How to Spot an Authentic African Drum: 5 Simple Ways
Now that you’ve decided to own your own piece of African drum, you're most likely seeking for a deep, resonant pulse; the sound of history and culture.
Well, this is beyond just a purchase; it's an investment in the African musical tradition—especially when you’re looking for a special drum, like the Talking Drum, known for its unique voice.
However, the path to finding a genuine instrument is full of roadblocks; we can tell you this from our rich experiences.
Why? The market is saturated with beautiful but ultimately cheap fake products; drums designed for decoration, not performance.
These mass-produced imitations will never deliver the true, rich voice you're seeking.
Now, the good news? Spotting the difference doesn't require decades of expertise. That’s where MLPercussions comes to rescue the show.
It comes down to five critical details that separate a playable, Authentic African Drum of craftsmanship from a souvenir.
Use this simple guide to ensure you bring home a true Authentic African Drum; whether it is the Nigerian Gangan, the Djembe, the Omele bata, or Iya-Ilu.
1. The Wood Test
The sound of an Authentic African Drum begins with the wood.
A truly resonant drum, whether a Djembe or a Talking Drum, must be crafted from a solid piece of hard, dense, slow-growing timber.
This density is what creates the powerful, focused bass tone and sharp slap.
It’s the difference between hearing a flat thud and feeling a deep resonance in your chest.
What to Look For
A. Authentic:
The shell should feel heavy for its size. Look for signs of hand-carving; minor inconsistencies, tool marks on the interior, or a slightly uneven rim where the craftsman finished the piece.
This confirms it was worked from a single log, which is ideal for sound.
The wood grain should be visible and complex, not hidden beneath thick paint or varnish.
B. Fake:
Be wary of drums that are extremely light or feel fragile. Fakes are often made from glued-together planks, plywood, or thin, soft woods designed only to look the part.
If the exterior is covered in heavy, cheap paint that obscures all the wood grain, it's a huge warning sign that the shell is hiding poor construction.
READ THIS BLOG:
Essential Parts of a Talking Drum Explained
2. The Skin/Membrane Test
The material stretched across the drum shell acts as the instrument's voice.
For Authentic African Drums, this membrane must be natural, thick, and durable enough to withstand high tension and continuous striking.
A poor-quality or synthetic skin will immediately deaden the sound and prevent the drum from achieving clear, vibrant tones.
What to Look For
A. Authentic:
The membrane should be natural animal hide (often goat, sheep, or similar).
It should feel relatively thick and stiff. For any serious drum, the skin must be laced or secured robustly to hold the tension required for tuning.
In the case of a Talking Drum, the skin must extend over the wooden rings on both ends to anchor the tension ropes.
The edges where the skin is secured should show signs of traditional workmanship, not modern industrial fixes like excessive glue or shiny metal staples.
B. Fake:
Be highly cautious of thin, brittle, or transparent synthetic materials (like plastic or thin film) or hides that look heavily processed or bleached.
If the skin is easily dented, torn, or simply glued to the rim of the drum, it is likely intended purely for decoration and not as a trully, Authentic African Drum.
CHECK OUR COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE:
How to Prevent Tear On Your Talking Drum Skin
3. The Tension System and Ropes (The Mechanism)
This is perhaps the most important point for a true Talking Drum, as the tension system is what allows the drum to speak.
The ropes connect the two membranes and, when squeezed, instantly increase the pitch of the instrument.
For an Authentic African Drum, this mechanism must be functional, durable, and designed for constant manipulation.
What to Look For
A. Authentic:
The drum should feature a complex, robust diamond-patterned tension lacing that runs the full length of the drum body, connecting the head and foot rings.
The rope itself should be thick, tightly woven, and made of natural fiber (or a very high-quality, non-stretching synthetic cord that mimics natural fiber).
The ropes should feel taut and evenly spaced, without any slack, indicating they are ready to hold the immense pressure needed to change the drum's pitch.
B. Fake:
Watch out for cheap, thin nylon cords, thin strings, or rope that appears frayed, loosely tied, or widely spaced.
If the rope is clearly decorative and lacks the thickness and strength required to hold the high tension, the instrument is not a playable Authentic African Drum.
Additionally, any Talking Drum where the tension system is absent or replaced by fixed tuning pegs (like on a Djembe) is inherently fake, as it cannot perform the crucial pitch modulation required.
4. The Acoustic and Craftsmanship Test
The final evaluation for an Authentic African Drum is its sound quality and the overall level of care put into its construction.
A genuine instrument is a piece of playable art, not just a souvenir.
What to Look For
A. Authentic Sound:
A true Talking Drum must possess a clear, vibrant, and wide pitch range.
When you gently squeeze the tension ropes, the pitch of the drum should immediately rise and be capable of producing at least a full octave of clean, distinct notes.
A high-quality drum will have a rich resonance and the ability to hold its tone.
B. Authentic Craftsmanship:
Look closely at the surface of the shell. It should exhibit evidence of careful, often hand-carved, finishing.
Hand-etched or painted designs often relate to cultural symbols, which is a sign of authenticity.
The wood should be sealed or oiled to prevent cracking, and the skin should be cut cleanly and secured without frayed edges.
Any handle or shoulder strap should be robust and securely attached.
C. Fake Signs:
If the drum produces a dull, thudding sound that doesn't change pitch when the ropes are squeezed, the skin is too thick or the tension system is defective.
Also, be wary of drums that are overly glossy, feature cheap, brightly colored paints, or have rough, splintered, or unfinished wood surfaces.
These often indicate mass-produced tourist items rather than an Authentic African Drum intended for musicianship.
Why Choose MLPercussions?
When you’re seeking a truly Authentic African Drum, you are looking for more than just an instrument; you are looking for craftsmanship, heritage, and a guaranteed quality sound.
Our drums are built on the very principles outlined in this guide.
Here's why musicians and collectors choose MLPercussions:
I. Hand-Carved Authenticity:
We source sustainably harvested local woods and ensure every shell is hand-carved to traditional specifications for superior acoustic projection.
II. Guaranteed Pitch Range:
Our exclusive tension-rope system and expertly prepared animal skins guarantee a full octave of clean, distinct notes, the hallmark of a speaking drum.
III. Musician-Grade Quality:
Every drum is tested and certified for playability, durability, and resonance, ensuring you receive a professional-quality instrument, not a tourist souvenir.
IV. Direct-Trade Heritage:
Your purchase directly supports the master artisans and communities who have preserved this intricate art form for generations.
Ready to Find Your Voice?
Our blog details the care and tradition that goes into every drum. Learn more about the MLPercussions difference:
Conclusion
Ensure to check the Wood Shell Quality (1), the Skin/Membrane (2), the Tension System (3), and the Acoustic and Craftsmanship (4), to significantly increase your chances of acquiring a genuine and playable Authentic African Drum rather than a decorative novelty.