Best Udu Drums in 2022

When it comes to finding the best udu drums, it can be a daunting task. There are so many different types of udu drums out there, ranging from traditional clay drums to modern synthetic drums, and everything in between. With so many options to choose from, it’s difficult to know where to start.

The good news is that there are a few things you can do to narrow down the search and find the best udu drum for your needs. First, consider the size and shape of the drum you want. Udu drums come in a variety of sizes, from small to large, and in a variety of shapes, from round to oval. Knowing what size and shape you need for your particular application is an important first step.

Next, consider the material of the drum. Udu drums are traditionally made from clay, but there are also drums made from synthetic materials such as plastic. Clay drums generally produce a warmer, more mellow sound, while synthetic drums tend to be brighter and more cutting. Knowing which type of sound you’re looking for will help you decide which material is best for you.

Finally, consider the price range for the drum you’re looking for. Udu drums can range from very affordable to very expensive, depending on the quality and materials used. Generally speaking, higher-quality drums will be more expensive, but they will also last longer and produce a better sound. It’s important to find a balance between quality and price when shopping for an udu drum.

By taking the time to consider your needs, you’ll be able to find the perfect udu drum for your application. Whether you’re looking for a traditional clay udu drum or a modern synthetic one, there’s an option out there for you. With a little bit of research and patience, you’ll be able to find the best udu drum for your needs.

1. Meinl Percussion Ibo Drum, Large Fiberglass Body with Additional Circular Playing Surface - NOT MADE IN CHINA -Includes Microphone Port and Padded Foam Base, 2-YEAR WARRANTY, gold (ID3GO)

Meinl Percussion Ibo Drum, Large Fiberglass Body with Additional Circular Playing Surface - NOT MADE IN CHINA -Includes Microphone Port and Padded Foam Base, 2-YEAR WARRANTY, gold (ID3GO)

Informations:

A FOAM PADDED BASE will help to keep the Ibo stable while it is being displayed or performed.

RAWHIDE PLAYING SURFACE: Play around with the unique Rawhide surface to discover fresh, energizing sounds.

FIBERGLASS BODY: The Mein Ibo's high-quality fiberglass structure provides a warmer resonance and durability.

BUILT-IN MICROPHONE HOLE: A microphone hole on the neck enables the placement of microphones in a practical and unobtrusive manner.

All Mein Ibos come with an official two-year Manufacturer's warranty when purchased from accredited merchants.#

Review:

Except for a few sounds that I still find to be a little bit plastic, everything is almost flawless. It would be ideal if this were ceramic. The little cowhide surface offers wonderful sonic combinations of various tones with other tones produced by striking the other sections. Hitting the leather, the hole, and the space in between produces beautiful music. It resembles a certain type of soundtrack for a movie's background music.

2. Meinl Percussion Ibo Drum, Large Fiberglass Body with Additional Circular Playing Surface - NOT MADE IN CHINA - Includes Microphone Port and Padded Foam Base, 2-YEAR WARRANTY, black (ID4BKO)

Meinl Percussion Ibo Drum, Large Fiberglass Body with Additional Circular Playing Surface - NOT MADE IN CHINA - Includes Microphone Port and Padded Foam Base, 2-YEAR WARRANTY, black (ID4BKO)

Informations:

All Meinl ibos come with an official two-year manufacturer's warranty when purchased from accredited merchants.

BUILT-IN MICROPHONE HOLE: A microphone hole on the neck enables discreet and practical microphone placement.

Fiberglass body: The Meinl ibo's high-quality fiberglass structure provides a warmer resonance and durability.

ADDITIONAL PLAYING SURFACE: Play around with adding a second fiberglass playing surface to the instrument's base.

