Home >> World Instruments >> Drums and Percussion Instruments
Drums and Percussion Instruments
DRUMS
Bendir
The bendir (also known as 
erbeni or arbani) is a simple traditional frame drum used throughout northern Africa. Frame drums are the oldest and most common kind of drum and the bendir has been around since prehistoric times with strong evidence of its use in Ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia. It typically has a two or three strand snare (usually made of fine gut and seen faintly in the image on the right) stretched across the inside of its head which, when the drum is struck with the fingers or palm, gives the tone a unique buzzing quality.
The bendir has a wooden frame, which is usually between 36 to 41 cm (14 to 16 inches) in diameter, with a membrane that is glued and/or tacked to the frame. Traditionally the bendir is played vertically by inserting the thumb of one hand into a special hole in the frame. It is then played using the fingers of the that hand and with the other hand moving freely across the face of the drum. Other methods of playing are on the lap and face up wedged between the knees. The bendir is used in the special ceremonies of Sufism which has a strong tradition of using music, rhythm, and dance to reach particular states of consciousness. A sample of the bendir being played can be viewed here.
Bodhrán
The bodhrán is an Irish frame drum that ranges in size from 25 to 65 cm (10" to 26") in diameter. Bodhráns generally have a goatskin head attached to one side of the frame. Synthetic heads or other animal skins are sometimes used. The other side of the frame is left open and the players free hand is placed against the inside of the drum head to control the pitch and timbre. As seen in examples to the right, bodhráns often have one or two crossbars inside the frame, but the use of crossbars seems to be declining in modern instruments. Some modern bodhráns integrate mechanical tuning systems (see middle image) that allow the bodhrán heads to be tightened or loosened to compensate for atmospheric conditions.
The bodhrán is generally played on the lap of the seated player and a wooden beater, known as a tipper or cipin (see bottom image), is used to strike the drum in a technique that often uses both ends of the tipper and requires a great deal of wrist work. As with all Irish music, styles of play can vary from county to county.
It is believed that the bodhrán dates back several centuries and there is evidence that it was used as a battle drum back as far as the 17th century. The drum provided a cadence for the pipers and warriors to keep to, as well as to announce the arrival of the army. This leads some to think that the bodhrán was derived from an old Celtic war drum. Seán Ó Riada declared the bodhrán to be the native drum of the Celts, with a musical history that predated Christianity. The bodhrán is very similar to the ancient frame drums of African origin.
These days the bodhrán is solely synonymous with traditional Irish music and, whilst it is not necessarily the backbone of Irish music, a skilled and sensitive bodhrán player can certainly add a wonderful percussive element to an Irish music session. A good example of bodhrán playing can be viewed here.
Bodhráns and Accessories
Gandharva Loka offers a range of bodhráns and we also stock tippers (as image above) and 'learn to play the bodhrán' books and CDs. For the protection and longevity of bodhrán skins, we recommend and stock Dales Dubbin.
We also offer good quality protective carry bags for bodhráns and frame drums. See: Drum Bags.
Bongos
The bongos are a Cuban percussion instrument consisting of a pair of single-headed open-ended drums that are attached to each other. Each drum is a different size: the larger drum is called in Spanish the hembra (female) and the smaller the macho (male). Bongos are usually played by hand.
Bongos originated in Africa and, as is the case with many instruments, it was the slave trade that brought the forerunner to the bongos to Cuba. Bongos are typically played on or between the knees but are also free standing with rubber feet so that they can be played on a table or bench. They can also be adapted to stands so that they can be played in the standing position. Gandharva Loka offers pairs of bongos and bongo stands that are sold separately. The bongos are a very suitable instrument for children and young adults who wish to develop rhythm and drumming capacities.
Cajón
The cajón (pronounced cahon) is a percussion instrument that has its origins in Peru and is considered to be the most popular percussion instrument in Latin America. In colonial times slaves were not permitted to use their traditional instruments so they improvised and started using wooden shipping crates as drums and this gave birth of the cajón.
Today's makers use either guitar strings or snare wires inside the drum to give the instrument a great crisp sound. Of all forms of hand percussion they perhaps more than any other give us a real drum set sound. With a nice warm punchy bass and crisp snare sound this instrument has unlimited potentiality. A demonstration of the cajón can be viewed here.
Daf
The daf is a large frame drum used to accompany both popular and classical music in many regions of the Middle East and is commonly used in Khangah (temple of dervishes) during the zekr (spiritual chanting) rituals. Its Pahlavi (pre-Islamic Persian language) name is dap and daf is the arabic word for dap. Many Persian poets have alluded to the daf in their works including the renowned theologian and seer-poet Jalaludin Rumi.
The daf frame is traditionally made from a thin circular band of hardwood and covered with goatskin on one side. It can also have small metal rings (often in chains) or small cymbals attached to the inside of the rim which creates a jangling effect when the drum is played. This makes the daf a type of tambourine and quite similar to the bendir. Tones of various depth and colour are obtained by hitting different spots on the skin with the fingers and generally daf have a beautiful low, soft tone with the rings being low pitched as well. In modern times the daf has risen to great popularity and is now integrated into many styles of Middle Eastern music. It is also becoming popular on a global level. A very good demonstration of the daf being played can be viewed here.
Damroo
The damroo (also known as the 'monkey talking drum') is a two sided Indian percussion instrument that is shaped like an hour glass. Gandharva Loka generally stocks three sizes the smallest if which is 8cm high by 9cm in diameter (a good size for children) and the largest being 15cm high by 10cm in diameter. Cords control the tautness of the drum skin (usually goat skin) which allows the drum to be tuned. The player holds the damroo in one hand and, by twisting the wrist back and forth, causes the two knotted strings to swing and beat a rhythm on the heads of the drum. The steady rhythm of the damroo provides an ideal accompaniment to ballads or to catch the attention of passersby.
