Category: Product Reviews
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About the bongo
Over the years, many people have reached out to me seeking to learn how to play bongo drums. However, most of them lack a solid grasp of the basics of playing congas and often don’t realize they need to learn conga drums and clave first. Although bongos are traditional solo instruments in Latin band forms,… Read More »
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Conga Drums I Have Known And Loved-the Best Conga Drums ever!
I recently came across a post with a photo of some vintage and very rare conga drums I had sold to a local guy in California, only to discover later that they had found a new home in a museum. Quite frequently I see my drums, or what used to be my drums on posts… Read More »
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Mapalé: A Rhythm and dance from Colombia
Mapalé: A Rhythm And Dance From Colombia Mapalé is a vibrant and energetic traditional dance and music style that originates from northern Colombia, specifically in the coastal city of Cartagena. Its roots trace back to Africa, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of the African diaspora in Colombia. In Cartagena, one of the first free towns… Read More »
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Exploring the World of Percussion Instruments Beyond the Djembe
**Exploring the World of Percussion Instruments Beyond the Djembe** I love djembe, congas, dunun, bongo, and shekere as much as the next person, but did you know there is an entire world of percussion instruments out there? There is absolutely no reason every person needs to play a djembe, especially as a super cranked-up solo… Read More »
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Understanding where the djembe comes from
When it comes to the pricing of traditional musical instruments, particularly drums such as the djembe and conga, the judgments people make about their worth can be deeply misinformed and influenced by cultural biases. Many individuals fail to grasp the significant amount of work, craftsmanship, and cultural significance that underpin these instruments, leading to a… Read More »
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my testimonial-Djembe Life Drums
Here’s my testimonial about my experience with Djembe Life Drums and David. When it comes to drums, there’s an incredible variety of woods used, and until I crossed paths with David, I never really considered how much the type of wood or the weight of the drum could impact its sound. I’ve always been focused… Read More »
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Interview with Margot: The Heart Behind MVR Design Studio
So, Margot, tell us about MVR Design Studio. What’s it all about? MVR Design Studio is a small boutique firm specializing in graphic designs applied to all sorts of products that people use every day. It’s where I can let my creativity flow. The name comes from my initials—MVR. If you’ve ever received one of… Read More »
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The Evolution of the modern Djembe Drum
It’s fascinating to see how much the djembe has evolved over the years, particularly with the influence of European styles and the blend of modern and classic designs. While I personally lean towards the traditional playing styles, I must say that the craftsmanship, shape, and finish of these contemporary drums created by various builders are… Read More »
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The Top Ten Djembes: A Comprehensive Guide to Quality and Sound
The Top Ten Djembes: A Comprehensive Guide to Quality and Sound Welcome to our article featuring the ten best djembes available today! In this piece, we delve into the qualities that elevate a djembe from good to great. We’ll explore a multitude of factors, including the craftsmanship, material quality, sound production, aesthetic appeal,… Read More »
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About the Djembe Drum and how it is perceived
When it comes to the pricing of traditional musical instruments, particularly drums such as the djembe and conga, the judgments people make about their worth can be deeply misinformed and influenced by cultural biases. Many individuals fail to grasp the significant amount of work, craftsmanship, and cultural significance that underpin these instruments, leading to a… Read More »
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Western Instruments vs West African Drums
Why will people put the time, energy and attention into learning how to play a flute, piano or guitar properly but not a drum? It’s because in our western culture this is what we have been taught. So we respect this. People would never think to just strum on a guitar randomly with zero knowledge… Read More »
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It’s all about matching your skin to your conga drum shell
As much as I love exotic, hand made modern or vintage wood conga drums and appreciate the massive amount of work and talent that goes into each individual drum, the fact of the matter is that most people can not afford one. Many people often make the mistake of thinking they need new drums when… Read More »