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Learning Dumbek

topic posted Fri, August 8, 2008 - 5:10 AM by  Barb aka Fik... 		Share/Save/Bookmark
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Got a question....If you wanted to learn to play the dumbek and there were no teachers of said instrument in an hour radius of you location, what tools would you invest in (i.e. which videos, DVD's, CD's, Books, etc)?
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Barb aka Fikriyyah
offline Barb aka Fikriyyah
Pennsylvania
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  • ~Sasha~
    ~Sasha~
    offline 217

    Re: Learning Dumbek

    Fri, August 8, 2008 - 9:36 AM
    There are several drumming tribes out there. I think you might get some sage advice if you cross post this question on one of those. I have several of those tribes in my tribe list so feel free to browse there.

    Off the top of my head, one CD I have that I like is Gabby Tawil's instructional CD. There is a female voice narrating the rhythms but the voice is monotone so it might get on your nerves. If you can overlook that, the content is good. The CD breaks down many common Arabic rhythms and I think it's beneficial even for dancers who have no desire to play the doumbek.

    Good luck in your endeavor!
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  • yrma
    yrma
    offline 308

    Re: Learning Dumbek

    Fri, August 8, 2008 - 2:12 PM
    Raquy Danziger. The best! She have a dumbek instructional kit that include instructional dvd and practice cd. You will learn pretty much everything by your self if you want.
    A good dumbek brand is Alexandria. The ones you can tune. The belly dance Superstars web side have a mother pearl one ( the one Isam play for them when they dance drum solos) It is beautifull and a good one, price resonable too. They have sales for Thanksgivens; which is coming and you will get a big discount.
    Goog luck!
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    • Deede
      Deede
      offline 35

      Re: Learning Dumbek

      Fri, August 8, 2008 - 9:06 PM
      Sasha and Yrma are right. Please post on either the Dumbek Fever or Middle Eastern Percussion Tribe. Most everybody belongs to both, from novice to Grammy Award winners. There is a wealth of knowledge and everyone is friendly and helpful.

      There are several good DVDs from a variety of well-known percussionists. Don't bother with a book! You need to see proper execution of technique. Issam should be releasing his Egyptian Tabla Instructional DVD soon. It has been several years in the making. Souhail Kaspar also as a good one. It stresses classic style/technique. I have heard nice things about Raquy's instructionals. She also has a line of drums she endorses. I have heard they are nice quality.

      DON'T buy a drum without playing it. Not all Alexandreas are equal, and even a high dollar GEF may need tweaking. A safe drum purchase, if you have to buy one sight unseen/sound unheard would be the Remo Ergo Drum. Precision machined with the most superior synthetic 'fishskin' head. The quality is consistantly good. However, unless they have expanded their color options, you might be reminded of clown vomit, or psychodelic dragon scales. I named mine Smaug. I usually play one of my GEFs but Smaug sounds real sweet playing back up. They are not designed to play 'lead' but have a great sound and make an excellent 'rhythm' drum. Check out You Tube for Issam's demonstration of the Ergo drum. They don't require much care and are not as heavy as the cast aluminum GEFs. You could always paint it :)
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  • Beth
    Beth
    offline 58

    Re: Learning Dumbek

    Mon, November 3, 2008 - 8:48 AM
    Try Carmine Guida's Baby Beginner Doumbek video. I've taken his workshops before, and he is very good at breaking down the techniques and explaining the rhythms. I believe the video is actually one of those filmed workshops like the one I attended.

    www.filmbaby.com/films/2255
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