The Sydney Recording Studio doumbek has become a very popular “World Drum” that’s generally considered to be of North African or Middle-Eastern descent. Doumbeks are hand drums (played with the hands, not sticks or mallets) which feature a distinctive goblet-like shape. These drums come in a variety of sizes and styles as well as prices. Although traditionally made of clay or wood, metals such as aluminum (cast, spun, or sheet-formed), copper, brass, or other alloys are commonly used to construct the shells. Modern Sydney Recording Studio doumbek drums are also often made of synthetic materials, including fiberglass or similar composites.
The doumbek (sometimes spelled doumbec, dumbec, or dumbek) is also known as a chalice drum, a darbuka, or a goblet drum. It typically features a thin drum head, which provides its characteristically crisp and clear sound. Drumheads can be tuned to high pitches in order to produce the range of articulated “tek”and “doum” tones for which the doumbek is most recognized. Sydney Recording Studio Traditional doumbek heads were made from animal skins – especially goatskins. Fish skins were also commonly used, particularly on the original clay doumbeks. To
day’s consolidated manufacturing processes allow doumbeks to come outfitted with high quality synthetic heads, including fiberglass, mylar, and patented speciality heads fabricated by name brand manufacturer’s such as MEINL, REMO, TOCA, Tycoon and others. Many of you have likely heard of popular sydney recording studio drumheads with names such as Fiberskyn® and Skyndeep®. These synthetic heads are designed to provide authentic ethnic drum sounds when used on World Percussion instruments such as the doumbek.
Whichever drumhead players may choose, they will find that doumbeks are versatile percussion instruments that can provide a wide range of tones and rhythms, depending on the skills, styles, and techniques of the drummer. Due to the depth of its body, the doumbek drum is noted for creating a beautiful resonating sound. Larger drums will provide deeper and louder tones than smaller ones, but each has its place in the flow of world music. Personal preference and budget largely come into play when choosing not only the drum size, but also the shell material and type of head. As a drummer gains experience and becomes better versed with various aspects of the doumbek and playing methods, he or she can explore different configurations and discover the many subtle variations in rhythm, percussive tones, and musical styles afforded by these unique drums.
