Hi music lover. Are you ready to dive into the amazing world of the Darbuka Instrument? This drum, with its unique sound and shape, has turned many heads and is very recognizable as the sound of the middle east. So what’s so special about it? We’ll dig into the design, history, and how it’s played. Yes!
Are you ready? let’s get started.
Origins of the Darbuka
The darbuka, also known as Doumbeck or Tabla, is basically a goblet-shaped drum, that has its roots in the middle east. To be specific – Egypt & Turkey. Some recognize it as the instrument of Israel, but it’s actually a very common drum from North Africa all the way through the middle east.
The name ‘Darbuka’ comes from the Arabic word “Darba”, which literally means, if you wonder, “strike”. Makes sense, no? It’s basically named the instrument you’d strike on.
Many wonder who invented the Darbuka. Well, it is a bit of a mystery. It has been around for so long that it is hard to pinpoint a specific person or country of origin. Yet, its evolution is heavily rooted in the music of the middle east. Egypt, Turkey, and the Persian Gulf.
So, let’s start our journey into the world of the Darbuka. Stay tuned while we delve deeper into understanding this fascinating instrument.
The design and parts of the Darbuka
The Doumbek, with its famous goblet-like shape, is quite a standout. Isn’t it? Typically it’s made up of a drum head and a body. We’ll get there later, but when a clay darbuka master crafts the Darbuka, it is made of two parts. Imagine the top and the bottom are split in the middle.
Have a look at our maker as he crafts the two parts of the clay Darbuka:
The Darbuka’s head
Typically, you’d see the Darbuka with a synthetic skin, made of plastic or PVC. But in more traditional Darbukas you often see goat skin and even fish skin. In Egypt, they tend to use puffer fish, and in Turkey or Iran, they’d use catfish skin. How cool is that?
The Darbuka’s sound
A Darbuka can produce quite a unique and variated sound palette, and with the right technique, it generally produces two different main sounds. That’s the famous ‘Dum’ & ‘Tak’. The ‘Dum’ being the deep bass tone created by hitting the center of the head drum. In contrast, the ‘Tek’ is a lighter, higher-pitched sound that occurs when striking the edges of the drum head.
Buying your first Darbuka
With so many Darbukas in the market, that might be intimidating to choose one, we can imagine. So let’s venture and deep dive into the different types of Darbukas out there. Fear not, for we’re here to guide you!
Size does matter
The size of a Dabuka, measured specifically by the diameter of its drum head (excluding the edges), is the most essential factor. Too small, and you won’t have enough space for your hands to dance around the drum. The sweet spot for most people is 22cm – 23cm and in fact, that’s the size of most Darbukas. So if you are not sure, just opt for this size.
If you’re looking for something more of a bass or you have larger hands, then you should be looking at the Sombati Darbuka, known as the medium bass Darbuka. But if this is not enough and you’re after the ultimate bass sound, then you’re likely to love the Dohola or Dahola, known as Bass Darbuka.
| Darbuka | Sombati (Medium Bass) | Dohola (Bass Darbuka) | |
| Weight | 1kg – 2.5kg | 2.4kg – 6kg | 6kg + |
| Head Skin Width | 22cm – 24cm | 24cm – 25cm | 27cm – 30cm |
| Height | 42cm – 44cm | 45cm | 48cm – 50cm |
Tip: The larger over 25cm Darbukas, called Dohollas might be tempting to purchase at first. They can be a delight to play with and produce majestic sounds, but they come with a higher price tag and can be challenging to handle for beginners.
Material Choice: Wood, Clay, or Metal?
Historically, Darbukas were made of wood or clay. But many modern players prefer metal for its resilience, durability, and sound quality. Wood Darukas are much of a thing from the past and rarely found. Often feature questionable quality as well.
Clay Darbukas though are rooted in tradition. Many professional players opt for them, and it is a common instrument of choice for world-beat music. Although they are harder to maintain, and ofcourse their fragility, they still make a popular choice.
