An exquisitely hand-carved ashiko drum invoking rhythmic passion.
The Ashiko Freedom hand drum brings the spirited sounds of West Africa to drummers everywhere. Hand-carved from resonant mahogany, its traditional elongated cone shape produces a deep, warm and nuanced tone. The premium goatskin drum head responds sensitively to playing dynamics, allowing you to explore a diverse palette of tones from sharp slaps to open, ringing notes. With intricate hand-carved designs, no two Ashiko Freedom drums are alike, making each one a unique percussive work of art. These special hand drums invite creative rhythmic expression across many musical genres.
Resonant Mahogany Body for Rich, Warm Tones
The Ashiko Freedom drum features a hand-carved mahogany body that resonates with a rich, warm character. As a solid, one-piece shell, it vibrates freely to enhance its acoustic properties. The interior is lathe-turned for uniform thickness while lateral grooves help reduce overtones so you can better control the drum's fundamental tone. Multiple coats of teak oil accentuate the natural beauty of the wood while protecting it from humidity and temperature changes. Weighing under 5 pounds, the Ashiko Freedom is comfortable to play for extended periods.
Premium Goatskin Drum Head Responds Sensitively to Playing Dynamics
The Ashiko Freedom is topped with a premium goatskin drum head that reacts expressively to your playing technique. With a broad dynamic range, you can elicit anything from sharp, cracking tones to open, ringing notes that sing and decay gracefully. The drum head can be tuned across a wide pitch range to suit your musical needs. Playing with your hands and fingers, you can explore the drum head to produce bass, tone and slap sounds. With practice, you'll be able to execute complex polyrhythmic patterns.
Traditional West African Ashiko Shape With Signature Elongated Cone
In the tradition of ashiko drums rooted in West Africa, the Ashiko Freedom features a distinctive elongated cone shape for focused, cutting tones. The drum tapers gracefully from the wide open end to the narrower base. Compared to a djembe, the ashiko's form lends itself to a sharper, punchier sound. It provides rhythmic drive and cuts through the mix beautifully. The Ashiko Freedom measures 14" across the drum head and stands 26" tall.
Intricate Hand-Carved Designs Make Each Drum Unique
With detailed hand carvings adorning each drum, no two Ashiko Freedom drums are exactly alike. The master carvers incorporate Ashanti Adinkra symbols, representing concepts like wisdom and spiritual protection, into the traditional African motifs. Each drum becomes a personalized work of art. The hand-carved designs also enhance the tonal qualities by allowing the drum to vibrate more freely. Your Ashiko Freedom drum will certainly stand out visually and sonically.
Includes Free Digital Lessons to Start Playing Right Away
The Ashiko Freedom comes with access to free digital video lessons so you can start playing with proper techniques right out of the box. The lessons cover how to tune the drum, play basic tones and perform traditional West African rhythms. With the accompanying play-along tracks, you'll be able to dive into the polyrhythmic foundations of ashiko drumming.