Best Darbukas of 2025

Hayden Bryant Avatar
Hayden Bryant
Last Updated: 9 Feb 2025

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Darbukas are a type of percussion instrument that originated in the Middle East and North Africa. They are often made of ceramic or metal and have a distinct goblet shape with a narrow neck and wide base. Darbukas are played by striking the head of the instrument with the hand or a thin stick, producing a range of sounds and rhythms. These instruments have become popular in a variety of musical genres around the world and are often used in traditional folk music, as well as in contemporary styles. Their unique sound and versatility make them a great addition to any musician's collection.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Wambooka Diamond Darbuka Drum with Bag Cover #TOP 1
Wambooka Diamond Darbuka Drum with Bag
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Stagg ALM.PL20 20cm Aluminium Darbuka Cover #TOP 2
Stagg ALM.PL20 20cm Aluminium Darbuka
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Tunable Egyptian Darbuka Drum with Soft Bag Cover #TOP 3
Tunable Egyptian Darbuka Drum with Soft Bag
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Darbukas

#TOP 1

Wambooka Diamond Darbuka Drum with Bag

WAMBOOKA
WAM-DAR
Diamond Darbuka
Wambooka Diamond Darbuka Drum with Bag Cover
Wambooka Diamond Darbuka Drum with 8.75 inch Head, with Brass tuning keys and Padded Bag 17 inches Length (Crystal Clear PC)

The Wambooka Darbuka Drum offers a powerful sound that brings mid-range lows and sharp highs, allowing you to explore a superb tonal range. Crafted from high-quality Polycarbonate, it ensures durability while delivering exceptional sound quality, making it perfect for your musical needs. With its Italian design, this drum not only sounds great but also looks contemporary, enhancing your performance. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced musician, this versatile instrument is ideal for various styles, including Middle Eastern and world music.

What We Like
Rich and authentic sound
Durable Polycarbonate material
Contemporary Italian design
Suitable for all skill levels
Versatile for various music styles
#TOP 2

Stagg ALM.PL20 20cm Aluminium Darbuka

ALM.PL20
Stagg ALM.PL20 20cm Aluminium Darbuka Cover
Stagg ALM.PL20 Darbuka

The Stagg ALM.PL20 Darbuka is a fantastic addition to your musical collection. Its 20 cm diameter ensures a comfortable playing experience, making it easy for you to produce rich sounds. The aluminium body and hoops not only provide durability but also contribute to a lighter weight, allowing for easy transport. Standing at 38 cm in height, this darbuka is designed for both practice and performance. Its user-friendly features make it accessible for musicians of all skill levels.

What We Like
Lightweight and portable
Durable aluminium construction
Easy to play
Suitable for all skill levels
#TOP 3

Tunable Egyptian Darbuka Drum with Soft Bag

Dest
CD-222
Tunable Egyptian Darbuka Drum with Soft Bag Cover
Tunable Egyptian Darbuka Drum Doumbek Tombak Musical Instrument

The Dest Darbuka Drum offers an exceptional musical experience with its cast aluminium shell, which produces deep low notes alongside bright ringing highs. The tunable synthetic head not only delivers a powerful sound but also resists deterioration from weather, ensuring consistent performance. Each hand-engraved shell adds an authentic touch to the artistry of the drum. With a convenient height of 44 cm, it is lightweight at 2.4 kg, making it easy for you to transport and play.

What We Like
Deep low and bright high notes
Tunable and replaceable synthetic head
Hand-engraved for authenticity
Lightweight and portable
#TOP 4

ZAZA Percussion 16'' Aluminium Darbuka Drum

HA-100RRD
Red Wine-Engrave
ZAZA Percussion 16'' Aluminium Darbuka Drum Cover
ZAZA Percussion 16'' Length Aluminum Darbuka, 8" Tunable Synthetic Head Turkish Doumbek Drum (Red Wine-Engrave)

The ZAZA Darbuka Drum features a beautifully hand engraved aluminium shell, offering a lightweight design and an 8" tunable synthetic drum head. This drum produces rich mid-range lows and sharp highs, making it ideal for traditional Middle-Eastern music and drum circles. With its powerful sound projection, you can enjoy immense tones that enhance any performance. Crafted by skilled artisans in Turkey, this authentic drum combines quality and durability, ensuring that you can play beautifully for years to come.

What We Like
Hand engraved design
Powerful sound projection
Lightweight and sturdy
Authentic Turkish craftsmanship
#TOP 5

Gawharet El Fan 17" Mother of Pearl Darbuka

Classic 17" Mother of Pearl Darbuka
Night Blossom
Gawharet El Fan 17" Mother of Pearl Darbuka Cover
New! Gawharet El Fan Classic 17" Mother of Pearl Darbuka Drum Percussion (Night Blossom)

The Gawharet El Fan Darbuka is a stunning 17" percussion instrument designed for both aesthetics and functionality. It features a clear synthetic skin, ensuring a smooth and responsive playing experience. The premium case adds convenience for transport and storage, protecting your drum from damage. With its exquisite hand-painted Egyptian designs, this drum not only sounds fantastic but also serves as a beautiful piece of art. The intricate inlay of real mother of pearl enhances its visual appeal, making it a joy to play and display.

