Detail 01
Talking drum
Squeezing the cords under your arm raises and drops the pitch mid-stroke. That bend is the whole point of the instrument.
Product detailSKU #1274115063938
MEINLAfrican Talking Drum Large
Independent shopping perspective
The Korena take
A large hourglass talking drum with tension cords, played under the arm. For hand percussionists who want pitch bending, not a fixed-pitch drum.
Strong match
Who this is for
- Hand percussionists adding pitch-bent phrases to a group
- West African drumming ensembles alongside djembe and dunun
- Players who want a drum they can walk and perform with
Consider the trade-offs
When to look elsewhere
- Beginners wanting a straightforward hand drum with one steady pitch
- Drummers who need a shell that mounts to a kit or stand
- Anyone unwilling to learn arm pressure and cord technique
What matters in use
The specifications, translated
Catalog numbers tell only part of the story. These are the details most likely to change how this product feels, sounds, or fits into a setup.
Detail 02
Hourglass shape
Two heads joined by tension cords along the waist, which is what makes the squeeze work. It is not a single-head drum.
Detail 03
Large
Deeper, lower voice and more pitch range than a small talking drum, at the cost of more weight under the arm.
Detail 04
Played under the arm
You carry the weight while you play, so long sets are physical. Standing and moving is normal for this drum.
Detail 05
$99.99
Entry-tier pricing for a large hand drum — expect a playable instrument rather than a hand-built ensemble piece.
Detail 06
Multi-colored
Traditional decorative finish. It shows scuffs from the arm and cords with regular playing.
Final check
Know before you order
- 01Confirm whether a curved beater is included — talking drums are usually struck with one
- 02Natural heads and cords shift with humidity and need retensioning
- 03Learning the squeeze technique takes practice; it is not immediate like a djembe
Product questions
Before you decide
Straight answers to the questions shoppers most often ask about this product.
01How does a talking drum change pitch?
Cords run between the two heads. Squeezing them against your body tightens the heads and raises the pitch; releasing drops it, all within a single stroke.
02Do I hit it with my hand or a stick?
Traditionally with a curved beater in one hand while the other hand and arm control the cords. Some players add hand strokes.
03Is this good for a beginner?
It is playable early, but pitch control takes practice. A djembe or bongo is easier if you want quick results.
04Can I put it on a stand?
It is built to hang under the arm with a strap so you can work the cords. A stand defeats the pitch-bending technique.
Reference
Full specifications
The complete catalog record, organized around the decisions musicians make when comparing gear.
1 detailsBody & build
- Color
- Multi-Colored
