Some time ago, we received a package from Meinl Distribution. Knowing what awaited us inside, we immediately started unpacking in order to share the test results with you as soon as possible, because such instruments do not find their way to our HQ too often.
We are testing a 8 3/4″ Meinl Percussion Artisan Series Doumbek
1. Test
We tested the Meinl Artisan Series Doumbek in our recording facility. This time, the role of a laboratory technician was taken over by Patrycja Betley – a multi-percussionist and flautist, member of the band Same Suki, also associated with the bands Karolina Cicha & Spółka and Kayah & Transoriental Orchestra.
2. Basic product specification:
- Producer: Meinl Percussion
- Type: Doumbek
- Series: Artisan
- Size: 8 3/4″
- Model: AEED3
- Shell material: Aluminium
- Head: Synthetic
- Finish: Blue Pearl / Mosaic Palace
- Weight: 3850 grams
3. Product and sound
Like the 12″ Meinl Alpine Djembe already tested by us, the doumbek is very light and handy in its design. The instrument is equipped with a durable, synthetic head and has a specific body shape that exposes high, “soaring” frequencies. It responds perfectly to touch at all dynamic levels. It is worth noting that the Artisan Series doumbecks are manufactured in Egypt, and the authentic mosaic-style finish is mother-of-pearl inlay while the instrument itself is cast from solid aluminum, which is why it is so lightweight.
Moving on to our laboratory technician’s test, Patrycja presented single sounds – dum, tek and ka, to show the full spectrum of colours that the instrument has to offer. Then, she played a steady pulse, showing how musical the doumbek being tested here is. Under Patricia’s hands, the instrument responded with a high pitched attack, but also with lower frequencies when struck closer to the center. We imagine that doumbeks from the Artisan series will deliver in the context of ethnic or folk music. It is definitely an instrument of professional quality, both in terms of workmanship and sound, which encourages further exploration of its possibilities.
It is undoubtedly a product worth the attention of all percussionists, just like the whole Meinl Percussion offer, which is constantly being expanded.
Producer: https://meinlpercussion.com
Distributor in Poland: Meinl Distribution
OUR VERDICT: 5 out of 5
Advantages:
- Great for folk and world music
- Lightweight
- Great sound
- Great addition for percussion players
- Beautiful finish
Disadvantages:
- None
Drummers and Drummerettes! It’s time to put the 8 3/4″ Meinl Artisan Series Doumbek to the most important test of all, i. e. the en.beatit.tv viewers’ test! Exclusively for you, we give you Patrycja Betley!
