Given that copper is a higher quality metal than aluminum, it is a higher quality drum. The aluminum is a good, solid beginner drum. It's shell is thick and strong. The copper is an advanced, or even pro-grade, drum, which a beautiful shape and design to its shell.

The copper doumbek has better resonance and, in turn, sings more than the aluminum doumbek, which should be expected give the copper is more expensive.

Weight

The copper doumbek also weighs less. The aluminum doumbek weighs about 9-10 lbs (the shipping weight is 11 - 12 pounds). The copper doumbek weighs 1 - 2 pounds less.

The Copper is a little easier to play because it has better resonance and is lighter.

Both drums give a full range of doumbek tones. The copper gives a slightly better range of tones.

In keeping with the beautiful tone and resonance the copper has a beautiful, hand etched finish.

Both drum have a curved rim, which makes playing easier on the fingers hands as compared to doumbeks with square rims.

Durability

Both drums are very durable and both should hold up fine in most any environment so long as they are treated with basic care and respect.

Heads

Both drums come with plastic heads. The copper drum has the added versatility because Remo Fiberskyn and Remo Deepskyn heads are designed to go on these drums. The Fiberskyn and Deepskyn heads simulate the texture and sound of animal skin (goat skin). They give the drum a warmer and more mellow timbre as compared to the plastic heads, make the drums brighter.

Artdrum's Recommendation

Both drums are good and have there place. If you want a simple beginner drum and would like not spend more than $100, then it is a great drum to have. It is an excellent drum for the price. However, in time as you grow as a drummer you will likely want a drum that is a more sensitive and beautiful to the sound and touch.

If the extra cost for the copper isn't a big issue for you, then we recommend it because it is a higher quality drum, which you will be able to grow with for a longer period of time.

Darbukas & Accessories

Instruction

Instructions for replacing the head on a copper darbuka

Darbuka Strokes & Tones

Rhythms