Damroo are often brightly painted and decorated with motifs and ornaments such as bells and shells. The damroo is the drum of Lord Shiva and is considered to be the first instrument to be given to humanity. In India many sadhus (holy men) carry the damroo as do madaris (the peddlers who exhibit bears and monkeys) and pavement vendors. The prayer drum is in the same family of drums as the Damroo.
Darbuka, Dahola and Doumbek
The darbuka (also known as dahola, doumbek and chalice or goblet drums) is a goblet shaped hand drum of ancient origin that is mostly used in Middle Eastern styles of music. Its thin, responsive drumhead and resonance help it produce a distinctively crisp tone. Darbukas are played with a much lighter touch and with different strokes than hand drums such as the djembe of Africa. Traditionally darbuka are made of clay, metal or wood but modern versions are also being made of synthetic materials such as fiberglass, aluminum (either cast, spun or from sheet) and copper. Traditional drum heads are animal skin, commonly goat and also fish, but modern drum heads are also being made synthetic materials including mylar and fiberglass.
There are two main types of darbuka – the Egyptian style (top image) which has rounded edges around the head and the Turkish style which exposes the edge of the head. The exposed edge allows closer access to the head so finger-snapping techniques can be used, but the hard edge discourages the rapid rolls possible with the Egyptian style. There are two main sounds produced by the darbuka. The first is the 'doum' – the deeper bass sound produced by striking the head near the center with the length of the fingers and palm. The second is 'tek' – the higher-pitched sound produced by hitting near the edge of the head with the fingertips.
Darbuka may be played while held under one arm (usually the non-dominant arm) or by placing the drum sideways upon the lap (with the head towards the player's knees) while seated. Some drums are also made with strap mounts so the drum may be slung over the shoulder, to facilitate playing while standing or dancing. A similar type of drum is the zarb.
Dhol
The dhol is a drum widely used throughout India but is especially popular in the Punjab region and particularly so among the Sikhs of East Punjab. It was used in war by the Sikhs and later to celebrate successful harvests. The dhol is most commonly associated with Punjabi music and dance and has remained very popular in modern Punjabi music.
The dhol dates back to the 15th century and was probably introduced to the Indian subcontinent as the Persian dohol (duhul) which is described as being used in the orchestra of the Mughal emperor Akbar. The Indo-Aryan word 'dhol' appears in print in the early nineteenth. From northern India the dhol spread to other parts of the Indian subcontinent. A demonstration of the dhol can be viewed here.
Dholak
The dholak is a very popular folk drum of northern India that is also found in Pakistan and Nepal. It is barrel shaped with a degree of tapering at each end. It has a simple membrane on the right end and a single membrane with a special application (a mixture of tar, clay and sand known as dholak masala) on the inner surface of the left end which lowers the pitch and provides a well defined tone.
There are two ways of tightening the drum heads of the dholak. Some models are laced with rope and a series of metal rings are used to adjust the instrument. On other versions metal turnbuckles allow the same effect. The dholak is either played on the player's lap or, while standing, slung from the shoulder or waist or pressed down with one knee while sitting on the floor.
Djembe
A djembe (pronounced 'jem-bay') is a drum of African origin. The exact beginning of the djembe history and tradition is unclear, but the drum was certainly present in the 13th century when the great Mali Empire was formed. Similar to the Middle Eastern darbuka, the djembe is shaped like a goblet and is played with the bare hands. The instrument takes its name from a saying of the Bamana people in Mali: 'Anke dje, anke be', which means, 'everyone gather together'.
Due to the variations in the material used to construct djembe, there is a broad range of tones that can be produced by the instrument and the design of the body gives the djembe a deep and powerful bass note. The primary notes are generally referred to as 'bass' (low and deep), 'tone' (round and full) and 'slap' (high and sharp) although a variety of other tones can also be produced by advanced players.
Gandharva Loka offers a wide range of types and sizes of djembe as well as padded bags (some have shoulder straps that allow the drum to be carried as a backpack) or colourful cloth bags imported from Africa (see: Drum Bags and Drum Accessories). Gandharva Loka also stocks instructional CDs and DVDs (see: BIMM – Books, Incense, Music and Merchandise) and are able to put our customers in touch with a dynamic drumming circle and excellent drum teachers here in Christchurch.
Djun-Djun
The djun-djun (pronounced 'joon-joon' and also known as Djoundjoun, Dun-Dun and Dunun) is the general name for a family of three bass drums that evolved in West Africa. Along with the djembe, the djun-djun originated in the Mali Empire.
The three drums that make up a djun-djun set are the dundoumba (literally meaning 'big djun-djun'), which has the lowest tone and is the largest of the three. Next is the mid-tone, medium-sized sangban and the third and smallest high-toned kenkeni. Djun-djun provide the rhythmic foundation for the djembe and are often mounted with bells that are played in conjunction with the drum. Each djun-djun is constructed from the hollowed out base of a tree and then covered on both ends with cow or goat skin that is held in place and tensioned by rope. There are wide variations on how the djun-djun is played throughout West Africa. An example of how the djun-djun and the djembe are played together in a traditional West African drum ensemble can be viewed here.
Drum Accessories
DRUM BEATERS AND STRIKERS
Gandharva Loka offers a wide range of drum beaters and strikers. We do not stock western style drum sticks but do have sticks that are used for drums such as the Japanese taiko and the African talking drum. We also stock beaters and mallets for gongs.
DRUM HARNESS
This pro model double-cross adjustable drum harness is designed to allow the musician to drum in a standing position. The straps have extra padding in the upper back area for comfort and support and the harness simply clips to the drums rim.
DRUM HATS
These quality padded and waterproof drum hats provide optimal protection for the drum head. The elastic binding ensures a secure fit.
DJEMBE SHOULDER STRAPS
These strong and durable djembe shoulder straps allow the musician to stand and move about while drumming. They are 4.5 metres long and are made from 50 mm webbing. There is no buckle – the strap simply threads through the ropes of the djembe and is knotted.