Metal darbukas, which are mostly a 2-layered aluminum casting, are the practical choice for the modern musician. They keep in tune regardless of weather and are more durable. Also, their parts can be easier replaced. While changing fish skin is a challenging task, the drum head of the metal darbuka is a breeze to replace. Plus, they have that sound quality that most players simply enjoy.
Egyptian Darbuka vs. Turkish Darbuka
When it comes to the construction of metal darbukas, both Egyptian and Turkish varieties generally use similar materials, most commonly aluminum, copper, or brass. However, the differences in construction methods and design principles can lead to differences in the instrument’s final characteristics.
Flat-headed Turkish Darbukas
While browsing the internet searching for a Darbuka, you’ve probably stumbled upon those flat-headed Turkish darbukas. What’s with those you are asking?
Sound aside, Turkish darbukas offer exposed edges which allows you easier playability and also better grip and control over the instrument. The Turkish style of playing Darbuka has a lot of virtuosos to it. With the Turkish darbuka being flat-headed, it’s easier to perform those maneuvers.
The flat-rimmed Darbukas are smaller, thinner and are used for a technique that utilizes snapping the ring and middle fingers on the off-hand. Another important point is that due to the different manufacturing processes and materials, the Turkish darbukas are lighter, at about 2.4kg.
Turkish Darbukas are typically cast in a single piece, including the body and the rim. This construction method provides a seamless shell that promotes resonance and a more metallic, sharp sound, ideal for fast, intricate rhythms. The shell is then covered with a layer of chrome, nickel, or another plating material for added durability and aesthetics.
Double-shell Egyptian Darbukas
In contrast, Egyptian darbukas are made from rolled sheets of metal. This process involves shaping a flat sheet of metal into a cylindrical form. The next step is then welding the edges together to create the body of the drum. To finalize the head, the rim is attached separately. This method creates larger and wider drums, that contributed to the deep, full-bodied sound that Egyptian darbukas are so well known for.
Anyway, in both cases, the type of metal used significantly affects the sound. For example, brass & copper tends to create a warmer, fuller tone, while aluminum produces a sharper, brighter sound. The thickness of the metal also takes a major role. The thicker it is, the more balance the sound will be, and less treble.
Which darbuka head should I choose?
The head of the Darbuka, or the drum skin makes a crucial role in the sound quality of your instrument. The head affects the pitch, tone, and resonance.
Synthetic heads
Our recommendation is to use a synthetic drum head. Whether that’s a PowerBeat, Remo, or Eearth Percussion skin, that would be a good starting point. These heads are incredibly durable, sound-consistent, and weather resistant. They don’t require much maintenance and can handle temperature changes without affecting the pitch.
Most players choose them for their clear and sharp tones. They’re also great for fast and dynamic playing, because of their flexibility and responsiveness. All of the above, make them the most popular.
Natural skin heads
In case you have a clay darbuka, or in some rare cases an old Egyptian darbuka, natural skin is always an option. Those traditional heads are loved for their warm, deep, and complex sounds. They provide the traditional touch, which can be very appealing the some Darbuka players.
While needing more maintenance and care, they do offer something that Synthetic skins don’t. The common skins of use are goat, calf, and fish skin. Goat skin is the most durable, and fish skin, although expensive, is the ultimate choice due to its durability and thin surface.
Rolling with the Rhythms: How to Play the Darbuka
Alright folks, you got your Darbuka and you want to start playing. Right? Now don’t get me wrong, this isn’t your ‘learn-to-play-in-5-minutes’ clickbait. Nah, we’re talking real-time, hands-on, you-and-your-darbuka bonding. And I promise you, it’s gonna be fun!
Mastering the Sounds
Now, a darbuka is no ordinary drum. This drum has two main sounds – the ‘Dum’ and the ‘Tek’. The ‘Dum’ is the deep sound you get when you hit the center of the drum head. The ‘Tek’ is a lighter, sharper sound you get from hitting the edge. It’s like the darbuka’s version of ‘Yin and Yang’, you need to learn both to maintain balance in your beats.
