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Latin Rhythm Traders
Drum Sets & Cymbals
djembe drums, dunun drums, and more african
drums
Kenkeni, Sangban, Dununba, djembes
from Guinea and Ivory coast, balaphones, krin drums, sabar drums and more African Drums

Our Djembe and Dunun drums are hand-carved in Africa by Master carvers


We personally select our djembes and dunun drums from master carvers in Africa...and we have been for over 15 years. Our djembe drums are hand carved from a single piece of wood. All of our drums have a comfortable bearing edge and are rubbed with an oil finish, not lacquer, to enhance the grain and protect against cracking.

Unlike many djembes on the market, we string them up ourselves using untreated imported goatskins and custom rope engineered specifically for the djembe. This is a 2 week process, done with proper tools to get the vertical ropes extremely tight.

FREE DJEMBE BAG WITH PURCHASE!!
Now, for a limited time, we're offering a Free Basic Djembe Bag with ANY Djembe Over $100!

Djembe Drum kits...build your own djembe!

If you prefer to make your own djembe drum, try one of our djembe kits, complete with the drum shell from either Guinea or Ivory Coast, goat skin, djembe rope, and rings to build your own custom drum!

Looking for other African Drums?

While we are well-known for our beautiful djembes and dununs, we also import Balaphones and Krin drums from Guinea, Ewe and Kpanlogo (Twinchin) drums from Ghana, Nigerian Log drums, and more.

In our store, we carry far more than we have available on-line at this time. If there is something special that you are looking for, please contact us. From Batas to Sabar, Surdos to Tablas, we likely already have it in stock.


Do you know what to look for when purchasing a djembe?

Check out our NEW!! DJEMBE BUYING GUIDE
!!

Do you know how to use that djembe strap you bought?

Check out our new Djembe Strap Tutorial!!

Wonder how to tune up a djembe?

Check out our DJEMBE TUNING INSTRUCTIONS
!!

Ever wonder how they make an African Djembe?

Check out our Guinea djembe carvers at work! Visit our YouTube Channel and check out the djembe carving video. Go to: Djembe Drum Carving. Thanks!


Don't forget all the great djembe gear we carry...from bags to straps to metal work to shea butter!

Find all this in our DJEMBE GEAR section. We now sell our Professional "MASTER SERIES" Djembe drums on the web... Check out what the pros play!


Djembe from Ivory Coast with Intricate carvings
Ivory Coast Pro Series, Basic Djembe

Ivory Coast Pro Series Djembes:

  • Meticulously hand-carved from Iroko Wood with a carved ledge for the bottom ring.
  • Rounded bearing edge and smooth interior
  • Medium-weight and light-brown color
  • "Basic" djembes have minimal carvings. As they are hand-carved, each one is unique.
  • Along with our Guinea drums, these are the finest djembes we have ever seen or heard
  • Available in full-size, and also NEW!! our "Backpacker" Djembe


Basic IC Pro Series Djembe
12"-14" head

(LIST PRICE: $380.00)


WEB SPECIAL: Only $325.00 WITH A FREE "BASIC" DJEMBE BAG!!
Upgrade to "Master Series" Djembe Bag: for only $100.00 more



"Backpacker" Djembe
10" X 18" tall

(LIST PRICE: $175.00)


WEB SPECIAL PRICE: Only $99!
Add a "Basic Backpacker" Djembe Bag: for only $25.00 more


NOTES:
  • Head diameters are ranges...if you have a preference, please make note of it on your order form.

Djembe from Guinea with Intricate carvings
Djembe Drum from Guinea: "Intricate" Pro Series

Djembe Drums From Guinea: Pro-Series

  • Meticulously hand-carved djembe drum from the finest hard woods available, including Linke, Hare, Bois Rouge.
  • Medium to heavy in weight and rounded bearing edge.
  • Color varies from orange-red to medium brown
  • Unique spiral adze pattern in the interior gives it that Malinke sound.
  • Denser wood enables the carvers to make the walls thinner (than Ivory Coast drums) which adds volume and crispness.
  • "Basic" djembes have minimal or no carvings, while the "Intricate" have more detailed carvings. As they are hand-carved drums, each one is unique.
  • Along with our Ivory Coast djembe drums, these are the best djembes we have ever seen or heard

  • FREE DJEMBE BAG WITH PURCHASE!! Now, for a limited time, we're offering a Free Basic Djembe Bag with ANY Djembe Over $100!


Guinea Djembe: "Basic" Pro Series
12"-14" head

(LIST PRICE: $380.00)


WEB SPECIAL: Only $325.00
WITH A FREE "BASIC" DJEMBE BAG!!


Sorry, Temporarily Out of Stock!