DRUM TUITION CDs AND DVDs
Gandharva Loka also stocks instructional CDs and DVDs (see: BIMM – Books, Incense, Music and Merchandise) and are able to put our customers in touch with a dynamic drumming circle and excellent drum teachers here in Christchurch.
DJEMBE WAIST STRAPS
These adjustable djembe waist strap have a clip at each end allows the musician to hold djembes and other drums in a secure position while seated. The strong and durable 75 mm webbing can be adjusted to be used with one or two drums.
Drum Bags
BODHRAN / FRAME DRUM BAGS
Three Sizes: 35.5 cm (14 in), 40.5 cm (16 in) and 45.5 cm (18 in)
High quality water proof padded bodhrán / frame drum bags with side pocket, hand straps and shoulder strap.
DARBUKA BAGS
These are similar to the djembe bags but smaller in size to fit Darbukas. High quality, waterproof, heavy duty, padded bags with shoulder and support straps, and zippered side pockets.
DJEMBE BAGS
Three Sizes: Medium, Large, Extra Large
High quality water proof, heavy duty, padded djembe bags with shoulder and support straps, and zippered side pockets.
SMALL FRAME DRUM BAGS
These quality padded drum bags are for small frame drums such as riq or kanjira. They are made of a washable, water-repellent nylon fabric with a zipper, a shoulder strap and a front pocket for accessories.
MADE-TO-ORDER DRUM BAGS
Gandharva Loka can have drum bags made to order. Simply bring in your drum or give us the measurements and we can organise this for you.
Drum Heads and Drum Repairs
Gandharva Loka has drum heads available for tabla, naal, dholak and djembe. We also offer a repair service for almost every type of drum. If you require a quote on a drum repair or head replacement, kindly bring the drum into Gandharva Loka or contact us. We can also organise harmonium tuning and repairs.
Ghatam
The ghatam is a percussion instrument of South India – an earthenware pot that is played using the fingers, thumbs, palms and heels of the hand to strike the outer surface of the ghatam. It has a huge variety of sounds. An airy low-pitch bass sound, called gumki, is created by hitting the mouth of the pot with an open hand. Musicians sometimes press the mouth of the pot against their bare stomachs which deepens the tone of the bass stroke and is another way to produce the 'gumki' sound. Different tones can be produced by hitting different areas of the pot with different parts of the hands. In Indian classical music, the ghatam usually accompanies the mridanga.
Although the ghatam looks very similar to a Indian domestic clay pot, it is made specifically to be played as an instrument. The walls are made to an even thickness to produce even tone. Some types of ghatam are made with tiny shards of brass mixed into the clay as this produces a sharp metallic ringing sound favored by some musicians. The ghatam is a wonderfully expressive instrument and a lot of fun!
Kanjira
The kanjira (also known as a ganjira) is a South Indian frame drum – a percussion instrument of the tambourine family. It is used primarily in concerts of Carnatic music (South Indian classical music) as a supporting instrument for the mridanga. Having been used for less than a century, the kanjira is considered to be a comparatively recent innovation. It has been used in Indian classical concerts since the 1930s.
Similar to the western tambourine, the kanjira consists of a circular frame made of the wood of the jackfruit tree, between 18 and 23 cm in width and between 5 to 10 cm in depth. The frame is covered on one side with a drum head made of monitor lizard skin while the other side is left open. The frame has a single slit which contain two to three small metal discs that jingle when the kanjira is played. It is normally played with the palm and fingers of the right hand, while the left hand supports the drum. The fingertips of the left hand can be used to bend the pitch by applying pressure near the outer rim. Generally the kanjira has a very high pitched sound and, unlike the mridanga or the ghatam, is not tuned to any particular pitch. To get a good bass sound, the performer reduces the tension of the drumhead by sprinkling water on the inside of the instrument.
Khol
The khol is actually a clay mridanga – a two-sided drum used in northern and eastern India as accompaniment to devotional, folk and Indian semi-classical music. The khols origins are considered to be in the West Bengal region of India. One end of the khol is much smaller than the other and both ends are traditionally covered with cow or goat skin. The heads are tensioned with leather straps and the instrument is played with the palms and fingers of both hands. As the popularity of the khol grew in the West, many variations resulted using non-traditional materials for the body, such as metal and fibreglass, and synthetic skins for the drum heads.
Mridanga
The mridanga is a percussion instrument from India. Of ancient origin, it is the primary rhythmic accompaniment in the Carnatic music (South Indian classical music) ensembles and is often accompanied by the ghatam, kanjira, and the mouth harp. The word mridanga is derived from the two Sanskrit words 'Mrid' (clay or earth) and 'Ang' (body). Early mridangas were indeed made of hardened clay and, known as the khol, are still available in that form.
Over the years the mridanga evolved to be made of different kinds of wood due to its increased durability. In modern times mechanical devices have been added to adjust the tension of the drum heads. It is widely believed that the tabla, the mridangas North Indian musical counterpart, was first constructed by splitting a mridanga in half.
Ocean Drum
The ocean drum really allows you to bring the sound of the sea into your music. Using small metal beads inside a double sided frame drum, the ocean drum allows you to create wonderful ocean wave effects as you tilt the drum from one side to the other.
The ocean drum can also be used as an effective drum using either the fingers or a beater. This is a wonderful instrument to use with children, in any sort of music therapy, or simply to create a wonderfully peaceful ocean atmosphere for your next performance.
Naal
The naal (also known as Dholki) is a drum that is very popular with the tamasha tradition (a folk art form which includes singing and dancing) of Maharashtra state in western India.
The naal has a barrel shaped body and the left side resembles the bayan (the large metal drum of the tabla) except that it uses dholak masala (an oil based application) on the inner surface instead of a syahi (permanent black spot). The right head is unique in its construction. Goat-skin is stitched onto an iron ring and in the centre of this skin is a syahi, similar to tabla except much thinner. Traditional naal are laced with rope and sticks are used to tension the drum heads but today it is more common that naal are made with metal turnbuckles that allow more precise tuning. There is often some confusion concerning the term 'dholki' which literally means 'small dholak'. Dholki is often used for smaller dholak that, structurally speaking, are quite different to the naal. A demonstration of the naal (dholki) can be viewed here.
