Whenever I take the drums out for a class or a workshop, I am asked by participants where they can get good drums at modest prices. It isn't difficult to go onto the internet, type 'Djembe' into your search box, and find dozens of different drum sellers. It is difficult to know whom to trust, what quality you'll get, and whether you're getting a good drum at a good price. Here are some of my personal recommendations for places to seek out drums.
1. Local music dealer- If you have a local music dealer, try that store first. We have a couple of local stores to deal with - One is a music store, one is a drum store. Both of them are run by local people who need to make a living. Our drum dealer also repairs drums, so I am confident that he can help me out with any problems I have with purchases I've made with him. Yes, you will pay retail, but trust and community goodwill are usually worth it in the long run. I purchase Toca, Remo and MidEast products from them.
2. West Music - This is my 'Tubano connection.' A set of three tubanos that list for $980.00 is $510.00 at West Music. Of course, there's always the shipping cost. Never underestimate the cost of shipping a heavy drum. Still, if you are interested in tubanos, this is a great place to go.
3. Djembe Direct - Here is where I get my school djembes, kpanlogos and other African drums. They carry a nice student grade model that is very sturdy (and heavy) and a very reasonable cost. They also work directly with the drum makers to help make better lives for the drum makers and their communities. Djembe Direct also carries a vast array of other African percussion, which is great if you are looking for consistent quality in different kinds of drums. You can talk to them on the phone - this is a smaller operation that takes customer service seriously.
4. African Creations - This is where I get my drum circle djembes and axatse (called shekeres or shakers on the website.) They are a wholesale company, so you need to reach the minimum amount before you can purchase from them. However, if you are looking to supply a group or organization, this is a really good place to start. The drums are not of the high quality that the Djembe Direct student models are, but they are good drums at a very good price. Add to this the fact that you are importing these drums from Ghana, and you can feel good that you are helping the economy of the drum makers.
5. Overstock - Go to Worldstock, then under that, click on gifts and hobbies. They carry several types of instruments from around the world. The big plus is that they charge $2.95 for shipping anything. That's a great price for shipping a heavy drum. On the downside, some of the 'African' drums they carry are made in Indonesia, and are tourist grade drums. I personally have purchased a couple of axatse from Overstock and they were fine. Also, the African made drums are of drum circle quality. Just be aware of what you are buying.
6. Ebay - Yup. but I only buy used Remo djembes (because it's a known quality item.) I have also bought interesting looking shakers and cowbells from ebay. Oh, and a decent quality kpanlogo, and ... Ok, I check out ebay from time to time, and buy inexpensive stuff to add to my collection. I ask questions, and I don't expect to get professional grade equipment, and I'm pretty happy with what I've gotten so far. (except for one Indonesian djembe, and that's because I didn't ask questions before I bid.) Sometimes, there are great deals, especially when someone is desperate to get rid of large drums before they move, for example. Shipping is also something to keep an eye on, here.
Do you have any other great sources for drums, bells and shakers? Add a note and share it with the rest of us.
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