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I've read on this site that some of you have a djembe in addition to your conga set-up. What I'm wondering is what type of djembes are you using? Traditional (authentic) or something like an LP Galaxy Djembe? I have an opportunity to purchase a used Galaxy djembe a very reasonable price. Any opinions on its sound versus that of an authentic djembe would be welcome Also, do you mount your the djembe on a stand when you use it in a conga set up?

I do use Djembe in my Conga set up. I have an authentic African Djembe from Ghana. There is quite a defference in sound quality using authentic Djembes v/s tunable LP, Toca, Remo style Djembes. These Djembes tend to be too ringy. I am not too sure about Giovanni Djembes, they may sound better than other LP Djembes. Having them in the Conga set up gives an extra dimention of Bass and Sharp rhythmic sounds. I am also thinkng of adding Doumbek. My advise to you if you are going to use this set up frequently then by all means go with Authentic Djembe otherwise LP is fine. Rhythm is rhythm, as long as you stay within a particular style requirements, you can try various setups for melodic touches. Good luck.

Thanks for the info. I prefer playing my congas while seated.
I have read that the djembe is traditionally played while standing. How do you prefer to play the djembe within a conga set-up? Seated or standing, with/without the use of some type of stand?

I frequently play with djembe and congas in a big band. I do one of two things - a) have the djembe between my legs and play mostly on it and just open tones on the congas (about the same as you would play three congas). An advantage here is that you would not need a stand for the congas.

The other thing I do (and what I prefer) is rig up a makeshift stand for the djembe and play mostly on the congas using the djembe for accents and occasional fills. Here you would probably need a stand for the congas as well as for the djembe. I don't do this often because we don't have a proper djembe stand but I think it sounds pretty good.

I would definitely go for an authentic djembe in this situation - I think it's more compatible with the sound of congas.

Fish

I also like mixing other drums in my conga set-up. In 2 of my sound files here (Yonatan Bar Rashi web page), conga solo and congas/bongos, I use a ntenga in addition to 3 congas. The ntenga is an East African closed drum with a bassy sound. I read it's played with sticks but I use hands, and it seems to fit well with the congas. I have it in a stand so it's the same height as the congas.

I use my keyboard X stand and strap in my Djembe - actually LP Djembe stand is similar to that. I also play my congas seated on low basket stands so this set up works out great. I add the Djembe rhythm whenever needed. I also have 18" bodhran and I am looking for a snare stand to place that on so that I can either play that with hand or thin sticks when needed for effects like Timbale. I guess it is all upto your imagination - rhythm is everywhere around you ...

I have my remo djembe in my setup. If I had a choice, it would be a authentic djembe, but this it what I have. I have it mounted on a Gibralter stand. It holds it at the natural angle as if you had strapped it on, which isn't great for the set up with the congas, but it works. Because it is synthetic and so ringy, I don't use tones or slaps much when I mix it in, just the bass. When I go all djembe on a tune, I typically remove it from the stand and strap it on if I have the room.

I use the Djembe becouse we play some Brazilian and Afrocuban song,(as part of the musical/roster),also when Mamadie,(from Guinea), show up to the place where we are performing,I we do straight up Arara/Drumming, with Mamadie,playing the Djun/Djun,and I would be playing the Djembe. This with Traditional Djembe.Dr. Zaragemca



Edited By zaragenca on 1155576860