What is the shell of the Meinl Travel Series Djembe made of?

The shell is constructed from a lightweight synthetic material. This design choice is intended to make the drum 20% lighter than Meinl's fiberglass alternatives.

What type of drum head does this model use?

It features a hand-selected goat skin head. This material is chosen to provide a traditional feel and sound that synthetic heads often lack.

How is the 12" Travel Series Djembe tuned?

It utilizes the traditional Mali Weave tuning system. This is a rope-based method that allows for precise tensioning of the drum head.

Is this djembe suitable for outdoor use?

Yes, its synthetic shell makes it more resistant to weather and temperature changes than traditional wood shells. However, the goat skin head may still react slightly to high humidity.

What does 'Kenyan Quilt' refer to?

Kenyan Quilt is the specific aesthetic finish or pattern applied to the exterior of the djembe shell. It gives the modern synthetic drum a traditional visual appearance.

How much does this djembe typically cost?

The typical price for this specific model is approximately £142. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and shipping costs.

What is the diameter of this specific drum?

This model has a 12-inch diameter head. This is considered a standard size that offers a good balance between deep bass and high-pitched slaps.

How does the weight compare to other Meinl djembes?

It is significantly lighter, specifically 20% lighter than Meinl’s fiberglass models. This makes it one of the most portable 12-inch djembes in their catalogue.

Does this drum use mechanical tuning lugs?

No, this model uses a rope-tuned system. It does not feature the metal lugs found on some modern percussion instruments.

Can the goat skin head be replaced if it breaks?

Yes, goat skin heads on rope-tuned djembes can be replaced. However, this requires knowledge of the Mali Weave rope-tuning technique.

Is a carrying bag included with the djembe?

Standard retail versions of this product do not typically include a bag in the base price of £142. Users often purchase a separate 12" djembe bag for transport.

What are some related Meinl percussion items?

Other related items from Meinl include Small Plastic Egg Maracas, Spin Spark Shakers, and Planetary Tuned Crystal Singing Bowls.

Gear article

Meinl Travel Series 12" Djembe Goat Head Kenyan Quilt

The Meinl Travel Series 12" Djembe is a lightweight, portable hand percussion instrument designed to bridge the gap between traditional aesthetics and modern materials. Featuring a synthetic shell and a hand-selected goat skin head, it is engineered for musicians who require a mobile instrument without sacrificing the authentic tonal characteristics of a rope-tuned drum.

See live prices

Overview and Design

The Meinl Travel Series 12" Djembe is defined by its ultra-lightweight construction, specifically designed for percussionists who travel frequently. The primary innovation of this model is its synthetic shell, which Meinl states is approximately 20% lighter than their standard fiberglass counterparts. This reduction in weight makes it an ideal choice for busking, workshops, and recreational drumming circles. The exterior features a 'Kenyan Quilt' finish, providing a distinctive visual identity that references traditional African patterns.

Tuning and Head Construction

While the body uses modern synthetic materials, the drum maintains a traditional approach to sound generation through its head and tuning mechanism. It utilizes a hand-selected goat skin head, which is favored for its organic texture and response compared to fully synthetic alternatives. The drum is tuned using the classic Mali Weave system, a traditional rope-tuning method that allows the player to maintain high tension for sharp, clear tones while ensuring the pitch remains stable during performance.

Sound Character

The combination of a synthetic shell and a natural goat head produces a balanced acoustic profile. The synthetic shell provides a resonant, consistent projection that is less susceptible to environmental changes than wood, while the goat skin head delivers the warm, earthy bass notes and crisp, 'slap' highs characteristic of professional djembes. This hybrid construction ensures the instrument can cut through an ensemble while maintaining the authentic 'wood-and-skin' feel under the hands.

Target Audience and Application

This instrument is primarily suited for mobile percussionists, educators, and hobbyists. Because the synthetic shell is resistant to weather fluctuations, it is a practical choice for outdoor performances where wooden drums might be prone to cracking or significant detuning. Its 12-inch diameter provides a full range of sounds, making it versatile enough for both solo play and integration into larger percussion setups alongside items like cowbells, shakers, or glockenspiels.

Market Comparison

Compared to Meinl's Fiberglass Djembes, the Travel Series offers a significant weight advantage, making it easier to transport for long periods. While professional wooden djembes may offer a deeper, more complex resonance, they are typically much heavier and more sensitive to humidity. In the broader percussion market, this model sits alongside other portable options like Remo's synthetic djembes, though Meinl distinguishes this model through the use of natural goat skin and the traditional rope-tuning system rather than mechanical lugs.

Related gear

Frequently asked questions

What is the shell of the Meinl Travel Series Djembe made of?: The shell is constructed from a lightweight synthetic material. This design choice is intended to make the drum 20% lighter than Meinl's fiberglass alternatives.
What type of drum head does this model use?: It features a hand-selected goat skin head. This material is chosen to provide a traditional feel and sound that synthetic heads often lack.
How is the 12" Travel Series Djembe tuned?: It utilizes the traditional Mali Weave tuning system. This is a rope-based method that allows for precise tensioning of the drum head.
Is this djembe suitable for outdoor use?: Yes, its synthetic shell makes it more resistant to weather and temperature changes than traditional wood shells. However, the goat skin head may still react slightly to high humidity.
What does 'Kenyan Quilt' refer to?: Kenyan Quilt is the specific aesthetic finish or pattern applied to the exterior of the djembe shell. It gives the modern synthetic drum a traditional visual appearance.
How much does this djembe typically cost?: The typical price for this specific model is approximately £142. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and shipping costs.
What is the diameter of this specific drum?: This model has a 12-inch diameter head. This is considered a standard size that offers a good balance between deep bass and high-pitched slaps.
How does the weight compare to other Meinl djembes?: It is significantly lighter, specifically 20% lighter than Meinl’s fiberglass models. This makes it one of the most portable 12-inch djembes in their catalogue.
Does this drum use mechanical tuning lugs?: No, this model uses a rope-tuned system. It does not feature the metal lugs found on some modern percussion instruments.
Can the goat skin head be replaced if it breaks?: Yes, goat skin heads on rope-tuned djembes can be replaced. However, this requires knowledge of the Mali Weave rope-tuning technique.
Is a carrying bag included with the djembe?: Standard retail versions of this product do not typically include a bag in the base price of £142. Users often purchase a separate 12" djembe bag for transport.
What are some related Meinl percussion items?: Other related items from Meinl include Small Plastic Egg Maracas, Spin Spark Shakers, and Planetary Tuned Crystal Singing Bowls.