What We Like
High-quality sound
Beautiful handcrafted design
Comes with protective case
Lightweight and portable
Artistic mother of pearl inlay
#TOP 6

ZAZA Percussion 16'' Darbuka with Jingles

HA-100BBZ
Dark Blue-Engrave
ZAZA Percussion 16'' Darbuka with Jingles Cover
ZAZA Percussion 16'' Length Aluminum Darbuka, 8" Tunable Synthetic Head and Internal Jingles Doumbek (Dark Blue-Engrave)

The ZAZA Percussion Darbuka is a beautifully hand engraved, lightweight drum that stands at 16 inches tall and features an 8-inch tunable synthetic head with internal jingles. This unique design allows you to produce rich mid-range DOUM lows and cracking Tek and Ka highs, making it perfect for traditional Middle-Eastern music or casual play at gatherings. Crafted by skilled artisans in Turkey, this authentic tumbak drum combines quality and performance. Its powerful sound projection ensures deep lows and sharp highs, enhancing your musical experience.

What We Like
Beautiful hand engraved design
Lightweight and easy to carry
Powerful sound projection
Durable synthetic head
Suitable for all skill levels
#TOP 7

Meinl Percussion Mini Darbuka Hand Drum

HE-050
Silver
Meinl Percussion Mini Darbuka Hand Drum Cover
Meinl Percussion Mini Series Darbuka - Mini Handdrum - With Synthetic Head - Diameter 4.25 Inches - Aluminum, Silver (HE-050)

The Meinl Mini Darbuka is a delightful mini goblet drum that features a durable plastic head, making it ideal for hands-on play. You can easily hold it between your knees while seated, allowing for a comfortable and engaging playing experience. This instrument is a perfect gift for percussion and darbuka enthusiasts who want to explore new sounds. Its miniature size fits conveniently on any desk, making it accessible for practice or casual play. Plus, a tuning key is included for quick and easy adjustments.

What We Like
Compact and portable design
Durable plastic head
Includes tuning key
Ideal for beginners
Great gift for musicians
#TOP 8

17'' Wave Zaza Percussion Darbuka Doumbek

17WAVE - WHITE
Red - Engraved
17'' Wave Zaza Percussion Darbuka Doumbek Cover
The 17'' Wave Zaza Percussion Egyptian Style Darbuka Doumbek (Red - Engraved)

The Zaza Percussion Doumbek is an exceptional 17'' darbuka that caters to both beginners and professional players. Its hand-engraved cast aluminium shell not only offers a unique aesthetic but also produces a powerful sound, perfect for any musical gathering. This instrument features a tunable synthetic head, allowing you to adjust the sound quality according to your preferences, while its sturdy design ensures durability against changing weather conditions. With a beautiful Egyptian style, this drum is an excellent addition to your musical repertoire.

What We Like
Beautiful hand-engraved design
Powerful sound quality
Tunable synthetic drum head
Durable against weather changes
Includes carrying case and accessories
#TOP 9

Gawharet El Fan 17" Mother of Pearl Darbuka Drum

Classic 17" Mother of Pearl Darbuka
silver
Gawharet El Fan 17" Mother of Pearl Darbuka Drum Cover
Gawharet El Fan 17" Mother of Pearl Darbuka"Egyptian Duke" Darbuka Drum Percussion

The Gawharet El Fan Darbuka is a stunning 17" drum that boasts a clear synthetic skin and a premium case, making it ideal for both transport and protection. Its top-quality construction is complemented by shiny Egyptian shell decorations, adding a touch of elegance to your performances. The hand-painted designs provide an authentic royal style, ensuring that you stand out. Additionally, the intricate inlay of real mother of pearl enhances the drum's aesthetic appeal, making it not just an instrument, but a true work of art.

What We Like
High-quality construction
Beautiful hand-painted designs
Real mother of pearl inlay
Includes premium case
#TOP 10

Zaza Percussion 16'' Turkish Darbuka Drum

830AB
Silver
Zaza Percussion 16'' Turkish Darbuka Drum Cover
Zaza Percussion 16'' (Length) Turkish Aluminum Darbuka, Synthetic Head (Silver)

The Zaza Percussion Darbuka is a beautifully hand engraved 16-inch drum that features a lightweight aluminium shell and an 8-inch tunable synthetic head. This design allows you to create rich mid-range DOUM lows and sharp Tek and Ka highs, perfect for traditional Middle-Eastern music or casual play. Its powerful sound projection ensures that you can be heard clearly in any setting. Additionally, the drum is made in Turkey by skilled artisans, guaranteeing authenticity and top-quality craftsmanship.

What We Like
Beautiful hand engraved design
Powerful sound projection
Lightweight and durable
Weather-resistant synthetic head
Great for all skill levels
Buying Guide Image
Editor's Notes

During our darbuka research, we found 24 darbuka products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 3,244 customer reviews through our big data system to write the darbukas list. We found that most customers choose darbukas with an average price of £194.59.

The darbukas are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of darbukas, including WAMBOOKA, Stagg, Dest, Zaza Percussion, Gawharet El Fan.

Written by
Hayden Bryant Avatar

Hayden was born in Liverpool, and he never left his hometown until university. In his freshman year at the University of Manchester, Hayden was the group leader of a popular music group. Hayden is responsible for the popularity of his music, and this is because of his natural ability to play with keys and strings. He graduated with BFA in 2016 and returned in 2018 as a lecturing staff in the School of Music.