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Product Overview
The 16-17"x25" Paragon Heartwood Mali Professional Djembe Drum is among the most elite djembes from Mali because they are exceptionally rare. It would properly fit an advanced level djembe player who is at least 6'5" with large hands, and who knows an extra- extra- large djembe is needed to produce the desired sound. When the head has such a large diameter it takes a lot of tension to get the center of the skin stretched tight enough to reduce overtone, and takes a lot of energy to draw out a good sound. At proper tension these oversize 16-17" djembes have an exceptionally huge bass response, thick, rich slaps that carry some overtone, and deep, strong open tones. This djembe isn't the high and dry type of a sound that you would typically want for a lead djembe. When one of these drums is ordered we call before shipping just to make sure the customer knows what they are buying, since frankly it is too huge for most drummers to play well. We don't take free returns due to the extra costs involved in shipping, and the liability of the drum breaking in transit because it is so heavy.
Each of our Mali djembes are crafted by expert carvers using specialty hardwoods, finished with top-rate skin and rope, always with the 3-top ring tuning system. Shells are selected from Hare, Lenke, Dugura, and Acajou, healthy and well seasoned. At proper tension these oversize 16-17" djembes have an exceptionally huge bass response, thick, rich slaps with deep, strong open tones. Here is what this Mali djembe features: 15.5"-17" OSD wood, 24.5-25" full height, 11-12" OSD base, 23-28 lbs. Inventory includes Hare, Lenke, Dugura, and Acajou hardwoods, solid one piece construction, uniform thickness, imported direct. Wood seasoned and handcarved in Mali, West Africa, treated inside and out with lots of shea butter and coconut oil. Thick Mali goat skin, wet shaved and hydrated with a bit of shea butter. 5mm braided rasta drum rope for the 30-34 pairs of vertical ropes, first row of tuning started. 4mm mix rasta color drum rope for top loops and bottom loops, double hitch loop pattern on bottom ring. Bright cloth used to wrap bottom and top rings, including flesh hoop to prevent rust damage to skin. Extra tuning rope included, wrapped around neck for storage. All 1/4" rings custom fitted very tight, keeps tension even. 3 top ring tuning systems locks in tension and makes tuning more efficient. Well shaped bearing edge, hand rounded on both edges for playing comfort, skin safety, and sound quality Simple geometric deep carved designs cover half to full base.
* After import from Africa, each instrument is cleaned, inspected, tuned, and played individually to check sound and quality.
* Excellent sound quality from solid handcarved wood shell and natural West African goat skin.
* Hand tuned prior to shipping - playable right out of the box.
* Wood seasoned and handcarved in Mali, West Africa, treated inside and out with lots of shea butter and coconut oil
* Hand crafted in Africa by village cultural artisans supported by the non-profit Africa Heartwood Project .