Start by trying to get those sounds right at the beginning. Make the Dum sound deep, and the Tek sound high-pitched.
Find the Right Tutor
You might be thinking, “Well, that’s great, but how do I actually start playing?” Fear not, we’ve got you covered. There’s an array of resources out there. Here are two of the most recommended choices.
Raquy’s Darbuka course
Are you looking for advanced split-hand style lessons? Check this course. In Raquy’s lessons, all the individual fingers are used to give you amazing speed and dexterity.
Darbuka School
The Darbuka school teaches how to play the Doumbek for all level players. It’s presented in an easy and clear way to follow. It teaches techniques, rhythms, and how to play for a dancer.
Practice, Practice, Practice
Now, you may have heard this before, but I’ll say it again. Practice is key. Trust me, your hands will feel alien at first. You’ll hit the ‘Dum’ when you want a ‘Tek’, and vice versa. But give it time, keep practicing, and soon enough, your fingers will be dancing on that darbuka like they were born to do just that.
Take it Easy
Last, but not least, remember to enjoy the journey. Playing the darbuka isn’t just about the destination (although playing at that party and seeing everyone’s impressed faces will be pretty sweet). It’s about the rhythm, the connection to the music, and the joy of creating something beautiful. So take it easy, and let the darbuka guide you to your own unique beat.
Darbuka: A Melodic Journey Through Cultures
Picture this: A moonlit night in an open-air bazaar in Istanbul. The air is filled with tantalizing scents of roasting kebabs and freshly brewed Turkish tea. Then, the distinct rhythm of a darbuka starts to grab your attention. This very beat has echoed across many cultures.
In the universe of the darbuka, Ahmet Misirli is a name that resonates powerfully. A master in his own right, Misirli is an unsung hero who has championed the cause of the darbuka with his intricate playing and teachings. His music, vibrant and pulsating, can transport you from the smoky cafes of Istanbul to the grandeur of a packed concert hall, showing the darbuka’s unique versatility.
In traditional Arabic music, the darbuka takes the center of the stage. At weddings and festivities in Egypt or Lebanon, it leads the energetic “dabke” dance, dictating the pace with its rhythms.
Yet, the darbuka isn’t confined to traditional music. It has seamlessly integrated into modern genres too. Middle Eastern pop sensation Nancy Ajram often incorporates the darbuka in her music, adding a unique Middle Eastern twist to her songs. Similarly, the British rock band Led Zeppelin used darbuka rhythms in their song “Kashmir,” adding an exotic layer to their sound.
Beyond concerts and music festivals, the darbuka has also made its mark in movie scores. If you’ve ever watched “Lawrence of Arabia,” the evocative darbuka rhythms will have you transported straight to the heart of the desert.
Ahmet Misirli: Watch him as he’s going mad with his beautiful clay Dohola
Yshai Afterman: A modern Israeli percussionist, who uses unusual complicated rhythms. Try to follow the 1/2/3/4 and you’re likely to lose it rather quickly
Omar Kattan: Shows very well the diverse sounds of the Arabic darbuka. Enjoy listening to the amazing range of sounds he produces
Suat Borazan: With his rapid finger movements he puts a spell on the audience. This one is a must!
Will you start the journey?
So, here we are, at the end of our blog post, weaving through cultures, music, and history with the beat of the darbuka. The Darbuka is all about the rich past, tracing its roots back to ancient Middle Eastern civilizations. It has witnessed its evolution from a simple clay drum to a sophisticated and finely-crafted instrument.
You now know the various sizes, materials, and types of darbuka, from the compact yet resonant Turkish darbuka to the larger, more sonorous Egyptian Sombaty.
As the echo of the darbuka fades, we invite you to continue exploring this fascinating instrument. And why not try it out for yourself? With its fascinating simple yet captivating tone and rhythmic versatility, the darbuka offers you a world of musical exploration. Hey there, you might just discover a new passion, who knows?
