Buying a Talking Drum? Check These 7 Things First
If you're here, it means you’re close to buying a Talking Drum, and that’s a huge step!
It’s an incredible instrument; one that literally talks with sound. We're genuinely excited for you to start this journey.
The only problem is that it can be tough to know what’s real quality and what’s just a cheap souvenir.
Many drums look beautiful in photos but sound dead or fall apart after a month of playing.
You don't want to invest your time and money only to end up with a drum that can't hold a conversation.
That's why we put together this guide. We’ve been playing, sourcing, and working with these instruments for years, and we have a strict, 7-point checklist we use for every single drum we even consider selling.
This is how we filter out the duds and find the masters. Ready to become an expert buyer?
Now, let’s get on to the 7 things you must check first when buying a Talking Drum.
SEE HOW MLPERCUSSIONS INVESTS IN SUSTAINABILITY and ECO-FRIENDLY MATERIALS
Part 1:
Checking the Body and Build Quality
The wood shell is the engine of the drum. If the body is weak, too thin, or made from the wrong material, the sound will be hollow, lack warmth, and often sound dull.
This is where you separate a functional instrument from a decorative piece.
1. The Wood:
Look for Seasoned Hardwood
This is the most important structural test. When buying a Talking Drum, you need a shell made from hardwood that has been properly seasoned.
What does seasoned mean? It means the wood was allowed to dry naturally for a long period (sometimes years) after being harvested.
If the wood is not seasoned, it will crack and split when you start putting tension on the drum head, or worse; it will warp with humidity changes.
The best woods are dense, like Mahogany or Iroko, which give the drum its deep, rich bass notes and incredible projection.
Avoid anything that feels unusually light for its size; that’s usually fast-growth, soft wood that will muffle the true voice of the Talking Drum.
2. The Inner Carving:
Feel the Smoothness
You won't see this part, but it's vital. A quality Talking Drum is carved to be perfectly hollow inside, and the inner walls must be smooth.
Think of the inside as the amplifier; rough spots, gouges, or uneven thickness disrupt the airflow and kill the drum's resonance.
When you're checking, if the seller provides detailed photos, look for an even, clean finish inside.
If you’re checking a drum in person, run your hand through the opening—it should feel as smooth as the outside.
Any rough edges or sudden shifts in thickness are red flags that point to rushed, inferior craftsmanship.
3. The 'Shoulder' Shape (Neck):
Is It Comfortable for Playing?
The shoulder (the narrow part of the hourglass shape, often called the neck) is where you apply pressure to change the pitch.
If you plan on playing for more than a few minutes, comfort is key.
A well-carved shoulder should be smooth, rounded, and feel ergonomic (comfortable for the human body) when squeezed between your arm and ribs.
Sharp edges or an awkward, blocky shape will dig into your side and make extended practice painful.
The quality of this shape is a clear indicator of a master carver who understands the needs of the musician, not just the appearance of a Talking Drum.
Check our Guide For Beginners: HOW TO PLAY THE TALKING DRUM FOR BEGINNERS
Part 2:
Inspecting the Head and Tension System
If the body is the engine, the head and tension system are the vocal cords.
When buying a Talking Drum, remember that its ability to speak; to move smoothly between high and low pitches; depends entirely on the quality of these components.
4. The Drum Head (Skin): Thickness and Quality
The drum head is usually made from goat or antelope skin. The key characteristics you are looking for are thickness and mounting security.
A. Thickness:
A drum head that is too thin will be overly sharp, sensitive, and prone to tearing.
A head that is too thick will be stiff, requiring much more arm pressure to change pitch, making the drum hard to play and limiting its vocal range.
The ideal skin is taut, smooth, and of medium thickness, allowing for a full, warm tone when slack and a sharp, high tone when fully compressed.
B. Mounting:
The skin should be cleanly mounted over the rim. Look for a smooth, even wrap around the bearing edge.
If the skin looks brittle, dusty, or has visible holes or major imperfections, skip it.
5. The Tension Cords (V-Lacing): Strength and Material
The cords (or thongs) are what you squeeze to make the drum talk. They must be strong, durable, and installed with precision.
I. Material:
Traditional drums often use leather thongs, but modern, professional drums frequently use strong, non-stretch synthetic rope (like nylon or polyester).
These synthetic materials hold tension better and are less prone to stretching and snapping in humid conditions.
II. The V-Lacing Pattern:
The cords should be tightly and evenly laced in a 'V' or zigzag pattern between the hoops at the top and bottom.