Pakhawaj
The pakhawaj (also known as Mardal, Pakhavaj, Pakuaj, Pakhvaj, Pakavaj or Mardala) is an Indian barrel-shaped two-headed drum. The North Indian equivalent to the Southern mridanga, it also has many similarities to the dholak. It is the standard percussion instrument in the dhrupad style and is widely used as an accompaniment for various forms of Indian music and dance. The pakhawaj has a low and mellow tone that is rich in harmonics. Laid horizontally on a cushion in front of the drummer's crossed legs, the larger bass-skin is played with the left hand and the treble skin by the right hand.
Pandeiro
Like the tambourine, the pandeiro is held in one hand and struck on the head with the other to produce sound. Typical pandeiro patterns are played by alternating the thumb, fingertips, heel, and palm of the hand. A pandeiro can also be shaken to make sound, or one can run a finger along the head to create a rasping sound.
Pandeiro are used in a number of Brazilian music forms such as Samba, Choro, Coco, and Capoeira and the instrument derives from the pandeireta or pandereta of Spain and Portugal. Its ancient origin is considered to be in the Arabian region. Traditionally pandeiro are constructed with wooden frames, animal skin heads and metal cymbals but in modern times they are also produced using synthetic frames and heads.
Riq
The riq (also spelt riqq or rik) is a type of tambourine that is common to Arabic music and is an important percussion instrument in both folk and classical music. Traditionally the riq has a wooden frame, metal jingles (small cymbals), and a thin head made of fish or goat skin. These days riq frames are also made from metal or synthetic materials and the heads are also often synthetic.
The riq, which descended from the Persian daf, typically measures between 20 and 25 cm in diameter. Riq frames are often decorated on both sides with inlay such as mother-of-pearl, ivory or decorative woods. Generally a riq has ten small cymbals (about 4 cm in diameter), mounted in five pairs. The skin head is glued on and tightened over the frame which is about 6 cm deep. The riq is played in music ensembles throughout the Arabic-speaking world where it has a particularly clearcut role that goes beyond the simple rhythmic requirements of the daf, tar, or mazhar. In Sudan and upper Egypt the riq is also related to worship.
Shaman Drum
Shaman drums are a type of frame drum which, in general terms, are one of the most ancient types of musical instruments. They have a simple structure and a strong association with spiritual rituals such as in the Shamanism. Frame drums come in a variety of sizes. They are usually round and are traditionally made of wood with an animal skin head and sometimes metal rings or plates incorporated into the frame to provide a jingle effect. Some models are now being constructed from synthetic materials and some have mechanical tuning. On many the drumhead is stretched and tacked in place.
Frame drums are the earliest skin drum known to have existed. Although examples are found in many places and cultures, it is thought that frame drums originated in the ancient Middle East, India, and Rome, and reached medieval Europe through Islamic culture. The similarity of the names of frame drums in these regions shows the common history of these drums. Gandharva Loka currently stocks a line of quality Remo Buffalo Shaman Drums (pictured above).
Sound Shapes
Sound Shapes are high-quality, affordable percussion instruments that are perfect for the home, classroom or daycare center – children love them! They come in a variety of geometric shapes and cool sounds that are as vibrant as their colors. They range in size, colour, and shape but all have a great sound.
Sound shapes can be set up as a mini drum kit using some of the special stands that are available, or can be split up and be used by a group. They are super strong, extremely portable and really easy to use, so they work well with children as well as adults who might need a light-weight, highly portable, practice drum kit.
Talking Drum
Talking drums (known by many names including Dundun, Gangan, Dondo, Odondo, Lunna, Donno, Kalangu, Doodo, Tama, Tamanin and Ekwe) are a member of the hourglass shaped family of pressure drums and are one of the oldest instruments in West Africa. Their history can be traced back to the Ghana Empire. The talking drum is particularly synonymous with the music and culture of the Yoruba people. Various sizes of talking drum exist, with the dimensions of the drum differing between ethnic groups.
One of the special features of the talking drum is its ability to closely imitate the rhythms and intonations of spoken language. A skilled drummer can reproduce the sounds of proverbs or songs through a specialised drumming language and this dialogue can easily be understood by knowledgeable listeners which of course varied between ethic groups. Whether accompanying dances or sending messages, the sound of these instruments can carry for miles. Talking drum players sent messages by drumming the recipient's name, followed by the sender's name and the message.
The drum heads of the talking drum cover both ends of the drum's wooden body and are traditionally made from animal hide, fish-skin or other membranes which are wrapped around a wooden hoop. Leather thongs run the length of the drum and are connected to both hoops. When these cords are squeezed under the arm the drum heads tighten and this changes the pitch of the instrument. The talking drum is struck with a slightly hooked stick and with the fingers of the free hand. A contemporary demonstration of the talking drum can be viewed here and a traditional demonstration can be viewed here.
Taiko
Japanese taiko drums (taiko in modern times is a general term for 'drum' but historically taiko meant 'great' or 'wide drum' in Japanese) have been developed into a wide range of percussion instruments that are used in both Japanese folk and classical musical traditions. Taiko drumming has been part of Japanese culture for many centuries and taiko drums can be found in the numerous temples and shrines throughout Japan where they are played in religious festivals and ceremonies. Taiko were also used in warfare to bolster the spirits of the warriors and to demoralise the enemy.
Taiko are generally stick percussion instruments (although some taiko are played using just the hands) that have heads on both sides of the drum body and a sealed resonating cavity. They are characterised by a high amount of tension on the drums heads with a correspondingly high pitch relative to body size. Since the later part of the twentieth century, Taiko drumming has become a performance art in itself that includes physically demanding and dramatic drumming combined with dance and often humour. A demonstration of taiko in its modern performance role can be viewed here and in its more traditional role here.
