ABOUT THE
dondo
This page contains information about the Irie Tones dondo, or talking
drum. Although we don't claim that it is exhaustive, we hope it gives
you a solid basic understanding of your instrument. If you need clarification
or have something you feel would be useful to add, please contact us.
We'd be happy to help!
Irie
Tones Dondo Features
Colors
All of our dondos come with a natural finish. Clear varnish is applied
to the drum after the artwork has been carved and before the head is
installed.
Carvings
Because the body of the dondo is largely covered with vertical ropes,
we don't ask our drummakers to carve artistic designs into the body.
In this case plain is beautiful (and logical)!
Skins
The dondo is traditionally made with a shaved goat skin head, which
is what our dondos come with by default. We do not offer other skin
options for our talking drums.
Special Order dondos
Larger or smaller size dondos can be purchased on special order. You
can place an order at any time, allowing 4 to 8 weeks for delivery.
If you are interested in getting custom carvings or other unique features
don't hesitate to ask.
How
To Play Your Dondo
Position and Technique - The dondo can be played in
a standing or seated position. Hold the curved beater in the hand you
normally write with. Tuck the drum under the opposite arm, the center
of the ropes about even with the biceps and ribs. Alternatively, some
may prefer to place the drum vertically between the legs so as to squeeze
the ropes between the thighs. As you strike the head with the flat surface
of the beater change the pitch by squeezing the ropes at various intervals.
Try to make your dondo mimic a song you know or spoken phrase!
Caution - You should not use excessive force when striking
or squeezing your talking drum. Also, attempting to use other mallets
or beaters with a smaller striking surface (e.g. regular drum stick)
may result in damaging the head if struck too hard.
How To Care for and Maintain
Your Dondo
- Transport and Exposure - Although your drum is very
durable you should avoid exposing it to the elements (direct sunlight,
extreme heat or cold, dampness, rain, snow, etc.). Also avoid rapidly
moving the drum from one heat or humidity extreme to another. If you
need to take your dondo to a different altitude you don't need to worry
about loosening it like you would a high-tension drum such as a djembe;
the verticals are already loose enough to allow variation with harming
the head.
- Cleaning - Your dondo may be cleaned with a
damp cloth, but don’t apply cleansing agents or other cleaning
tools. Avoid playing with dirty hands or leaving your drum exposed to
sand or soil.
- Maintenance - Under normal circumstances your dondo
skin does not require any oils or leather treatment to keep it in shape;
the oil from your hands should be sufficient. Although a stain or varnish
has already been applied, you may choose to refinish it and apply a
wood oil; this will help prevent splitting. If you need to replace the
curved beater you can get one from our website or replace it with a
more modern version, making sure the tip is larger that a regular drum
stick.
How To Rope Tune Your Dondo
We import our dondos with the head already in place and tightened,
ready to be played. You should not need to retune your dondo, and doing
so may result in a smaller range of pitches that can be reached. If
the verticals become damaged you may restring the verticals entirely,
using a thin leather rope, or make a small repair by tying the broken
vertical together with a secure knot.
Brief
History of the Dondo Drum
This variable pitch pressure drum has been used for centuries
as a tool for communication within and between West African rural communities.
By squeezing and beating the drum simultaneously the dondo can be made
to mimic the syllables and intonations of human speech. Today the dondo
is still used exensively in traditional African music ensembles, and
is gaining popularity elsewhere as a unique addition to drum circles
and ethnic percussion groups.
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