We use African goat skins with no tears or blemishes, but with varying thicknesses. The thickness of the skin will have an effect on the overall sound of the instrument, normally the thicker the skin the "fuller" and "warmer" the sound, but such words are dependent on the person listening. Thinner skins are often easier to play, with less wear and tear on the hands, but normally also sound "drier" and "sharper". Please remember these are natural products - every one is different.

It is also possible to use other animal skins for assembling a djembe. Antelope was also often traditionally used, and calf skins are sometimes used, although these skins are much thicker than that of a goat, with a corresponding effect on the sound.

All of the djembes at djembemoves have goat skins from Guinea unless otherwise stated. None have been treated with chemicals.

We use exclusively cow skins, with a uniform thickness of the skin over the surface of the instrument. We select only one cow skin for both ends of each instrument. The thickness of the skin will have an effect on the overall sound of the instrument, and care has been taken to select suitable skins for the three different doundouns in order to create a harmonious set.

All of the doundouns at djembemoves have cow skins from Guinea. None of them have been treated with chemicals.