Guinea Djembe: "Intricate" Pro Series
12"-14" head

(LIST PRICE: $395.00)


WEB SPECIAL PRICE: Only $395.00
WITH A FREE "BASIC" DJEMBE BAG!!!
Upgrade to the "Master Series" Djembe Bag: for only $100.00 more



NOTES:
  • Head diameters are ranges...if you have a preference, please make note of it on your order form.



Wood djembe drum from Guinea
Guinea Djembe

Djembe Drums from Guinea:

  • These drums from Guinea are carved from assorted hardwoods.
  • We have two sizes available: Backpacker and Medium
  • Our "Backpacker" has approximately a 10" head diameter and is 18" tall. The "Medium" has approximately a 11 to 12" head diameter and is 20" tall.

  • FREE DJEMBE BAG WITH PURCHASE!! Now, for a limited time, we're offering a Free Basic Djembe Bag with ANY Djembe Over $100!


Guinea Djembe: "Backpacker"
10" head diameter
18" tall

(LIST PRICE: $199.00)


WEB SPECIAL: Only $149.00!!
WITH A FREE "BASIC" DJEMBE BAG!!


Guinea Djembe: "Medium"
11" to 12" head diameter
20" tall

(LIST PRICE: $249.00)


WEB SPECIAL PRICE: Only $199.00!!
WITH A FREE "BASIC" DJEMBE BAG!!





dunun drums from Guinea
"MASTER" Guinea Dununs





Dunun bells from Guinea
Guinea Dunun Bells





Dunun drum sticks from Rhythm Traders
Rhythm Traders Dunun Sticks

Dunun Drums from Guinea: "Master" Series

  • Dunun drums from our carvers in Guinea...we only have a limited quantity of these "Master" Dununs.
  • Kenkeni, Sangban, and Dununba Dunun drums that are meticuoulousy carved, painted, and paired with hand-matched cowskins.
  • Guinea dununs are known for their warm sound, melody and sustain.
  • We've chosen the largest and "boomiest" dununbas for these "MASTER" Dunun sets.
  • Ours master dununs feature the hard-to-find traditional Malinke stitched-head.
  • Rope color may vary
  • Available in sets or purchase individually!


Kenkeni Dunun Drum: "MASTER" Series
10"-11" head diam.


WEB SPECIAL PRICE: $420.00
Add a "Kenkeni" Bell: for only $30.00 more

Select Your Bell style:



Add a Pair of Rhythm Traders Dunun Sticks (regular size): for only $12.00/pr.



Sangban Dunun Drum: "MASTER" Series:
12"-13.5" head diam.



WEB SPECIAL PRICE: Only $525.00!!
Add a "Sangban" Bell: for only $35.00 more

Select Your Bell style:



Add a Pair of Rhythm Traders (regular size) Dunun Sticks: for only $12.00/pr.



Dununba Dunun Drum: "MASTER" Series
14.5"-19" head diam.



WEB SPECIAL PRICE: Only $650.00!!
Add a "Dununba" Bell: for only $40.00 more

Select Your Bell style:



Add a Pair of Rhythm Traders Dunun Sticks (regular size): for only $12.00/pr.



AN EVEN BETTER DEAL!

Set of 3 MASTER SERIES GUINEA dununs (Kenkeni, Sangban, and Dununba) for only $1400!


A savings of $195 off individual low web prices!



WEB SPECIAL PRICE: Only $1400.00!!
Add a Kenkeni, Sangban, and Dununba Bells: for only $75.00 more

Select Your Bell style:



Add a Pair of Rhythm Traders Dunun Sticks (regular size): for only $12.00/pr.



NOTES:
  • Head diameters are ranges. Limited quantities of our MASTER dununs available.
guinea dunun carver
working on our Dununs
Our Carver working on a "MASTER" Guinea Dunun for us



Guinea dununs: Set of 
Kenkeni, sangban, and Dununba
Guinea Dunun Set: Kenkeni, Sangban, and Dununba

Malinke stich
detail on dununs
Traditional Stitch Detail






Guinea Dunun Bells






Rhythm Traders Dunun Sticks

Guinea Pro Dunun Drums:
Kenkeni, Sangban, and Dununba Drums

  • Guinea dununs are known for their warm sound, melody and sustain.
  • A little more rustic and proportionately longer than Ivory Coast dununs
  • Our Guinea Pro Dununs feature the hard-to-find traditional Malinke stitched-head and are surprisingly light for their size.
  • Rope color may vary
  • Kenkeni, Sangban, and Dununba drums available individually or in sets!


Kenkeni Pro Dunun Drums:
10"-11" head diam.

WEB SPECIAL PRICE: $345.00
Add a "Kenkeni" Bell: for only $30.00 more

Select Your Bell style:



Add a Pair of Rhythm Traders Dunun Sticks (regular size): for only $12.00/pr.



Sangban Pro Dunun Drums:
12"-13.5" head diam.