Check for slack, especially near the top hoop.
If the cords are unevenly or loosely laced, the pitch changes will be inconsistent, and the drum will not "speak" clearly.
A properly laced drum will look symmetrical and feel firm.
Frequently Asked Question: HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO LEARN THE TALKING DRUM?
READ THIS GUIDE
Part 3:
Assessing the Sound and Playability
These are the final, real-world checks. A beautiful drum is useless if it doesn't sound right and isn't comfortable to play.
6. The Pitch Range: Listen for the Talk
The true test of a quality Talking Drum is its range.
The drum must be able to produce a distinct, warm bass tone when the cords are slack, and a sharp, clear tenor or soprano tone when the cords are fully compressed.
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How to test:
Gently squeeze the cords with your arm and strike the drum. The pitch should drop immediately and dramatically.
If the pitch only changes slightly, the drum skin is too thick or too tight, or the tensioning system is weak.
A great drum should be able to simulate two distinct, conversational voice, a deep one and a high one.
7. The Beater (Gangan Stick): Check the Curve and Tip
While the beater (gangan stick) is an accessory, a professional drum will come with a high-quality one that matches its scale.
The beater is a curved stick, often with a padded or rubber tip.
I. Curve and Length:
The curve should be gentle, allowing you to strike the center of the head with a natural, comfortable wrist movement.
II. The Tip:
The padded or rubber tip should be firm enough to create a clear sound, but soft enough to prevent damaging the drum skin.
A poorly made beater can drastically reduce the tone quality.
When you are buying a Talking Drum, always ensure the matching beater is included, as it's part of the complete instrument package
CHECK THIS GUIDE: THE TALKING DRUM STICK—HOW TO MAKE YOURS AT HOME
Buying a Talking Drum From Us: Choosing MLpercussions
Now that you know what to look for, you might be wondering where to find a high-quality, master-crafted instrument that passes all 7 checks.
When you’re ready to move from research to purchase, here is how you can secure your authentic Talking Drum from MLpercussions, tailored to your location.
1. For Customers in the UK and Europe
We have streamlined the purchase process for our customers across the UK and the European continent to ensure a fast, secure, and detailed shopping experience.
I. Visit Our Catalogue:
Start by browsing our official Product Page (Catalogue).
Every Talking Drum listed here comes with detailed photos, specifications (including wood type and skin thickness), and often an audio or video sample so you can hear its voice before you buy.
II. Detailed Product Information:
Use the 7-point checklist you just learned to compare the details provided in the product description, ensuring the build quality, tension cords, and wood type meet professional standards.
BUY YOUR DRUM NOW
2. For Customers in Nigeria
For purchases within Nigeria, we prioritize direct, personalized communication to handle local logistics, payment, and immediate availability.
I. Direct Contact is Key:
We encourage you to reach out directly to our Customer Service Care team.
This allows us to give you the most current inventory details, discuss regional delivery options, and address any specific requests regarding size, pitch, or decoration.
II. Personalized Service:
Contacting us directly ensures you receive personalized assistance from our local experts who can guide you through the available stock and arrange the most convenient pickup or delivery method.
CHAT WITH OUR CUSTOMER SERVICE OR SALES REP
CHECK MLPERCUSSION’S COMMITMENT TO SUSTAINABILITY
We believe that superior tone shouldn't come at the expense of the environment. The commitment to seasoned, dense wood is also a commitment to sustainable sourcing.
Every MLPercussions drum purchased supports The Rhythms Of Reforestation initiative, ensuring your instrument plants a new tree.
Dive Deeper into Our Ethics:
A. Sustainable Sourcing:
Learn about our process for sustainable and eco-friendly drumhead sourcing.
B. Reforestation Impact:
Find out how your drum purchase supports our initiative, The Rhythms Of Reforestation: How Your MLPercussions Drum Plants a Tree.
Ready to Talk Pricing?
Before placing your order, we recommend checking out our comprehensive resource on pricing.
➡️ Click here to check our Guide on the prices of Talking Drums
We have covered estimated costs for both the European and Nigerian markets, so you can buy with complete confidence!
Conclusion:
You now have the full knowledge of a professional musician.
Whether you are looking at drums online or in person, remember that the voice of the drum lies in the quality of its materials.
Don't be swayed only by decorative carvings; focus on the seasoned wood, the strong lacing, and the dynamic pitch range.
Taking the time to check these 7 key elements will ensure that the Talking Drum you buy is a genuine, playable instrument that will give you years of rich musical conversation. Now go find the right voice for your hands!