Product Overview
The Paragon Heartwood Mali Pro Bugarabu is a a professional-grade instrument built to our high standard for sound quality and craftsmanship by expert cultural artisans supported by non-profit Africa Heartwood Project in Mali, West Africa. It is a standard size instrument suitable for most women or men who want an authentic African Bugarabu drum with exceptional sound. Our Mali Bugarabus are crafted by expert carvers using specialty hardwoods, finished with top-rate skin and rope, and feature a standard 2 top ring tuning system. Shells are selected from Hare, Lenke, Dugura, and Acajou, healthy and well seasoned. These are among the elite complete ugarabus available anywhere in Mali.l The sound produced is like a mix between djembe and conga: The shape of the shell produces a strong bass response, while the tight cow skin make the conga-like open tones and thick slaps. This instrument may be played with either djembe or conga technique. Learn more about this non-profit work supported by the sale of this drum at www.AfricaHeartwoodProject.org.
Our Paragon Heartwood Mali Bugarabu 13x25 features:
- 13" OSD wood, 24-25" full height, 18-20 lbs
- Inventory includes Hare, Lenke, Dugura, and Acajou hardwoods, solid one piece construction, uniform thickness, imported direct
- Wood seasoned and hand-carved in Mali, West Africa, treated inside and out with lots of shea butter and coconut oil
- Medium thick Mali cow skin, with hair left on, just right for that warm, full bugarabu sound
- 5mm mixed red/yellow/green drum rope for the 22-24 pairs of vertical ropes, first row of tuning started
- 4mm black drum rope for top loops and bottom loops, double hitch loop pattern on bottom ring
- Black cloth used to wrap bottom and top rings, including flesh hoop to prevent rust damage to skin
- Extra tuning rope included, wrapped around neck for storage
- All 1/4" rings custom fitted very tight, keeping tension even
- 2 top ring system is the traditional method, allowing for easier re-head and display of top ring loops and cloth color
- Well shaped bearing edge, hand rounded for playing comfort and skin safety
- Beautiful geometric deep carved designs cover bottom half of base, specially designed for our bugarabu drums
- The pictures above are of one of many Paragon Heartwood Mali Bugarabus imported from the same group of carvers; all djembes will be similar to photos with minor wood and skin variations