Custom Handcrafted Djembe Crafting & Restoration
We build each djembe by hand using traditional West African methods passed down by our guru, Grandmaster Mamady Keïta. From custom drum crafting to professional restoration, we ensure every instrument delivers the perfect resonant voice.
This is the best part of my work, the final sound check. I play every custom djembe to make sure it has that perfect, resonant voice with the right slap, tone, and bass. This is the 'Wassa Wassa' feeling I aim for in every handcrafted drum.
Here you can see the 'dry pull' in progress, which is the toughest part of making a djembe. This traditional West African technique involves weaving and pulling ropes to create the first major tension on the goatskin, setting the foundation for the drum's powerful sound.
A look at a fully finished, custom-built djembe. Notice the intricate rope work for tuning and the hand-carved details on the wooden shell. Each drum is a unique piece, built to be an extension of your own voice.
In my TEDx talk, I share my journey from clinical psychology to founding Taal Inc. I explain the deep therapeutic benefits of drumming and how rhythm can be a powerful tool for health and connection, which is the philosophy behind every drum I build.
With my guru, the late Grandmaster Mamady Keïta. The time I spent learning from him is the foundation of my craft. I use the traditional djembe making and tuning methods he passed down to me to honor his legacy.
About Featured
The most vital step in our process is the 'dry pull.' This is an intense, manual tensioning technique where we weave and tighten ropes to stretch the goat skin precisely against the shell. It is physically demanding work, but it is the only way to ensure the drum holds its pitch and delivers that authentic, resonant West African sound you are looking for.
Building Your Djembe
When you commission a custom djembe, you are getting an instrument built from seasoned woods like Sheesham, Mahogany, or Red Cedar. We align the spine of the goat skin for sound symmetry and use climbing-grade rope for the Mali Weave system.
Every drum goes through:
- Shell Preparation: Turning the shell to West African dimensions to maximize bass resonance.
- The Dry Pull: A multi-stage manual tensioning process that removes slack and sets the foundation for the sound.
- Final Tuning: We hand-tune every drum, testing for crisp slaps and deep bass until we hear that 'Wassa Wassa' quality.
Restoration Services
If you have a djembe that has lost its life, do not replace it yet. We offer full restoration services. This includes dismantling the drum, sanding the bearing edge to protect the skin, and performing a full re-skinning with professional-grade goat skin. We then re-string it using traditional tuning methods to restore its original power and tone.
Why Choose Us?
Factory-made drums often lack the character needed for performance. When we build a drum for you, it becomes an extension of your voice. Whether you are a beginner looking for your first proper djembe or a pro needing a specific tonal quality, we build to your needs. If you are in Pune, feel free to reach out to discuss your requirements or visit our workshop in Viman Nagar to see how we tune these instruments.
Similar work from other experts
Browse through Curated picks from other experts on mytribe
Tabla Recording and Live Rhythm Performances
Discover the Farukhabad Gharana Tabla Style
Learn Authentic Tabla: From Classical Roots to Healing
Featured Sitar Performances & Music Production
Custom DJ Remixes, Mashups and Original Beat Production
8
Sitar Performances and Indian Classical Music Workshops
More from Djembe Drum Making & Maintenance by Taal Inc