Make sure the ibo is stable while being displayed or performing by using a foam-padded base.#

Review:

I'm really enjoying playing this wonderful percussion instrument. High pops, low bass notes, and of course the wonderful percussive Udu sound I was after are just a few of the noises I can get from it. This has better sound projection than the traditional clay Udu and is far less prone to break, which is very useful for musicians who frequently move from one engagement to the next. In a calm, acoustic environment, it will be audible without a microphone, but with a mic aimed at the neck hole location, it produces a much better sound with greater presence and harmonics. I haven't used the small mic insertion port on this; perhaps it would be wise in a recording, but when I'm performing live music on stage, I'm quite content with my Beyerdynamic Mic pointing at the neck hole. I've discovered that the rubber ring will sit comfortably in the foam-lined ring of a Doumbek stand, although I usually put it on a tall stool when playing while seated on stage. Without some non-slip shelf liner underneath it, it is a little too slick to sit it in my lap. The second drum Meinl also sells has a natural hide drum area, but I prefer this Ibo/Udu drum because the natural hide can eventually become stretched and dead sounding, especially when playing in humid outdoor conditions. Due of the frequent need to tune, I dislike natural drum heads in my southwest Florida environment.

3. Latin Percussion LP1400-UT Udu Drum

Latin Percussion LP1400-UT Udu Drum

Informations:

Shell can produce sounds like to "cowbells."

The Udus' lowest pitch ranges from

appropriate for conga and bongo players

Bright, moist sounds are produced by the bell chamber.#

Review:

You already know what an udu is if you are reading this. You've undoubtedly seen videos of Brian Melick playing this on YouTube, so you are aware of the size and tonal range of it. This udu has a drier, sharper tone than my LP mbwata and meinl udu based on hands-on playing and comparison with other classic rounded udus. It is simple to generate consistent tones due to the instrument's vast playing surface. This looks identical to the LP tambuta, which I also possess, and it sounds like a bigger version of that drum. The "dum" sound is almost the same, however the "tak" sound is noticeably lower than my previous udus. This, in my opinion, gives the drum a narrower tonal range than my other udus, making it better suited for playing with other udus than than by itself. Due to its size, weight, and restricted tonal range, this udu shouldn't be your first purchase. An udu player trying to increase the size and variety of his udu collection would benefit more from this. It's also challenging to play this udu dynamically on your lap. This udu should be played on a stand or table to achieve the best unmuted tones and the correct angle for the "dum." The resonance dramatically decreases when you play it on your lap, which is sad because the drum is already rather quiet. Nevertheless, it fulfills its purpose and has outstanding build quality, therefore I gave it 5 stars. You won't be dissatisfied if you simply comprehend what you are purchasing.

4. LP Udu Drum Udongo Ii

LP Udu Drum Udongo Ii

Informations:

While the smaller, flat chamber generates bright, sharp, wet tones, the lower, rounded chamber provides soft, round, dry bass tones.

Its smaller, flat chamber generates bright, crisp, wet tones, while the larger, flat chamber produces soft, round, dry bottom tones.

Middle Eastern doumbek or Indian tabla-like sounds are similar to those produced by the top chamber.

The two chambers of the LP Udu Drum provide intense and rich textures.

Middle Eastern doumbek or Indian tabla-like sounds are similar to those produced by the top chamber.#

Review:

I love it. As was already noted, employing a microphone will probably make experimenting with various tones easier. One thing I will mention is that the material's (clay or composite?) outside is flaking off since I thought it would be cool to play them with rubber mallets.

5. Latin Percussion LP1400-C2 Udu Drum

Latin Percussion LP1400-C2 Udu Drum

Informations:

three different sizes and complimentary colors are offered.

13"H x 9"W

Drums in the shape of a teardrop are comfortable to play and produce wet, liquidy sounds.#

Review:

Although I haven't yet used it for any serious performances or presentations, I'm really happy with the size and tone of this "percussion instrument." I've seen Latin percussionists perform, but this is a new instrument to me.

6. Latin Percussion LP1400-C4 Udu Drum

Latin Percussion LP1400-C4 Udu Drum

Informations:

Drums in the shape of a teardrop are comfortable to play and produce wet, liquidy sounds.

17"H x 11"W

three different sizes and complimentary colors are offered.#

Review:

Amazing sound and appearance overall.
About Author

Matt Grabowsky

My name is Matt Grabowsky and for over two decades I have been observing technological and social trends, talking about them and explaining them in an accessible way.