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The djembe is a rope-tuned, goblet-shaped drum originating from West Africa, played with the bare hands to produce a wide range of bass, tone, and slap sounds. One of the most expressive and widely played hand percussion instruments in the world, the djembe is central to West African music traditions and is popular worldwide in community drumming, world music, and percussion education.

We stock djembes from Meinl and Remo across a wide range of sizes, finishes, and price points — from the affordable Meinl JR. Djembe for younger players and beginners, through the Meinl Jumbo and Travel Series for intermediate players, to the professional Remo Key-Tuned Professional range in 12", 14", and 16" sizes. We also stock a Meinl djembe stand and Stagg djembe bag for transport and performance. Browse our full hand percussion range for cajons, congas, darbukas, and more. Available online with UK next day delivery available, or visit us in our Horncastle showroom — call us on 01507 526517 for advice.

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Djembe Drums UK - Into Music Store, Horncastle, Lincolnshire

The djembe originated in West Africa and has been played for centuries across Guinea, Mali, Senegal, and the Ivory Coast. Traditionally carved from a single piece of hardwood and covered with a goat skin head, the djembe produces three fundamental tones — the deep bass (struck in the centre with a flat hand), the open tone (struck near the edge with relaxed fingers), and the slap (struck near the edge with a cupped hand for a sharp, cutting sound). These three tones form the foundation of djembe technique and allow experienced players to produce an enormous range of rhythmic expression from a single instrument.

Our range spans every level of player and budget. The Meinl JR. Djembe and Mini Djembe are ideal for younger players and beginners, priced from around £24 upwards. The Meinl Headliner, Travel Series, and Jumbo Djembe ranges cover intermediate players with rope-tuned and synthetic head options in a variety of sizes and finishes, priced from around £99 upwards. At the professional end, the Remo Key-Tuned Professional djembes — available in 12", 14", and 16" sizes with a range of distinctive designs — offer exceptional tonal quality and the convenience of key tuning, priced from around £444 upwards.

At Into Music Store in Horncastle, Lincolnshire, we stock one of the largest ranges of djembe drums available from a UK independent percussion retailer, with UK next day delivery available on all orders. Visit our specialist drum and percussion store near you in Horncastle, call us on 01507 526517, or shop online at intomusicstore.com.

Frequently Asked Questions

A djembe is a rope-tuned, goblet-shaped hand drum originating from West Africa. Played with the bare hands, it produces three fundamental tones — bass, open tone, and slap — and is one of the most expressive and widely played hand percussion instruments in the world. Available at Into Music Store online with UK next day delivery available, or in our Horncastle, Lincolnshire showroom.
Djembes are typically available in sizes from 6" to 16". Smaller djembes (6"-8") are ideal for children and beginners. Medium djembes (10"-12") are the most popular all-round size for adults, producing a balanced range of bass, tone, and slap sounds. Larger djembes (14"-16") produce a deeper, more powerful bass tone suited to ensemble and professional playing. Best for beginners: a 10" djembe. Available at Into Music Store online with UK next day delivery available — call 01507 526517 for advice.
A rope-tuned djembe uses a traditional system of vertical ropes and horizontal rings to tension the head — tuned by pulling the ropes tighter. A key-tuned djembe uses a metal lug and key system similar to a snare drum, allowing faster, more precise tuning. Best for rope-tuned: traditional playing and authenticity. Best for key-tuned: players who want easier, more consistent tuning. The Remo Key-Tuned Professional range is our premium key-tuned option. Available at Into Music Store with UK next day delivery available.
The Meinl JR. Djembe and Headliner Rope-Tuned Wood Djembe are excellent choices for beginners, offering solid construction and a good tone at an accessible price. Priced from around £24 upwards for the mini djembe and from around £99 upwards for the Headliner. Available at Into Music Store online with UK next day delivery available, or in our Horncastle, Lincolnshire showroom — call 01507 526517 for advice.
Shop djembe drums online at Into Music Store with UK next day delivery available across the UK. We stock Meinl and Remo djembes from beginner to professional level and are based in Horncastle, Lincolnshire. Visit us in store, call 01507 526517, or shop online at intomusicstore.com.