Meinl HAND HAMMERED ALUMINIUM - MDAR114
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Manufacturer Information
Meinl
https://www.ortegaguitars.com
info@ortegaguitars.com
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SAICO SAS
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Historical Context and Positioning in the Range
Inspired by the percussion traditions of the Middle East and the Mediterranean basin, the "Turkish style" darbouka stands out with a thin, responsive metal body, appreciated for its quick response and crisp attacks. This hammered shell version emphasizes artisanal aesthetics and projection while retaining the modern practicality of a tunable synthetic head.
Who This Drum/Instrument Is For
This darbouka is aimed at beginner to intermediate musicians seeking a reliable and easy-to-handle instrument, as well as more experienced percussionists who want a lively, sharp, and effective darbouka for rehearsals and stage performance. It is particularly suited to Oriental, Turkish, Balkan, and Maghreb styles, but also fits fusion, world, pop, and contemporary music contexts where sharp accents and good presence in the mix are desired.
Features and Innovations
The hand-hammered aluminum shell combines lightness, durability, and sound projection. The synthetic head ensures excellent stability against humidity and temperature changes, a major advantage over some natural heads. Thanks to the tuning key, you can quickly adjust the tension to favor a round, full bass or, conversely, a drier, sharper response for fast rolls and precise ornaments.
Sound Characteristics
The combination of aluminum shell and synthetic head produces a darbouka with a very direct character: the attack is clear, the projection is strong, and the trebles come through with great definition. The shell's hammering also contributes to a lively response and pleasant sound diffusion, useful when playing without a microphone.
In practice, you get a deep, well-grounded doum with enough body to carry the rhythm, and crisp, sharp tek strokes to articulate phrases. By adjusting the head tension, you can shift the balance between bass warmth, dryness, brightness, and precision to adapt the instrument to styles (baladi, malfouf, chiftetelli, Balkan rhythms) and playing techniques (fingers, palm, ghost notes).
Technical specifications
| Instrument size | Medium |
| Category | darbouka |
| Material | aluminium |
| Skin type | Synthetic |
| Depth | 14 " |
| Accessories included | Tuning key |
| Color | Grey |
| Finishing | Hammered |
| Diameter | 8 " |
| Type | Turkish style darbouka |
| Shell | hand-hammered aluminum |
| Head | synthetic |
| Height | 36 cm |
Questions frequently asked
What are the dimensions of the Meinl Aluminium Martelé MDAR114?
This darbouka has a diameter of 8 inches and a height of 36 cm. Its depth is 14 inches, in a medium size.
What sound does the hammered aluminium shell produce?
The hammered finish aluminium shell promotes a sharp attack and strong projection. The doum has body, while the tek stands out clearly and with a snap.
Is the synthetic head tunable?
A tuning key is included to adjust the tension of the synthetic head. It is possible to achieve more bass or a drier response depending on the setting. The synthetic head offers stability against changes in humidity and temperature.
Is this darbouka suitable for beginners?
This model is intended for beginner to intermediate players, with an easy-to-handle synthetic head. Its direct response is also suitable for more experienced playing in rehearsal or on stage.
For which styles is this 8-inch darbouka suitable?
Its 8-inch size and aluminium shell are suitable for oriental, Turkish, Balkan, and North African rhythms. The clarity of the highs also allows for accent integration in fusion, world, or pop contexts.