Tabla
The tabla is a popular Indian percussion instrument used in Hindustani classical music and in popular and devotional music of the Indian subcontinent. The instrument consists of a pair of hand drums of contrasting yet complimentary sizes and timbres. The term tabla is derived from an Arabic word tabl which simply means drum. Playing technique involves extensive use of the fingers and palms in various configurations to create a wide variety of sounds and rhythms. The heel of the hand is used to apply pressure or in a sliding motion on the larger drum so that the pitch is changed as the sound diminishes.
The history of the tabla has been the subject of sometimes heated debate. It is most likely that the tabla is a hybrid resulting from the experiments with existing drums such as pakhawaj, dholak and naqqara. A common legend credits the 13th century Indian poet Amir Khusrau as the inventor when he split a mridanga into two parts.
The tabla is central to Indian music and is used in a variety of genres including the classical music of North India as well as Indian contemporary, pop, folk and film music – and has become very popular in the West as well. Tabla tones are beautiful and playing tabla combines rhythm, melody and harmony to create music that is soulful and meditative. Two very good examples of tabla playing can be viewed here and here.
Udu
The udu is an African percussion instrument that is generally considered to have originated in Nigeria. Traditionally made of clay, the word udu means 'vessel' in the language of the Igbo people of Nigeria. Being a water jug with an additional hole, it was an instrument often played exclusively by women for ceremonial purposes. Today it is widely used by percussionists in many different music styles.
The udu has a side hole which creates a deep reverberating note when struck with the flat palm of the hand. The entire body of the udu can also be played using the fingers. Several variations of the udu have evolved over the years which includes the Utar, the Kim-Kim and the Zarbang-Udu. The udu is an instrument that can add a unique and melodic aspect to the percussion aspect of any ensemble and is easily adapted to most genre of music.
A fantastic demonstration of a variety of udu being played can be viewed here – and a great demonstration of the Udu Utar can be viewed here.
Zarb
The zarb (also known as tonbak, tombak, donbak or dombak) is a goblet drum that originated during the Persia Empire (ancient Iran). It is considered the principal percussion instrument of Persian music. The Persian frame drum, known as the Daf, was for many centuries the favoured drum of the Persian court while the zarb was played by peasants. It is sometimes referred to as the Persian doumbek due to its origins and chalice shape that is similar to that of the doumbek. The zarb is made with a brass or wooden body and the drum head is typically made from sheep or goats skin.
The zarb is normally positioned diagonally across the lap of the player who uses one or more fingers and/or the palms of the hands on the drumhead. Often (for a ringing timbre) the musician will play near the drumhead's edge and some players wear metal finger rings in order to get an accentuated 'click' on the drum's shell. A lovely example of zarb drumming can be viewed here – traditional Persian classical dastgah music played on ney, kamancheh, santur (aka hammered dulcimer) and zarb.
PERCUSSION
Apitua, Agogô and Grello
Apitua and Agogo are metal African bells. Grello are more like castanets as they are played on two of the fingers. All are usually made of iron and are percussion instruments used to establish and drive rhythm and to add texture and variety to music. They are distinctive and provide a strong cutting metallic sound that will be heard even in large drum circles or music ensembles. These instruments are all handmade by expert blacksmiths in Africa and are each unique in both tone and look.
Apitua (also known as a Banana Bell, Toke or Atoke Bell) resembles a little boat that curves upwards at each end. It is made from black iron and played with a metal stick - hence its good volume. The apitua often played with the Djun Djun drum and is attaching to the top of the drum through its lacing. They can also be simply held in the hand and played. The holding hand can enclose the body between the beats to create special effects.
Agogô (a (a Yoruba word meaning 'bell') are a single or multiple bell now used throughout the world but with origins in traditional Yoruba music and also in the samba baterias (percussion ensembles) of Latin America. The agogô is considered to be the oldest samba instrument and is based on West African Yoruba single or double bells. The agogô has the highest pitch of any of the bateria instruments.
The African agogô bell is also called the gangkogui or gonkogui. It is made of metal with each bell a different size. This allows a differently pitched note to be produced depending on which bell has been hit. Originally wrought iron, they are now manufactured in a variety of metals and sizes for different sound qualities. The most common arrangement is two bells attached by a U shaped piece of metal. The smaller bell is held uppermost. Either bell may be hit with a wooden stick to make a cowbell like sound or less commonly a clicking sound is produced by squeezing the two bells together.
Grello (also known as frikywa [pronounced: free-chee-wah] or African castanet), is a two-piece instrument used in Ghanaian percussion ensembles.
The bell is shaped like a large, open walnut shell that is connected at the top and the bottom, which is held by one finger. The ring is worn on another finger, the thumb or held in the opposite hand and is used to strike the bell.
Bird and Fish Trident
Our bird and fish tridents are fun percussion instruments that are great value for money because they double as a güiro and a wood block with three different tones. They are well made and very cute! Appealing and quite suitable for children.
Boomwhackers
Boomwhackers are percussion tubes – lightweight, colour-coded, plastic tubes, tuned to musical pitches by length. They are the creation of American Craig Ramsell who came up with the idea after he had cut up some cardboard tubes for recycling in 1994. Noticing that the different lengths of tube offered a variety of pitches, he decided to investigate their creative potential but using plastic tubes. Boomwhackers are a lot of fun and an instrument that anyone can play. In our experience, Boomwhackers have been a great hit (pardon the pun) with children and school music groups. Demonstrations of boomwhackers being played can be viewed here and here.
Cabasa
The cabasa is a percussion instrument of African origin that is constructed with loops of steel ball chain wrapped around a wide cylinder. The cylinder is fixed to a long, narrow wooden or plastic handle. It provides a metallic, rattling sound when shaken or twisted, similar to the sound of a rattlesnake.
