:bigear: Mahalo hippies My djembe needs a tunin' and I've never tuned it before. I've got a good ear for vibrations, so I figure I can find it's resonant frequency without much problem but I just don't really know how do go about doing it. There's rope, the rope is knotted and tied... How do I go about doing it...Just tightening the rope or what? I'd like to hear your guys' techniques. Thank you arty:
It depends on the type of djembe that you have. Since you mentioned rope, here is links that shows how to do it. http://www.djembes.org/tensari.htm http://www.african.de/tips.html If it only needs a slight tuning change, wood slats/pegs (not sure of proper name for these) can be put under the ropes, to lift them and increase rope tension.
Ok, here is the most popular method for tuning djembes, its really easy..... Take the end of your rope, and note which direction it wraps around your drum, as this will be the direction you will make the new knots. Now take your rope under two of the vertical rope, then bring it back over the second vertical rope, then under the first vertical rope you went under. Now pull your rope, and a new knot should be made. This is sort of a tough concept to explain without pictures, but you should be able to find some on the net. I learned it firsthand which made it really simple for me. Just think of the procedure as Under 2, then back Over 1 and Under 1. I would not suggest wood slats or pegs as a permanant fix for tuning, but they can be helpful at first if your vertical ropes are close to the wood of your drum. Just google "traditional djembe tuning method" if you don't understand. Good luck.
I'm really good, it's not too easy but it really helps practicing. I had a realy cute one but had to give it away...a good friend was grieved by my actions but I think I made it up to him.
