Doumbeks
Doumbeks 101
The doumbek is the most recognizable Middle Eastern drum, although it's a relative newcomer compared to many other drums indigenous to the Middle East.
More commonly called 'tabla' or 'darbuka' in the Middle East, the doumbek is goblet shaped with a playing surface of eight to ten inches. Goat and fish skin are traditionally used for the drum head, and the shell is made of clay or wood.
Today, doumbek skins and shells are made of various synthetic materials as well. Shells made of various metals are common.
Daholas (doholas) and sombatys are larger versions of the doumbek. The tonbak (tombak or zarb) is the Persian version.
The goblet shape and dimensions of the drum shell form a Helmholtz resonator, which results in a voice capable of a deep, low bass. At the same time, doumbeks are extremely responsive drums that also produce high, clear notes. Doumbeks have great range.
The reason doumbeks can produce such high, clear tones is that the skins are mounted with a great deal of tension. Their skins are pulled tight. The results of this are great in terms of the voice that resluts, but it also means that skins eventually tear and must be replaced.
If you need your doumbek repaired: www.drumdr.com/doumbek-repair.html