Let's get started
Before you start…
Download our Djembe Buyers Guide. This will give you an overview of all the most important djembe expertise.
Download the Buyers Guide5 simple steps
There are literally hundreds of djembe options out there, and they differ in dozens of different ways, making it very difficult to compare like with like and make a rational buying decision.
This worksheet breaks the decision making process down into 5 simple steps. It will help you to find the very best djembe for your setting and then document your decision process.
- 1 Clarify your requirements
- 2 Create a short list of suitable djembes
- 3 Systematically compare your short-listed djembes
- 4 Calculate costs, negotiate price reductions
- 5 Record your buying decision process for ACE.
Would you prefer to avoid plastics and non-natural materials?
The higher the number, the more compact the djembe, so it takes up less storage space and is easier to move around.
Aim to keep most of your drums under 7 kg. 3 to 5 kg is an easily manageable weight.
Below you'll see djembes that meet your requirements from Step 1 above and that are supplied by DfE Framework suppliers.
Column 1 will initially show the smallest (lowest cost) diameter Drums for Schools djembe that meets your spec. Other columns will initially show djembes that have similar diameters from other suppliers. You can change the suppliers and the djembe models using the dropdown menus, but please note that only djembes that meet your requirements will be shown.
The worksheet can only show 4 djembes at a time, but you can duplicate the sheet if you need to compare more than 4 models.
OK, so you have a short-list of djembes that meet the basic requirements defined in Step 1. But don't assume for a minute that they're all equal. Use this checklist to see how the different models differ from one another, and to understand the extra benefits provided by each supplier.
Djembes get a tick here if their diameter to height ratio is more than 0.5.
Particularly important for bigger sizes (50cm and above).
Important if you're moving the drums around a lot.
Is it a big sound, but not boomy?
Is the Slap a noticeably different pitch from the Bass?
Can the supplier provide wood sustainability certification?
If synthetic, is it made of mylar? If goatskin, is it unbleached?
Not so thin that it distorts under slight pressure; not so thick it won't distort at all?
Single knotting is fine for lower price djembes, but premium djembes should have double knotting.
Make sure no splinters or sharp points inside as well as outside.
Will the djembes give the children an authentic and enjoyable playing experience?
Are you getting a proper, long term guarantee?
Are protective hats provided free of charge with each djembe?
Will your supplier make sure your classes always have enough working drums?
Will your supplier let you bulk buy and take delivery as needed?
Will your supplier add the Hub logo to each drum for bulk purchases?
Now that you have a clear understanding of each djembe's features, and the added value provided by each supplier, you're ready to assess supplier pricing, and to negotiate discounts from a position of strength.
Enter the quantity you need.
Prices for other suppliers are taken from their websites and were accurate as of 01/02/2025
Discounts pre-filled for Drums for Schools djembes, but you'll need to enter the discounted prices from other suppliers.
Enter notes here
