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A frame drum is a drum that has a drumhead width greater than its depth. In the Middle East Frame Drums are the musicologist’s term for a class of percussion instruments constructed of a shallow cylindrical frame over which a skin is stretched and may or may not have jingles. Usually the single drumhead is made of rawhide or man-made materials.
Shells are traditionally constructed of bent wood (rosewood, oak, ash etc.) scarf jointed together; plywood and man-made materials are also used. Some frame drums have mechanical tuning and on many the drumhead is stretched and tacked in place. It is the earliest skin drum known to have existed.
Examples are found in many places and cultures. It has been suggested that they were also used to winnow grain.
Frame drums are one of the most ancient types of musical instruments. They have a simple structure with strong spiritual and entertaining effects. They are usually round, made of wood with animal skin and sometimes metal rings or plates incorporated into the drum to provide jingle. They have different sizes; the larger drums are played mainly by men in spiritual rituals and medium size drums are played mainly by women.
Frame drums originated in the ancient Middle East, India, and Rome, and reached medieval Europe through Islamic culture. The similarity of the names of frame drums in these regions shows the common history of these drums. At Ethnic Musical Instruments.com we carry a wide array of frame percussion drums including:
Adufe, Bendir, Bodhrán, Buben, Daf, Daffu, Dayereh, Doyra, Ghaval, Kanjira, Mazhar, Pandeiro, Plenera, Pandereta, Pandero, Ramana, Ravann, Riq, Tamborim, Tambourine, Tamburello, Tammorra, Tar, Thappu, Timbrel, Timpan, Uchiwa. |
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Beaters
Different weights, sizes, and materials for different sounds. |
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Bendir
A traditional instrument of North Africa, more specifically in Morocco. A snare adds to the liveliness of these drums. |
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Bodhran
An Irish frame drum with heads made of animal or synthetic skin. |
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Deff
Middle Eastern Frame Drums in numerous styles. |
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Frame Drum
Simple shaman style, Persian Mazhars with jingles, synthetic heads and natural, from 10 to 40 inches in diameter |
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Kanjira
A very old percussion instrument that is very popular in South Indian classical performances. |
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Muzhar
Arabic style, played like a tar or deff. |
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Rain Drums
Create the sounds of rain and thunder from one drum. |
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Tambourine
Choose from dozens of sizes shapes and styles |
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Tar
A tar is a single-headed frame drum. The tar comes from North Africa and the Middle East. |
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