Tuning your drum is necessary to keep your instrument creating the tones it is designed to make. All drums need tuning of the head to achieve the desired range of resonance. Over time, changes in climate will result in the drum falling out of tune. An out of tune djembe has a dull sound, like a thud. There is little or no contrast between the bass tone and the high tone. This means it needs more tension.
Waveriders djembes feature a state-of-the-art tensioning system that was developed specifically for our drums. The Serpentine Tensioning System (STS) is simple and effective, and delivers perfectly applied tension to the skin with ease. There are two tensioning points on opposite sides of the drum body, and a few turns with the tuning key can change tension up or down. A few turns clockwise and it is right back into tune.
The A9 Djembe is designed to be tuned to an E note, however, it has a tuning range that you can adjust depending on your preference. Sit in a chair with the djembe held between your knees. Strike the drum in single, open hand, bass tone, and take notice of the tone. Note that once you know how you're your drum sounds tuned up, you will always be able to hear when it is out of tune.
You can add tension by turning the tensioner screws clockwise, a half turn at a time. (Tension can be backed off by turning the tensioners counterclockwise.) Place the allen key fully into the tensioner cap screw located at the bottom of the tensioners. (See picture above) Give one side two turns, then the other. A few turns will bring your drum into tune. It's that easy.
You can experiment with different tunings easily. You can also tune your djembe to certain notes or tones using your ear or an electronic tuner. Changing tunings for different songs is very easy with the STS tuning. Play around with it to find which tuning works best for you.
Note: We do not recommend tuning your drum above an F note as the over-tensioning may destroy the skin and require reskinning. Also,dry weather may cause the head to shrink and therefore it will require less tension.
