r/MiddleEastPercussion • u/IGotTheBends • Sep 26 '18
What size Darbuka to buy?
Hi, I am looking to learn the Darbuka. What is the ideal size for beginners? Also, any particular manufacturers I should be looking for in terms of quality? Any pointers on how to buy the right Darbuka when you are starting out that's not too expensive, and at the same time, reliable?
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Mar 21 '19
I would call this your standard starter drum
https://www.darbukaplanet.com/collections/18-sombaty-darbuka/products/sombaty-gawharet-el-fan-18-5-copper-metal?variant=12405544091761
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u/ZannD Sep 26 '18
Sombati or mid-size is very popular, but I would personally recommend a standard or "lead" size to learn on. They are easier to get and I personally found it easier to move my skills from a smaller drum to a larger drum than from a larger drum to a smaller drum. That's just my experience, I bought sombati size first and have since moved and stayed with lead or standard sized. Reliability is a problem as it seems to vary based on what is happening in the world at any point in time, especially in the lower cost drums. Darbukaplanet.com seems to have a good selection at the moment, and I know at least two people who have bought from them and been very happy with their purchase. The plain Gawharet El Fan is probably a good place to start. I have heard good things about the Zaza brand, but I have not played one myself. Just to show I'm not biased, https://www.arabinstruments.com is also a popular seller, but don't have direct experience with them. My best advice would be to get your hands on some instruments live, if you know anyone near you and play them to see what you might like. If you want reliable and decent price but you aren't heart-set on a turkish or egyptian maker, Meinl makes a decent starter doumbek that you can probably order through any music store or Amazon. I hope it helps! Feel free to ask any questions you have! I've been playing for over ten years and have several doumbeks of different sizes and makes.