Doumbek

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A doumbek (the Armenian name for the goblet drum) has a single drum head on one end and is open on the other end. The body may be made of beaten, cast, or spun metal and of ceramic or wood. Materials for the head of the doumbek include synthetics such as FiberSkyn and the traditional animal skins, such as goat or fish.

Ceramic bodies with animal skin heads are usually considered to have the best tone, those with metal bodies and Mylar heads are typically favored by professional musicians. The reason being that the synthetic once they are far more durable, easier to tune, and insensitive to weather conditions. Additionally, those drums with Mylar skins can be played very loudly, matching them up easily with modern brass and electric instruments.

There are two main types of doumbeks. The Egyptian style has rounded edges around the head, whereas the Turkish style exposes the edge of the head. The exposed edge allows closer access to the head so finger-snapping techniques can be done, but the hard edge discourages the rapid rolls possible with the Egyptian style.

You may play a doumbek by holding it under one arm or by taking a seated position and placing it between the knees. It produces a resonant, low-sustain sound while played lightly with the palm and fingertips. Some players move their fists in and out of the bell to alter the tone. Another playing technique is to tap with the fingers of one hand and with a thin stick in the other hand. There is quite a variety of techniques and rhythms that form the basis of the music and dance styles of the Middle East which can be played with this drum.