WEB SPECIAL PRICE: Only $425.00!!
Add a "Sangban" Bell: for only $35.00 more

Select Your Bell style:



Add a Pair of Rhythm Traders Dunun Sticks (regular size): for only $12.00/pr.



Dununba Pro Dunun Drums:
14.5"-17" head diam.


WEB SPECIAL PRICE: Only $525.00!!
Add a "Dununba" Bell: for only $40.00 more

Select Your Bell style:



Add a Pair of Rhythm Traders Dunun Sticks (regular size): for only $12.00/pr.



AN EVEN BETTER DEAL!

Set of 3 GUINEA dununs (Kenkeni, Sangban, and Dununba) for $1100!


A savings of $195 off low web prices!



WEB SPECIAL PRICE: Only $1100.00!!
Add a Kenkeni, Sangban, and Dununba Bells: for only $75.00 more

Select Your Bell style:



Add a Pair of Rhythm Traders Dunun Sticks (regular size): for only $12.00/pr.



NOTES:
  • Head diameters are ranges...if you have a preference, please make note of it on your order form.









Guinea Dunun Bells






Rhythm Traders Dunun Sticks

DUNUN DRUMS from Ivory Coast: Pro Series

  • Iroko Wood Dununs, meticulously hand-carved in Ivory Coast by our djembe carvers
  • Medium-weight and light-brown color
  • Among the best dununs we've ever seen imported
  • Kenkeni, Sangban, and Dununba dununs...available in sets or individually!


Kenkeni Dunun Drum: Ivory Coast Pro Series
9"-11" head diam.

(LIST PRICE: $295.00)


WEB SPECIAL PRICE: Only $325.00!!
Add a "Kenkeni" Bell: for only $30.00 more

Select Your Bell style:



Add a Pair of Rhythm Traders Dunun Sticks (regular size): for only $12.00/pr.



Sangban Dunun Drum: Ivory Coast Pro Series
11.25"-13.5" head diam.


WEB SPECIAL PRICE: Only $375.00!!
Add a "Dununba" Bell: for only $40.00 more

Select Your Bell style:



Add a Pair of Rhythm Traders Dunun Sticks (regular size): for only $12.00/pr.



Dununba Dunun Drum: Ivory Coast Pro Series
14.25"-18" head diam.


WEB SPECIAL PRICE: Only $450.00!!
Add a "Dununba" Bell: for only $40.00 more

Select Your Bell style:



Add a Pair of Rhythm Traders Dunun Sticks (regular size): for only $12.00/pr.



AN EVEN BETTER DEAL!

Set of 3 IVORY COAST PRO Series dununs (Kenkeni, Sangban, and Dununba) for $1000!


A savings of $150 off low individual web prices!



WEB SPECIAL PRICE: Only $1000.00!!
Add a Kenkeni, Sangban, and Dununba Bells: for only $75.00 more

Select Your Bell style:



Add a Pair of Rhythm Traders Dunun Sticks (regular size): for only $12.00/pr.



NOTES:
  • Head diameters are ranges...if you have a preference, please make note of it on your order form.



Bougarabou drums from Ivory Coast

Ivory Coast BOUGARABOUS:

  • These are beautiful "African congas".
  • Made from Iroko Wood like our djembes
  • We use custom-milled Kevlar core rope engineered specifically for our drums.
  • Hand-selected calf skin heads
  • These drums add a lot of mid-range tone.
  • FREE BASIC BAG WITH PURCHASE!! Now, for a limited time, we're offering our black "Basic" djembe bag FREE with every Bougarabou purchased!


Ivory Coast Bougarabou Drum
12" head

(LIST PRICE: $380.00)


WEB SPECIAL: Only $299.00!

WITH A FREE BASIC BAG!!





Custom Djembe Drum Kits:
"Build-Your-Own" Djembe!


  • Hand carved djembe drum shell
  • Our "Guinea and Ivory Coast "Pro Series" with Intricate Carving" shells that we use for our djembe drum kits are the same drum shells we use for our stellar "Master Series" drums!
  • 3 drum rings, 100 feet of black djembe rope, hand-selected goat skin
  • NEW!! Now offering "Backpacker" Djembe kits!! ONLY $100!




custom djembe drum kit from Guinea
Guinea Djembe Drum Kit:
12"-14" head

Custom Djembe Drum Kit: Guinea "Pro Series"

PRICE: $250.00
Add a "Basic" Djembe Bag: for only $50.00 more
Add a "Master Series" Djembe Bag: for only $125.00 more





Ivory Coast Djembe Drum Kit:
12"-14" head

Custom Djembe Drum Kit: Ivory Coast "Pro Series"

PRICE: $250.00
Add a "Basic" Djembe Bag: for only $50.00 more
Add a "Master Series" Djembe Bag: for only $125.00 more





Ivory Coast Djembe Drum Kit
With Intricate Carvings:
12"-14" head

Custom Djembe Drum Kit: Ivory Coast "Pro Series" with INTRICATE carvings

PRICE: $350.00


Sorry, Temporarily Out of Stock!


