Sawt El Ahram TA145 - TURKISH DARABUKA 31CM

Historical Context and Positioning in the Range

The darbouka, also known as doumbek, derbouka, darbuka, or darabuka, is a cornerstone of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern music. This Sawt El Ahram "Mediterranean Artisans" model follows a practical and accessible approach: a reliable instrument with a versatile format, designed to quickly regain the typical playing sensations and deliver a direct sound output. Its polished aluminum body aims for a balance between durability, aesthetics, and efficiency, whether for learning, rehearsing, or performing.

Who This Drum/Instrument Is For

This darbouka is intended for beginners who want to start with an easy-to-handle instrument, as well as intermediate musicians looking for a lightweight and responsive model to work on precision. It is particularly suited to Oriental, Maghreb, Turkish, Balkan styles, and more broadly Mediterranean grooves, as well as modern contexts (fusion, electro-acoustic, live accompaniment) where clean attacks and good projection are sought.

Features and Innovations

The "Turkish" format emphasizes a quick response and comfortable playability: the 31 cm height provides stable handling, while the reduced weight limits fatigue during long sessions. Tuning is done via 4 screws, convenient for tightening the skin and adjusting the pitch of the "doum" as well as the sharpness of the "tek". Note: the instrument is tuned with a 5 mm Allen key not included, an important detail to prepare for making adjustments upon receipt.

Sound Characteristics

With a aluminum body, this darbouka favors a bright tone and immediate projection. The metal generally provides a sharper attack and marked definition, which helps highlight fingertip strikes, slaps, and fast ornaments. In an ensemble (oud, qanun, violin, guitar, additional percussion), it maintains excellent rhythmic clarity.

The 14.5 cm skin diameter promotes precise playing and a balance between bass and treble: the "doum" remains present while keeping clear "tek" sounds, useful for working on transitions, rolls, and variations. By adjusting the tension via the rods, you can shape the character: tighter for a dry, articulated sound, or a bit looser for more roundness and depth.

Technical specifications

Instrument size	Medium	Depth	12.25 "
Category	darbouka	Color	Grey
Material	aluminium	Finishing	Polished
Skin type	Synthetic	Diameter	5.67 "

Brand / Series	Sawt El Ahram - Mediterranean Artisans	Skin diameter	14.5 cm - 5 2/3" (Ref. WH145)
Instrument	Darbouka	Body	Polished aluminum
Model	Turkish	Tension rods	4 screws
Names	darbouka, doumbek, derbouka, darbuka, darabuka	Tuning tool	5 mm Allen key not included
Height	31 cm - 12 1/4"	Weight	0.5 kg