What is the primary material used for the drum head?

The drum head is made from authentic goat skin. This natural material is chosen for its ability to produce deep bass, warm mids, and clear overtones.

How do you tune the Sela 12" Goat Skin Frame Drum?

The drum features an integrated air-pressure tuning system. This allows for quick pitch adjustments using a supplied air pump, eliminating the need for traditional tuning tools.

Where is this drum manufactured?

The Sela 12" Goat Skin Frame Drum is handmade in Europe. This ensures a high level of craftsmanship and quality control for the instrument.

What is the diameter of the drum?

The drum has a diameter of 12 inches. This size provides a balance between portability and a surface area capable of producing significant bass frequencies.

Is the drum comfortable to hold for long periods?

Yes, it is designed with a lightweight wooden frame. It also includes an integrated grip hole to enhance comfort during extended playing sessions or performances.

What kind of sounds can this drum produce?

The drum is capable of a wide range of sounds, from low, meditative tones to sharper, projecting rhythms. The goat-skin head supports a variety of frequencies including deep bass and clear overtones.

Does it come with any accessories?

Yes, the drum is supplied with an air pump. This pump is essential for operating the air-pressure tuning system to adjust the drum's pitch.

Who is the ideal user for this instrument?

It is designed for musicians, sound practitioners, and beginners. Its intuitive nature makes it suitable for anyone exploring rhythm or meditative soundscapes.

Can this drum be used for sound therapy?

Yes, it is specifically noted as being ideal for sound practitioners. The ability to reach low, meditative tones makes it a useful tool for relaxation and sound healing.

How does the air-pressure system benefit the player?

It allows for rapid changes in pitch without needing a drum key or wrench. This makes the drum highly adaptable to different musical settings on the fly.

Is the frame made of plastic or wood?

The frame is constructed from wood. This material contributes to the drum's lightweight feel and traditional aesthetic.

What is the typical price for this model?

The Sela 12" Goat Skin Frame Drum typically retails for approximately £307. This reflects its status as a handmade, professional-grade instrument.

Gear article

Sela 12" Goat Skin Frame Drum

The Sela 12" Goat Skin Frame Drum is a versatile percussion instrument featuring a goat-skin head and a proprietary air-pressure tuning system. Designed for both musical performance and sound therapy, it offers a broad tonal range through tool-free pitch adjustments.

See live prices

Overview

The Sela 12" Goat Skin Frame Drum is a professional-grade percussion instrument that combines traditional materials with modern engineering. Handmade in Europe, the drum is designed to cater to a wide audience, ranging from stage musicians to sound practitioners. Its construction prioritises ease of use and portability, evidenced by its lightweight wooden frame and integrated grip hole, which facilitates comfort during extended playing sessions.

Key Features and Design

The defining technical feature of this instrument is its air-pressure tuning system. Unlike traditional frame drums that require physical keys or heat to alter tension, this model allows the player to make quick, precise pitch adjustments using a supplied air pump. This system enables the user to transition between different sonic profiles without the need for external tools. The drum's physical design includes a 12-inch diameter and a wooden frame designed to be ergonomic for both seated and standing play.

Sonic Characteristics

Equipped with a responsive goat-skin head, the drum is capable of producing a wide spectrum of frequencies. Players can elicit deep bass notes, warm mid-tones, and clear overtones. The air-pressure system further enhances this versatility, allowing for 'meditative' low-frequency tones or sharper, more projecting sounds suitable for rhythmic accompaniment. The combination of natural skin and a wooden frame ensures a rich, organic timber that is highly responsive to various striking techniques.

Applications

The instrument is suited for a diverse range of settings:

Live Performance: The projecting highs and clear overtones make it suitable for acoustic ensembles.
Sound Therapy: The low meditative tones are ideal for sound practitioners and mindfulness applications.
Education: Its intuitive design makes it accessible for beginners exploring rhythm.
Recording: The tonal variety provided by the goat skin head offers significant flexibility in the studio.

Market Comparison

Compared to other percussion instruments such as the Remo 10" Lollipop Frame Drum, which is geared toward educational or novelty use, the Sela 12" is a more sophisticated tool for serious musicians. While snare drums like the British Drum Co. Maverick or the DW Collectors Series provide the backbeat for kit drumming, the Sela Frame Drum serves as a melodic and atmospheric percussion alternative. Within the Sela range itself, it offers a more traditional percussive experience compared to the Sela Melody Tongue Drum.

Related gear

Frequently asked questions

What is the primary material used for the drum head?: The drum head is made from authentic goat skin. This natural material is chosen for its ability to produce deep bass, warm mids, and clear overtones.
How do you tune the Sela 12" Goat Skin Frame Drum?: The drum features an integrated air-pressure tuning system. This allows for quick pitch adjustments using a supplied air pump, eliminating the need for traditional tuning tools.
Where is this drum manufactured?: The Sela 12" Goat Skin Frame Drum is handmade in Europe. This ensures a high level of craftsmanship and quality control for the instrument.
What is the diameter of the drum?: The drum has a diameter of 12 inches. This size provides a balance between portability and a surface area capable of producing significant bass frequencies.
Is the drum comfortable to hold for long periods?: Yes, it is designed with a lightweight wooden frame. It also includes an integrated grip hole to enhance comfort during extended playing sessions or performances.
What kind of sounds can this drum produce?: The drum is capable of a wide range of sounds, from low, meditative tones to sharper, projecting rhythms. The goat-skin head supports a variety of frequencies including deep bass and clear overtones.
Does it come with any accessories?: Yes, the drum is supplied with an air pump. This pump is essential for operating the air-pressure tuning system to adjust the drum's pitch.
Who is the ideal user for this instrument?: It is designed for musicians, sound practitioners, and beginners. Its intuitive nature makes it suitable for anyone exploring rhythm or meditative soundscapes.
Can this drum be used for sound therapy?: Yes, it is specifically noted as being ideal for sound practitioners. The ability to reach low, meditative tones makes it a useful tool for relaxation and sound healing.
How does the air-pressure system benefit the player?: It allows for rapid changes in pitch without needing a drum key or wrench. This makes the drum highly adaptable to different musical settings on the fly.
Is the frame made of plastic or wood?: The frame is constructed from wood. This material contributes to the drum's lightweight feel and traditional aesthetic.
What is the typical price for this model?: The Sela 12" Goat Skin Frame Drum typically retails for approximately £307. This reflects its status as a handmade, professional-grade instrument.