Guinea Djembe Drum Kit
With Intricate Carvings: 12"-14" head

Custom Djembe Drum Kit: Guinea "Pro Series" with INTRICATE carvings

PRICE: $350.00
Add a "Basic" Djembe Bag: for only $50.00 more
Add a "Master Series" Djembe Bag: for only $125.00 more




"Backpacker Djembe Drum Kit:
9"-10" head

Custom Djembe Drum Kit: "Backpacker"

9"-10" head

PRICE: $99.00
Add a BACKPACKER Djembe Bag: for only $25.00 more


NOTES:
  • Head diameters are ranges...if you have a preference, please make note of it on your order form.
  • We cannot promise to meet all of your needs, but we do our best to honor your special requests.



AFRICAN DRUMS FROM GHANA:

For our drums from Ghana, we import the drum shells directly from the same carvers who helped launch the business in 1990. We have learned that the goat skin and tuning pegs are often damaged in transit from Africa, and that the cotton cord is often stretched to its limit. So, after they arrive, we make sure ours are free of defects, tuned, and ready to play. We supply the majority of the professional Ghanaian drummers on the West Coast, including Obo Addy, Chata Addy, and Kpani Addy. We also supply many of their students and educational institutions throughout the United States.


We also carry beautiful hand-carved Ewe drums from Ghana. This style holds up much better in North American climates than the traditional painted coopered drums.

We also carry hard-to-find Obonu, Dagbamba, and Kolomashie drums, in stock, please contact us for prices.

Kpanlogo Drum, or Twinchin, from Ghana

Kpanlogo Drums (Twinchin) From Ghana:

  • Our Kpanlogo drums are carved from Tweneboa wood
  • Medium-weight
SIZE: PRICE: ORDER:
9.5"-10.5" head SPECIAL WEB PRICE:
$175.00





Ewe Drums from Ghana
Ewe Drums From left to right: Kagan, Kidi, Sogo

EWE Drums from Ghana:

  • Beautiful, hand-carved Ewe drums from Ghana. This style of Ewe drum holds up much better in North American climates than the traditional painted, coopered drums.
  • Ewe drums are available in three sizes, Kagan (left), Kidi (middle), and Sogo (right).
  • Set of all 3 drums....for only $550!!!
SIZE: PRICE: ORDER:
Kagan Ewe Drum SPECIAL WEB PRICE:
$149.00



Kidi Ewe Drum SPECIAL WEB PRICE:
$249.00



Sogo Ewe Drum SPECIAL WEB PRICE:
$349.00



Set of 3 Ewe drums:
Kagan, Kidi, & Sogo
SPECIAL WEB PRICE:
$550.00






Krin Drum from Guinea
Krin Drum from Guinea

Krin Drums From Guinea:

  • These drums from Guinea are made from the same rare melodic hardwood, called Hare, that is used to make professional Balaphones and master Djembes.
  • Lots of different sounds depending on where on the drum you hit.
  • Louder and brighter than Nigerian log drums.
  • Our Krin Drums are approximately 8" in width and 18" in length.
SIZE: PRICE: ORDER:
8" diameter and 18" length $150.00
Add a pair of "Basic" Drum Sticks for only $8.00 more.






balaphones from Guinea
Playing the Balaphone

Guinea Balaphones:

  • These Professional Balaphones are made in Guinea, near Kindia.
  • These instrument makers make some of the finest Balaphones in the world.
  • They go the extra mile, doing the important things, such as: cooking the wood over a slow fire to get the resin out and season the wood.
PRICE: ORDER:
$425.00



Roasting Balaphone Keys

Tying the Gourd Resonators On



Nigerian log drums
Nigerian Log Drums

Nigerian Log Drums:

  • These drums from Nigeria are made from the same melodic wood, called Paduk, as marimbas.
SIZE: PRICE: ORDER:
Small, 5" diameter and 12" length $80.00
Sorry, Temporarily Out of Stock!

Large, 6" diameter and 18" length $100.00
Sorry, Temporarily Out of Stock!




Where To Go Now??
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DJEMBE BUYING GUIDE DJEMBE TUNING INSTRUCTIONS DJEMBE STRAP TUTORIAL


If you are looking for our other sites:




Latin Rhythm Traders

For all of our Latin drums and percussion,
CDs, DVDs & instructional materials.




RT Drum Sets & Cymbals

For drum sets, cymbals, & accessories
for the kit drummers.




Rhythm Traders Inc.

For all the info on classes & workshops,
our newsletter, and our company.

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