by rhythmrhyme » Fri Feb 15, 2013 6:46 am
Definitely let us know how the mule works out.
I have a few djembe's and have a calf on one of them. The calf works great as a second accompaniment drum in a traditional ensemble i.e. lead, first then second accompaniment. It has real woody sounding tones and reasonable slaps that create a distinct tonal quality when compared to the first and second drums, the audience can actually tell there are 3 djembe's playing rather than just a cacophonous wall of tones and slaps. I'm curious where the mule would fit in - given how dense it is I'm thinking it may sound good on a lead djembe, around 12.5" diameter x 25" drum. crank it way up and rip away!! Goat is goat, each player has thickness preferences based on the dynamics of the drum and what position they play i.e lead, first or second. Calf is like a thick goat that is a bit less rigid.
edit: I should add that I've seen some pretty thick skins on duns... probably 2mm or more. definitely thicker than what I have on my heaviest conga. Leave the hair on them for the first 6 months or so (you can shave some off to get some volume) of regular playing until they work in and open up, it keeps the overtones down. Then shave em off. It's easy to get freaked out that all your hard work was for sh*t when you first play new dun skins, they often have a lot of overtones for the first year until you beat all the rigidity out of em.
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