Djembe Drum Making & Maintenance
TAAL INC
We make and repair custom, hand-crafted djembes using traditional West African methods, with each drum built and tuned individually for you.
Pricing Guide
Custom Handcrafted Pro Djembe
Build Specifications
- Shell Material: Premium seasoned Sheesham, Mahogany, or Red Cedar turned to West African dimensions for optimal bass.
- Skin: Unbleached, medium-thick goat skin with spine aligned for sound symmetry.
- Rope: Climbing-grade 4mm to 5mm polyester rope using the Mali Weave system.
Finishing & Protection
- Customization: Choice of rope colors (single or dual tone) and fabric wrapping on rings.
- Treatment: Multiple coats of Linseed or Teak oil to nourish the wood.
- Protection: Rubber tire trimming or tacked rubber base added to the bottom.
Expert Tuning
- The Dry Pull: Multi-stage manual tensioning process to remove slack and set the skin.
- Validation: Final sound check by Varun Venkit to ensure distinct Bass, Tone, and Slap sounds.
- Handover: Brief orientation on maintaining tension during the break-in period.
Full Djembe Reskinning & Restoration
Prep & Repair
- Dismantling: Safe removal of old ropes and damaged skin.
- Edge Work: Sanding and waxing the shell bearing edge to prevent future skin cuts and improve clarity.
- Ring Care: Re-wrapping metal rings with fresh fabric to protect the rope.
Skinning Process
- Material: Wet mounting of new premium goat skin with precise spine centering.
- Assembly: Re-stringing verticals using existing or new rope with clean trimming for a professional finish.
Tuning & Delivery
- Tensioning: Includes initial wet pull, drying period, and final strenuous dry pull.
- Pitch: Tuning to solo-performance pitch with traditional diamond knots to lock in tension.
- Tonal Verification: Testing to ensure crisp slaps and deep bass without overtones.
About Djembe Drum Making & Maintenance
Building a djembe is my meditation. Every drum carries the memory of my guru, Grandmaster Mamady Këita, and the belief that 'the djembe knows no borders'. This isn't just about making instruments - it's about connecting you to your own rhythm.
What You Get: Custom, Traditional Djembes
- Each djembe is made for one person, by hand, using traditional West African methods.
- I focus on custom djembe crafting, aiming for that 'Wassa Wassa!' feeling every time you play.
- These drums are not factory-made - they're meant to be an extension of your voice, not just another instrument.
How I Build: Sweat, Rope, and Sound
- Skinning: Careful fitting of quality skin on the shell.
- The Dry Pull: Yeh sabse tough part hai! (This is the toughest part!) Ropes are woven and pulled tight for that first, big stretch.
- Tensioning & Tuning: More rope work to dial in the pitch - nothing standard, all handcrafted djembe tuning.
- Sound Check: The best bit. I play every drum, making sure it has the right slap, tone, and bass.
Drum Maintenance & Repairs
- Old drum not sounding right? I handle West African drum restoration, from djembe re-skinning service to tuning and rope repairs.
- Your drum gets back its original masti (fun/joy) and power, ready for more jamming.
If your djembe needs new energy or you want something built just for you, I’m here with hands, heart, and a lot of rope.
Meet your Expert
Taal Inc
35 connects in last 3 months
My Story
Hey, we’re Taal Inc. – started by Varun, who swapped psychology for the djembe after it blew his mind (and heart). Our roots go deep, thanks to Grandmaster Mamady Keïta’s blessings. The djembe’s not just an instrument, it’s got spirit, history, and a knack for breaking barriers. We see kids, elders, total strangers, all grooving together. Making new drums feels like Diwali फटाका (firecracker) for us. Taal Inc. is a tribe, not just a company. Wassa Wassa! Happy Happy!
My Work
All-In Drum Experiences - We run corporate drum circles, West African djembe workshops, rhythm ensembles, junk percussion, wellness sessions, and facilitator training.
Community Drum Circles - No skills needed, just show up. We supply drums. Age, background, doesn’t matter. Come find your sewa (joy) and connect.
Traditional Djembe Classes - Learn djembe the West African way, straight from Mamady Keïta’s curriculum. Classes in Baner and Kalyani Nagar for all.
Event Drumming - Birthdays, weddings, office events – we bring the drums and energy. No circle? We’ll improvise, guests will remember it.
Rhythm Facilitator Training - Our 'Find Your Inner Rhythm' course teaches you how to use rhythm for real change, not just for show.
