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Hand drums are universal, and among the oldest musical instruments in history. The origin of these percussion instruments lie rooted in world music, but hand drums are becoming more prominent in a wider range of modern musical genres. Hand Drums include cajons, congas, djembes, and are a great way to add new creative elements to your arrangements. Hand Drums are excellent at home or in the classroom for the budding musician. The Drum Center of Portsmouth carries hand drums from LP, Pearl, Tycoon, Meinl and Toca. If you find yourself in our neck of the woods in the beautiful New Hampshire Seacoast region, be sure to check out our drum circle night!
Frequently Asked Questions
Hand Drum FAQs
What are hand drums?
Hand drums are percussion instruments played primarily with the hands rather than sticks — including djembes, congas, bongos, frame drums, cajons, doumbeks, tablas, and many others. Each carries the rhythmic tradition of its origin culture and offers a unique tonal voice.
What are the most popular hand drums for beginners?
Djembes, cajons, frame drums, and small hand drums (like bongos and bodhrans) are common starting points. They produce satisfying sound right away and don't require formal lessons to enjoy.
What's the difference between rope-tuned and key-tuned hand drums?
Rope-tuned drums (traditional djembe construction) use intricate rope systems for head tension — more authentic but harder to tune precisely. Key-tuned drums use mechanical lugs (like a drum kit), making tuning fast and consistent. Many modern players prefer key-tuned for ease of use.
Are natural goatskin heads better than synthetic?
Goatskin heads produce warmer, more nuanced tone but are sensitive to humidity and require care. Synthetic heads (like Remo Fiberskyn or NuSkyn) are weather-stable, consistent, and great for outdoor and traveling players — trade-offs depend on use case.
Can hand drums be played alongside a drum kit?
Yes — many drummers add hand drums (especially cajons, congas, and bongos) to their setup for additional color and texture. Some use them as the entire rhythm section in acoustic settings.
Which hand drum brands does DCP carry?
We carry hand drums from Meinl, LP, Remo, Toca, Gon Bops, Tycoon, Schlagwerk, and other percussion specialists — from entry-level instruments to professional concert-grade drums.