The cabasa is often used in Latin jazz, especially in bossa nova music. Precise rhythmic effects can be gained by the advanced player. The player places his non-dominant hand on the metal chain, to provide pressure, while holding the wooden handle with the other hand and twisting the instrument back and forth as per the rhythmic pattern desired. In addition to Latin music, many band and orchestra pieces call for the cabasa. The instrument is frequently used in music therapy.
Caisa Drum
The Caisa Drum is a convex steeldrum created by Bill Brown of Kaisos Steel Drums in Germany. It is commonly believed that the creation of the Caisa Drum was inspired by the Hang drums made by Felix Rohner and Sabina Schärer of PANArt in Switzerland. The Caisa Drum is designed to be played with finger tips, hands or short mallets. It consists of two parts: the upper half is a round steel dome approximately 60cm in diameter from which a wooden (in older models) or metal (in all newer models) disk is suspended. The two parts are connected by metal cables which permits an ideal resonance.
The tone areas of the dome are hammered by hand and are usually tuned to a pentatonic scale. Each Caisa Drum is a unique instrument with its own visual and acoustic characteristics. A built-in thread in the base of the Caisa drum allows the attachment of a wooden goblet-shaped stand and three openings in the base accommodate the use of a snare drum stand (see images below). This allows the Caisa Drum to be played in a seated (on lap or using the wooden stand) or standing position, or for the instrument to be set up as part of a drum kit/percussion section. This accessible and portable percussuion instrument (special back packs are available) is ideal for amateur musicians, buskers, percussionists and professional musicains who want to experience and share the versatile and enchanting sounds that can be produced with a Caisa Drum.
Caisa Drums is available in five scales and in two different sound qualities – 'short and percussive' or 'long and full'. The five scales are:
- C pentatonic: G (centre note) A C' D' E' G' A' C'' D'' E''
- F pentatonic: F (centre note) A C' D' F' G' A' C' D' F'
- Japanese C minor: G (centre note) C' D' Eb' G' Ab' C'' D'' Eb''
- Arabic: G (centre note) C' Db' E' F' G' Ab' B' (=H') C''
- Balinese: F (centre note) A Bb (A#) C' E' F' A' Bb' (A#') C''
Numerous demonstrations of the Caisa Drum can be viewed here and here.
Castanets
Castanets can be mastered through dedicated practice. You need to have your hands held in the correct position and have the rope fastened tightly around either side of your thumb knuckles. Within a pair there will be two tones. The fun and begins when you dance and need to play the castanets at the same time in rythym.
Caxixi
Caxixi (pronounced ka-shee-shee) are a percussive musical instrument of African origin that became popular in Brazil as a accompaniment to the berimbau in the dance-game of Capoeira. In West Africa it is used by singers and often alongside drummers. They are similar, in many ways, to maracas.
Caxixi consist of a woven cane basket with a hard gourd skin or wooden base. It is filled with special seeds or rice and, like the maraca, it is sounded by shaking. Caxixi can be used to drive the beat or in pairs to produce intricate rhythmic sounds and textures. Suitable for children five years and older.
Claves
Claves are a percussion instrument made up of two short pieces of wood which are played against each other producing a sharp cutting sound. They are traditionally made from good hardwoods but some modern producers will even use fiberglass or plastic. When played they are held with the non dominant hand cupped underneath one of the clave to create a resonating chamber while the other hand holds the remaining clave like a drumstick to strike against the other.
Clave in Spanish means key or keystone, and it plays this role in the music of many countries. The claves play a vital role in Afro-Cuban music and many people consider the clave to be the key to understanding the music. Suitable for children five years and older.
Cuíca
The one and only cuíca, a Brazilian friction drum, is synonymous with the sound of fun and laughter that one would experience at a Brazilian carnival. The cuíca is often used in samba music and is a wonderfully simple instrument. It is made from a small drum with a stick mounted in the middle of the skin. One plays by rubbing up and down on the stick with a wet cloth, the other hand can be used to change the pitch by pressing on the head. A demonstration of the cuíca can be viewed here.
Flexatone
The flexatone was invented in the 1920s. It is a percussion instrument that consists of a small flexible metal sheet suspended in a wire frame that also makes up the handle. Two wooden knobs are mounted on strips of spring steel and attached on each side of the metal sheet. The player holds the flexatone in one hand with the palm around the wire frame and the thumb on the free end of the metal sheet. The player then shakes the instrument with a trembling movement which causes the beaters to strike the sides of the metal sheet. While shaking the handle, the musician makes a high or low pitched sounds depending on the curve given to the blade by the pressure from the thumb. A vibrato is thus produced.
The flexatone is sometimes heard in funk music, and occasionally in pop music for special effect. It is occasionally used in the soundtracks of films or cartoons to represent ghosts or other paranormal phenomena. A video clip of four very creative young musicians using flexatones in a variety of ways can be viewed here.
Frog Family
The wooden frog is one of the most common percussion instruments one comes across in Thailand where they are made by skilled members of the Northern hill tribes.
A popular percussive instrument with children, these wooden frogs have two main sounds – a 'struck wooden block' sound made by striking the nose of the frog with the wooden beater, and the renowned 'croaking frog' effect made by running the beater along the ridges of the spine. The most effective frog croak is created by running the beater from the bottom of the spine to the top. Using the larger end of the beater gives a louder and stronger sound. Available in a variety of sizes, from the tiny mini frog's right up to the jumbo models.
Ghungroos
Ghungroos (also spelt ghunghroo or ghunghru) are sets of many small metallic bells strung together to form a musical anklet that is strapped to the feet of Indian classical dancers. Ghungroos serve to accentuate the rhythmic aspects of Indian classical dance and allow complex footwork to be heard by the audience. The sounds produced by ghungroos vary in pitch depending on the metallic composition and size of the bells. A string of ghungroos can range from fifty to more than two hundred bells. Young novice dancers might start with fifty bell ghungroos and add more as they grow older and more advanced in their technical ability. Ghungroos are worn in traditional performances of the classical Indian dance forms Bharatnatyam, Kathak, Kuchipudi and Odissi.
