darabukka

The Darbuka (also known as Doumbek, Tablah, or Derbeke) is the most iconic percussion instrument in middle-eastern music, and has been played by drummers for over 100 years. The name "Darbuka" most likely came from the word “daraba”, which means "to strike" in Arabic.

The Darbuka is known as a goblet drum because its shape narrows in the middle and widens at the base. This shape is similar to that of a goblet or chalice glass. Historically Darbukas were made of clay or wood with an animal skin stretched over the head; such materials would create high-quality sounds.

Goblet drum

The goblet drum is a musical instrument that utilizes a vibrating stretched membrane to produce sounds with a goblet-shaped body. It can be referred to as a chalice drum or the tarabuka and falls into the category of a membranophone. Membranophones make audio sounds by striking the stretched membrane.

The Darbuka's sound That's the famous 'Dum' & 'Tak'. The 'Dum' being the deep bass tone created by hitting the center of the head drum. In contrast, the 'Tek' is a lighter, higher-pitched sound that occurs when striking the edges of the drum head.

The Darbuka creates a much higher pitched and sharp sound, whereas the Djembe produces a lower pitch and deeper sound. As such, a Darbuka will cut through a mix of musicians more easily.

The Sasanid Persians called it a “dombalak” and later a “doumbek” or “tonbak.” The Arabic names for it are “darbouka” or “darbukkah” in Egypt and “darbuka” in Turkish. This is called a darbuka, possibly linking it to Turkish influences, as the ancient Macedonians had a foothold in the region.

The Darbuka is known as a goblet drum as it narrows in the middle and widens at the base, similar to a goblet or chalice glass. Historically, Darbukas were made of clay or wood with an animal skin stretched over the head; such materials would create high-quality sounds.

The Darbuka is known as a goblet drum as it narrows in the middle and widens at the base, similar to a goblet or chalice glass. Historically, Darbukas were made of clay or wood with an animal skin stretched over the head; such materials would create high-quality sounds.

Darbuka instrument is played while seated or with straps standing up. It is situated under the players arm with the head of the instrument pointed at the knees. It can also be played standing up in order to allow the player to dance or walk around while playing. The player can play it simply by using his/her hands.

French gober means “swallow, gulp down.” Given such a root, goblet can be understood as a vial whose contents had to be gobbled up hurriedly or greedily - less than a fully convincing interpretation.

Etymology. From Middle English goblet (= Middle Low German gobelet, kobelet (“goblet”)), from Old French gobellet, diminutive of gobel, from or related to the verb gober (“to ingest”).