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DRUMMER CAFE - Community Forum > MAIN LOBBY > Percussion Parlor > Topic: Different tones on one djembe- tuning problems?

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	Author	Topic: Different tones on one djembe- tuning problems? (Read 96 times)
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TheSpindoctor

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Different tones on one djembe- tuning problems?

« on: March 23, 2008, 09:57 PM »

I recently picked up a remo 12 inch key tuned djembe. I like the tone of it and love the easy tunability (compared to my last rope tuned).

The problem is that the djembe seems to have different tones in some spots. You can really only tell on the slaps. It seems like one spot on rim would resonate to one tone (for the sake of this example lets say its a C) and a spot 3 inches away sounds at least a half step lower. Why is this? I thought the difference in tone was happening right above a lug, so it must be that that lug is off tuned, so I could just adjust that one. That didnt work so I'm tryin to get some help from some of you guys.

I hope you get what I'm sayin and thanks for anything.
-Aaron


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Bart Elliott

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Re: Different tones on one djembe- tuning problems?

« Reply #1 on: March 23, 2008, 10:14 PM »

This applies to all membranophones.

When you tune a drum, and notice that one point of the drum is out of tune, you don't necessarily need to adjust that point on the drum.

Using your example, if one spot sounds low compared to other points on the drum, try increasing the tension (tighten) the lug directly across from the problem spot.

The points directly across and on either side of the "problem" spot are where you'll need to adjust to fix the "problem" spot. I know it seems that you need to adjust right where you are hearing the problem, but that's not how membranes react and vibrate.

Something you can do to help you with this is to tap where the "problem" is, then check directly across and on either side. Compare all these points then adjust accordingly.

Make changes slowly, taking where the problem spot is ... and hear the change take place as you increase/decrease tension.