Güiro
The güiro is a percussion instrument commonly used throughout Latin-America. Originally created using a gourd, modern models are made from both wood and plastic. The güiro has ridges cut into the surface of it. One typically holds the güiro in one hand and plays it by rubbing a stick up and down over the ridges. Rhythms are made by combining long and short strokes up and down the güiro.
Gandharva Loka Christchurch also stocks a simplified but extremely effective version of the güiro that is known as a 'güiro on a stick' or 'scraping stick'. Like the güiro, the simple scraping sticks are very useful for creating rhythm and also for adding depth and texture to musical performance. Suitable for children five years and older.
Maracas
Maracas (also known as rumba shakers and, in Trinidad, shac-shacs) have their origins in Puerto Rico, Cuba, Colombia, Guatemala and are also associated with several nations in the Caribbean Islands. Clay maracas have been found that were used by the natives of Colombia some 1500 years ago. Maracas are a simple percussion instrument that are usually played in pairs. Maracas are made of dried calabash or gourd shell or coconut shell filled with seeds or dried beans and, like the caxixi, are shaken to produce sound. They may also be made of leather, wood and plastic. Often one maraca ball is pitched high and the other is pitched low.
Although a simple instrument, the method of playing the maracas often takes a little getting used to. The seeds must travel some distance before they hit the end of the ball, so the player must anticipate the rhythm. Maracas can also struck against the hand or leg to gain variety in sound. Maracas are heard in many forms of Latin music and are also used in pop and classical music. Similar to maracas are the brightly decorated Beaded Kabaka (pictured right) which are also available from Gandharva Loka.
Gandharva Loka also stocks colourful plastic mini-maracas that are excellent for young children.
Mouth Harps
The mouth harp is an ancient percussive instrument that is found in many cultures and and has several hundred names and forms. It is thought to be one of the oldest musical instruments in the world and appears in a Chinese drawing from the 4th century BC. Despite its commonly used title of 'Jew's harp', this instrument has no particular connection with the Jewish people. It is considered to be an instrument native to Eurasia being particularly common in Asia and amongst the Turkish tribes.
The mouth harp is played by pressing the two outer metal bars (some varieties are made of bamboo) against the teeth and then plucking a middle bar that gives a vibration. The mouth becomes a sound chamber which, in conjunction with the breath, is used to modulate the vibrations to produce volume and various effects with skilled players being able to create a broad range of overtones. The models made from bamboo are held between the lips so the sound is much softer. The Vietnamese Dan Moi works the same way but as it is made from metal the sound is has a full and strong tone. The dan moi, which comes in three different tones, is the easiest to play and offers the biggest sound.
Gandarva Loka Christchurch stocks a broad range of quality mouth harps from Austrian, Indian (morsing), Vietnam and China.
MOUTH HARP SOUND SAMPLES:
Morsing (Indian mouth harp):
Dan Moi (Vietnamese mouth harp, single tongue treble):
Dan Moi (Vietnamese mouth harp, single tongue bass):
Dan Moi (Vietnamese mouth harp, double tongue):
Patica
Patica are a most unique and interesting form of hand percussion instrument that evolved out of western Africa and has now become very popular throughout the world – especially in Japan.
Considered a children's toy in Ghana, the patica is a rhythmic/percussive instrument that is traditionally made from two small gourds filled with beans that are connected by a short piece of braided sting. With a pair in each hand – one gourd being cupped in the palm while the other being free to spin in a similar way to the New Zealand poi – a rhythm is created by the shaking of the beans and when the free gourd creates a 'clack' upon impact with the palmed gourd. Rhythms can be varied according to the skill and creativity of the player. Patica are now also being made from synthetic materials. You can view a video clip of patica being demonstrated here.
Rain Sticks
The rain stick comes from the Atacama Desert in Chile and is a truly natural instrument. Rain sticks are made from a particular type of cactus which, when it dies, is dried out. The thorns are then cut off and pushed back into the dried cactus branch so that the pointed tips of the thorns are on the inside. The branch is then filled with small stones and blocked off at each end.
When it is tipped end-for-end, the rain stick makes for a wonderful 'rain' sound – a perfect instrument for relaxation or performances and a great accompaniment to the ocean drum. The sound and length of time it lasts can be controled by slowly rotating the rain stick as the stones are tipped from one end to the other. Rain sticks come in sizes ranging from 25cm to over a metre – the smaller ones being an excellent instrument for young children.
Ruttli Shaker
The variety of rattle and shaker instruments these days is huge with the imagination of instrument makers always creating new instruments that offer new sounds and capacities. The Ruttli Shakers are high quality but simple cylindrical percussive instruments. There are three models and each model has its own unique sound. The smallest model contains a coarse filling which makes a deep timbre. The medium size model has a brass ring which enables it to produce a high metallic timbre. The third and largest Ruttli shaker has quite a strong sound. Each of these shakers has three grades: light, medium and heavy. The variety of models and sizes offers a broad range of sounds and possibilities.
Shakers (various)
Gandharva Loka in Christchurch stocks a broad range of shakers in different pitches, sizes and shapes. We have wooden eggs, wooden balls, plastic eggs, maracas, talking shakers, caxixi, shakers on a stick, and a variety of plastic, metal and wooden shakers. The colourful plastic egg shakers, as in the red one pictured on the right side of the image, are excellent for young children.
We also have shakers that double as a güiro, shakers that have a knocker attached, shakers with a membrane or skin, shakers made of African grass, gourds (including the mighty shekere) and stones. If you are not sure what kind of shaker will suit your needs, we cordially invite you to visit Gandharva Loka or to contact us and let us know what kind of sound you are looking for. We'll have you shakin' in no time...!
Shaman Rattle
The shaman rattle played a very important role in Shamanistic cultures throughout the ages. Like the shaman drum, it was an instrument used to invoke the soul to expedite the process of healing.
