X8 Drums Blog

So you're in the market for a djembe drum but not sure if you should go with a wooden based shell or a synthetic shell. Well, you've stumbled onto the right site. Shopping for a djembe drum can at times be a bit overwhelming. There are such a wide variety of choices, sizes, and features that sometimes you lose sight of what you want. Hopefully after reading this blog you'll have a better understanding of the distinct differences between wood and synthetic djembe drums so you can make a …

The didgeridoo is a wind instrument found among the Aborigine clans of northern Australia. Didgeridoos are usually produced in the more traditionally oriented communities of northern Australia from various hardwoods, especially the Eucalyptus trees that are hollowed out by termites. Didgeridoos can also be made from PVC piping. The mouthpiece is usually made of beeswax or duct tape, but a rubber stopper with a hole cut into it is also acceptable to use for the mouthpiece. A modern …

Awesome djembe demonstration of KuKu African Rhythm an X8 Drums Pro Stallion Djembe. Performed by NYC professional percussionist and instructor, Brotha Sean. Djembe drum used in this recording session is a 14" Stallion Pro Djembe by X8 Drums. View drum details Djembe Rhythm Library KuKu Sokou Sorsornet Naningo Drum Call Sinte Sounds from a Drum Circle Djembe Ensemble CD …

Ramadan Djembe Proper care of your djembe drum will ensure that it's consistently performing well and looking great. One of the easiest and most beneficial tips is to detune your djembe when not using it for an extended period of time. Due to the high amount of tension that is placed on the skin, it's often a good idea to detune the drum from time to time. Detuning will prolong the longevity of the skin and most likely extend the life of your drumhead by another 50%. By adding or subtra …

X8 Djembes X8 Drums offers professional hand carved wooden shell djembe drums that are manufactured using legally certified timber that is environmentally sustainable. Working closely with their overseas partners, X8 Drums imports the finest selection of beautifully handcrafted African djembe drums and accessories. The selection is diverse enough to appease beginners through professionals and everyone in between. The brand takes great pride in educating consumers …

For many, a drum circle is a sacred time where the cares of daily living are given up in search of deeper meaning through rhythm and community. These events are likened to therapy for many, allowing a release of stress, tension and anxiety, while inviting the mindfulness that only drumming can provide. But, as many drummers know, there is also a stigma to drum circles, especially from those who have not felt the benefits of community drumming. What is a drummer to do when friends, fami …

Drum circles are well known for the ability to share rhythm with like-minded people, either in team-building exercises, healing circles or just for a few fun hours with friends. When it comes to drumming in a drum circle, there can be numerous types of drums and percussion instruments used, but, the djembe drum seems to be the staple of these drum jams. With its roots in West African culture, the djembe drum’s ubiquitous presence in a drum circle may appear normal, yet, in truth, the t …

Properly maintaining and repairing your mbira keeps it in good condition. But it can be hard to find good info on how to maintain and repair an mbira. In fact, one question that mbira, kalimba, and matepe percussionist Joel Laviolette gets a lot and hasn’t seen any good Youtube videos on is how to fix loose mbira keys. In our latest video, Joel explains how to tune and fix loose keys and also shares some general maintenance tips so that you can keep your new mbira in top shape. How …

The mbira is an ancient, traditional African hand percussion instrument that dates back over 1,000 years in Zimbabwe. The mbira features a soundboard made from gourd or wood with 6 to 33 wooden or metal keys attached to the top. Each key plays a different note. To create different pitches, the keys are positioned at different lengths.When performers depress and release the keys with their thumbs and index fingers, the mbira produces a tranquil, fluid bell-like sound. The mbira also produces c …

In addition to kalimbas and mbiras, X8 Drums now offers matepes! Since the matepe is his primary instrument, Joel Laviolette is back to demonstrate and tell us more about our unique collection of handmade matepes.One of the things that makes the matepe so different from other mbiras is that it’s played with two thumbs and two index fingers. Each finger is playing a separate melody at the same time for a total of four independent melodies. When people first hear the matepe, it tends to sound li …