What Kind of Darbuka Should I Use?
The most important thing is that your darbuka has a rounded head as opposed to the kind that has the pegs on the outside. There are 2 choices in this style: The metal Alexandria style and the natural skin clay drum:
Metal Alexandria Style Darbuka with Plastic Skin
The metal “Alexandria Style” darbuka drum with a plastic head is the most popular kind darbuka played throughout the middle east.
They are reliable, durable, easy to carry and the sound is crisp and ice-like.
You can get this style drum in various sizes
Small 4 Peg Raquy Signature - This is what Raquy usually plays - great for soloing.
Standard 6-Peg- This is what most darbuka players use
Simbati -nice and heavy for professional players
Dahlola more a bass-y sound
CLICK HERE to purchase Raquy's signature drum - the exact model that she uses on all her recordings and videos.
Clay Darbuka w Natural Skin
In the last 20 years with the new split hand technique the clay darbuka with natural skin has made a comeback.
These drums have a gorgeous tone and big range of sound.However they are usually heavy, fragile and the sound changes with the weather.
Raquy and drum maker Heather Mcqueen created the Raquy Deluxe Clay Darbuka. CLICK HERE for more info.
Also here are some other drum makers who are making beautiful clay drums:
HAKAN KAYA, ISTANBUL
https://sonikapercussion.com/product-category/collection/clay-darbuka/
DESCARGA- ATHENS, GREECE
https://www.instagram.com/descargapercussion/