Shaman rattles were traditionally made from various materials including turtle shells, snake skin, and rawhide, but in modern times materials such as gourds and coconuts are also used. They were filled with a variety of items to make the rattle sound such as corn seeds, teeth and shards of bone or crystal, but this aspect has also diversified in recent times. It was considered that a shaman's rattle possessed strong powers and they were often kept in their own special medicine bag.
Shekere
The shekere is a percussive instrument of West Africa origin. It is made of dried gourds of various sizes that are covered with nets that have colourful beads or shells woven into them. Throughout the African continent there are similar gourd and bead or gourd and seed percussion instruments that have various names and decoration.
The shekere is made from vine gourds that grow along the ground. The size and shape of the gourd determines the sound and volume of the instrument. A shekere is made by drying the gourd for several months and then removing the pulp and seeds. After it is scrubbed, skillful bead work is added. The shekere is used in African traditional music as well as some forms of popular music. In performance it is shaken and/or slapped with the hands. Shekere, which generally offer plenty of volume, are traditionally played as rhythmic accompaniment to drumming and dance. A good example of shekere being played can be viewed here.
Spoons
The spoons are a percussion instrument that originated in Ireland as 'bones' – literally the convex sides of a pair of sheep rib bones that were rattled together. In more recent times 'playing the bones' has developed into 'playing the spoons'. A pair of desert spoons (or similar) are held with concave sides facing out and with a finger between their handles to keep them apart. When the pair is struck, the spoons hit each other and then spring back to their original position. The spoons are typically struck against the knee and the palm of the hand but the fingers and other body parts may also be used as striking surfaces to produce different sounds. Two very good examples of spoon playing can be viewed here and here.
This simple improvised instrument has been refined over the years and the spoons are often joined with the use of a synthetic handle or are crafted in wood. Gandharva Loka offers both the plastic handled/metal spoons and the one-piece wooden variety pictured above.
Tambourine
The tambourine is at once an ancient instrument and one of the most common and best known instruments in the world today. It has been used in a wide range of music genre over the centuries. The tambourine consists of a wood or plastic frame with pairs of small metal discs, known as 'zils', mounted into it. Classically the term tambourine denotes an instrument with a drumhead although some models are headless. Right from a young age children love to shake the tambourine and it is also a great instrument for helping to maintain the rhythm in music groups.
Temple Block
Temple blocks are traditionally used to serve as a beat for chants in Buddhist ceremonies. One can also use them with a lot of flexibility as the different sizes and tones produce a wonderfully array of sounds. Temple blocks are generally played as a set on a stand but they can also be held and played as single instrument using wooden or rubber tipped strikers.
Thunder Drums
The thunder drum (also known as a Spring Drum) is a wondrous creation as it gives us the power to create thunder and lightening, anywhere, anytime.
A simple instrument, in terms of construction, the thunder drum is a resonating tube with a drum skin attached to one end. Through this skin is connected a long spring, which when being played hangs down from the bottom of the instrument. By shaking the instrument from side to side we create wonderful thunder effects and by gently striking the spring we can bring lightening to life. The thunder drum is perfect instrument for all manner of performance and is always a firm favourite with children.
Triangle
The triangle is an idiophone type of musical instrument in the percussion family. It is a bar of metal, usually steel but sometimes other metals such as beryllium copper, bent into a triangle shape. One of the angles is left open, with the ends of the bar not quite touching. The instrument is usually held by a loop of some form of thread or wire at the top curve. It is usually struck with a metal beater, giving a high-pitched, ringing tone. It is generally though that the triangle was first made around the 16th century and that early triangles had jingling rings along the lower side.
Vibraslap
The vibraslap is a percussion instrument consisting of a piece of stiff wire that is bent into a U shape and connects a wood ball to a hollow wooden box that contains small pieces of metal. The percussionist holds the metal wire in one hand and strikes the ball with the free hand. The box acts as a resonating body for a metal mechanism placed inside with a number of loosely fastened pins or rivets that vibrate and rattle against the box.
The vibraslap is a modern version of a rattle instrument made from horse or donkey jawbones (the teeth would rattle in the dried out jawbones of the skull...!) which is probably why vibraslaps are sometimes called 'donkey rattles'. Vibraslaps, which come in a variety of sizes and materials, are frequently used in Latin American music. While they offer one basic kind of sound, there is plenty of room for variations and effects. There is a really helpful set of video clips that offer background and demonstrations of the vibraslap here.
Wah Wah Tubes
Wah Wah Tubes are simple aluminium tubular bells that produce a long-lasting sound that is rich in overtones. A fascinating 'wah-wah' effect can be created by opening and closing the small opening.
Holding the tube in one hand with the thumb above but not covering the hole, the beater is used to strike the open end of the tube. Opening and close the hole with the thumb to get the wah-wah effect or by slide an extended finger backwards and forwards across the hole. Each wah wah tube comes with a beater.
Wooden Clackers
Gandharva Loka stocks hand-made wooden clackers with handles that are carved as dolphins or geckos. These eighteen blade wooden clackers offer a warm and natural tone. Clackers play a crucial role in both traditional and contemporary music that requires a strong percussive rhythm section.
Wooden clackers will add excitement to any Djembe circle or African drum sessions. And as they are made from natural material and feature the shapes of our cute friends from the animal kingdom, they are very popular with children.
Index
Related pages
- BIMM – Books, Incense, Music and Merchandise.
Can't find what you are looking for?
It is sometimes the case that we keep instruments in our store than are not listed on these pages – and we have new instruments arriving regularly. We do try to keep our instruments pages updated and generally we also list newly arrived instruments on The Gandharva Loka Blog.
However, if you cannot find the instrument you are looking for on these pages, kindly contact us as the instrument you need may well be on our shelves or we may be able to assist you in tracking it down.
Subscribe to The Gandharva Loka Newsletter
Get the latest from Gandharva Loka!
If you would like to receive news about the arrival of new instruments, special offers, events such as concerts, musical instrument workshops and free meditation classes, kindly subscribe to The Gandharva Loka Newsletter.