be daunting.
Charlie Price has a bash at
Remo’s key-tuned solution
PRICE
10"x24" £199
12"x24" £232
14"x25" £266.30
16"x27" £308
18"x28" £391.50
CONSTRUCTION
METHOD
One-piece wrap
PLIES
Multi-ply (mismatched)
BEARING EDGE
Sharp angled
FINISHES
Black Earth, Metalized
Nickel-Silver, plus
colour/patterned
fi nishes on request
HOOPS/RIMS
Steel
SHELL
AVAILABILITY
Remo Advanced
Acousticon
SUPPLIED HEADS
Remo SkynDeep
FiberSkyn Mondo
CONTACT
Arbiter Group Ltd
Unit 3
Atlantic Business Centre
Stirling Way
Borehamwood
Hertfordshire WD6 2BT
0208 207 7890
Website
www.arbiter.co.uk
www.remo.com
THE ADVANCED
Acousticon shell makes
this djembe stronger
than traditional models
ESSENTIAL SPEC
5 STAR REVIEW
Slaps possess
a voluminous
consistency of tone
that will defi nitely get
your playing noticed
marble fi nish that contrasts well with the
minimal fi nish of the drum itself, and a rubber
lip at the bottom of the drum protects the
instrument well.
Hands on
This solidly-made drum exhibited beautiful
bass tones that were lush, extremely full-
sounding but well controlled. Mid-tones and
fi nger strokes were easy to execute and
sounded truly articulate when played in
combination with the bass strokes. Closed and
open slaps were truly a joy to play, possessing a
voluminous consistency of tone that will
defi nitely get your playing noticed.
RHY146.gear_remo 101 4/12/07 08:01:09