A few weeks ago we went to a campfire at one of the local nature centers. The coordinator had brought some instruments: shakers, a tambourine, a banjo, and several conga and djembe drums. We spent the night playing on these things, and I was very taken by the versatile sound that I could make with the djembe drum.

The [link|http://www.guitarcenter.com/shop/product/buy_remo_djembe?full_sku=442269%2e947%2e337|djembe] drum is a bit different from [link|http://www.guitarcenter.com/shop/product?full_sku=447039|conga ]and [link|http://www.guitarcenter.com/shop/product/buy_toca_synergy_bongo_set?full_sku=449863%2e213|bongo] drums in that the bottom is open. This allows a wide range of sounds to be created, from a high pitched, sharp rap near the edge to a very full bass thump in the middle. The sound can be changed drastically by covering the bottom opening (which has a rubber rim) as well.

Mine has an interesting Egyptian frieze in cloth on the sides, and the head is just glued on. For something I bought on a whim, I wasn't prepared to spend an extra $100 for one with a replaceable head. Guitar Center had a sale where just about everything in the store was half price; I bought my drum for $80. I figure it's a good investment since the boys love playing them too.

BTW, I picked up Digital Performer as well on your recommendation. Looks great, but for some reason there's no sound being produced on my MacBook Pro. I need to talk to their tech support.