Doumbek

It is generally assumed the doumbek originated in the middle east, but not so. It actually did not arrive there until after the time of Christ. There were no pictures on the Pharonic walls and they pictured everything!

The first doumbek shell artifacts were carbon dated back to 4,000 BC and were found in of all places, Bohemia. There was a Celtic tribe called the Boiis that moved south instead of west like the other tribes. It appears they developed the doumbek there.

We made our first doumbek in 1974 using moulds and a one-step firing process to keep costs low. Unfortunately, if the process is off a little, we get some shells with slight blemishes. We offer these at a nice discount.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know which type of drumhead is best for me?
What can I do if my natural skin drum head is affected by heat and humidity?
What type of fish is the fishskin head made of?
Can I rehead my own drum?
What is the difference in sound between a doumbek and a zarb?
What is a "doum" and what is a "tec"?
What is the difference between the wide neck doumbek versus the narrow neck?

How do I know which type of drumhead is best for me?

The synthetic heads produce clear and crisp sounds in a wide variety of pitches. This "fishtone" synthetic head is also stronger than a natural skin. With this head, you don't have to worry about heat and humidity affecting the drum as with the natural animal skin heads. The "fishtone" synthetic head is made to sound similar to the natural fishskin heads, which are rarely used since they are so delicate and weather sensitive.
Some people prefer the popular natural goatskin heads, which provide lower, more subtle tones. Mid-East Mfg., Inc. uses goatskin heads on bodhrans, tambourines, frame drums, some doumbeks, and African style drums, such as the djembe and ashiko.
Calfskin is more translucent than goatskin. It produces higher tones and sharper pitches. Any drumhead that is beat with a mallet is usually calfskin, since it tends to be stronger than goatskin. Calfskin is usually used on zarbs, bongos, and banjos.

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What can I do if my natural skin drum head is affected by heat and humidity?

If the head is loosened due to humidity, one can tighten the head with a damp cloth placed on the head for about 15 minutes. Then let the head dry naturally. It is important to make sure water does not get into the glue joint. If the drum is a tabla, water must not get on the gaab (center black dot). Also, applying heat from a hair dryer will tighten the head.