RBI Drums, Renaissance Builders Instruments, Ashiko, Djembe

Tuning, Care &
Maintenance

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Our instruments are tuned using the traditional Mali Weave. This is the
same method used by African builders for centuries and has some very real
advantages over more modern approaches. Essentially, with the Mali
Weave, a tremendous amount of tension can be applied to the drumhead
very evenly.
We understand that some people may be intimidated by the seemingly
complex array of strings, but we found that anybody who is able to tie their
shoelaces will master the art of the Mali Weave quite easily.
The Mali weave is a pattern that is progressively woven into the vertical
strands of rope that run between the rings at the drumhead to the smaller
bottom ring. One simply crosses a pair of verticals over each other as
illustrated below. This is often referred to as 'pulling diamonds'. This creates
a horizontal line that eventually spirals several times around the drum until
the top is reached. At this point, the entire weave is undone, the verticals
are pulled tight again and the process starts all over. We should point out
that our drums rarely make it past the second row as the need to adjust the
tension decreases as the skin matures and our rope does not stretch
significantly.
We ship our drums moderately tensioned to avoid split heads during
transport with only a few diamonds pulled, mainly to indicate the eventual
pattern. Depending on the prevalent moisture level at the new home, the
drum will need to be tightened repeatedly over the next weeks by pulling a
few diamonds every so often to adjust to the new conditions. By the time
the first row is completed, the skin has usually reached a maturation point,
at which time the full sound of the drum will truly be established.

TUNING, PULLING DIAMONDS:
This is the method used to maintain tension to the drumhead on an
ongoing basis. It is mainly used to increase tension, as it is lost over time
due to the fact that the skin itself will continue to stretch for a certain
period, as well as due to the absorption of moisture. Also, even quality
drum- rope should be expected to have some initial stretch, which will
lower the tension of the drumhead.
NOTE: The rope used for pulling diamonds is usually an extension of the
one used for the vertical lacing. The lighter color rope in the illustrations is
used for visual purposes.

When pulling diamonds it is best to sit on a padded surface with the drum.
The legs are used to stabilise the drum. Keep back straight while pulling.

To pull on the rope, a short, straight piece of stick is used (broomstick,
drumstick, clave- stick), or a rigging tool. The rope is wrapped around the
stick in the manner illustrated.

The term ‘Diamonds’ refers to the triangular pattern created when two
neighboring vertical strands are crossed, by weaving the excess rope left
from the vertical lacing in a horizontal direction.
Tension can be increased by adding more diamonds or decreased by opening
up existing ones. Diamonds are added in progressive order until the desired
tension is reached. It is not necessary to complete an entire row every time
the drum is tuned. When the beginning point is reached, the weave is
continued in the manner of a spiral around the shell. This is continued until
the very top of the drum is reached, at which point all diamonds are opened
up and the verticals are tightened and the whole process is repeated. If good
rope is used and the drum is kept in a moderately dry environment, this
point may never come since the drumhead is usually replaced well before
the last row of diamonds is reached. Should the rope run out before the last
row, more rope can be added by simply tying to the end of the existing one

The rope should be fed through near the top of the drum where the vertical
lacing does not sit closely against the shell and should then be pulled
downwards to its intended location. This prevents friction from damaging
the finish of the drum and the rope is also less likely to twist up.
Some effort should be made to prevent the horizontal line from wandering
up towards the top of the drum. This limits the number of rows that can
ultimately be installed (it also looks nicer)..

Step 5:
Continue tuning as needed. When the beginning point is reached, continue
to spiral upwards.

Step 6:
Here the rope is fed under three of the verticals, over the third and under
the middle.

Step 7:
Rope is again pulled until the verticals cross, then advance to the next pair.

Step 8:
Finish by wrapping the remaining rope around the base of the drum and tie
off with a hitch.

Care and Maintenance:
The most important aspect of maintenance is clearly that the instrument
should be kept inside a good bag or case as much as possible, in particular
during transport, just as with other instruments. Since the drumhead is made
from natural skin, it will absorb moisture, which will soften the contained
proteins which will in turn cause the head to lose tension. Cases, or at least
some protective head covering will prevent this. Heat, in turn , will cause
the skin cells to release moisture, reducing their size. This causes the head
to shrink, increasing tension which can, in he worst case, split the head.
Again, cases can prevent this from happening. Cases will also protect the
instrument from accidental damage, not to mention from fungi, insects,
pets, children, UV radiation, bird droppings, meteors and much more.
Should a case really not be available, wrap the drum inside a blanket at least
during transport. Avoid rapid changes in temperature. It is a good idea to
cover the drumhead with a towel or a small piece of carpet if the drum is
displayed at home. Try not to place the instrument close to a heating vent,
fireplace or such. Do not place drum in direct sunlight. Strong UV radiation
can possibly degrade the skin , but will certainly cause the color of the
wood to darken, which is however purely cosmetic and not necessarily
unattractive. We find, it actually adds warmth to the instrument. Do not
expose drum to rain or excessive moisture. Do not play in saunas or sweat-
lodges. Do not use drum as a coffee table. ( this is bad for the skin and it
shows disrespect )
Also, dogs will assume that they just got a new chew toy, as they are the
same material as the drumhead, so be aware.
The drums with goat skin heads are really meant to be played with hands
only, but soft mallets may be used. Avoid rim- shots! Do not play with
drum sticks!
Do not sit on the drum while playing. This will deflect the shell, possibly
causing cracks and can put added tension on the head. It will also damage
the rope as it rubs on the ground.
Do not over- tighten the head. Our drums are meant to be tight, but when
stretched too much, the skin will, obviously, break. Tune drum to a point
where a slap is easily achieved but bass is not compromised. If drumhead is
very tight, loosen a few diamonds before traveling somewhere, in particular
to high altitudes or arid environments. Do the same when taking the drum
on a plane.
It is not necessary to treat our drumheads with oils, lotions, shea butter or
anything else. We find that the moisture and oils from the skin of the
players hand is sufficient to keep the head subtle. ( we realize that this is a
matter of debate among players and builders but we can back our point
with careful observations, made in an alpine desert region at 7500 feet ) We
recommend clean hands however, as dirt will also be transferred onto the
head during playing, which can get pretty nasty after a while.
It is also not necessary to treat the shell in any way, as it is constructed so
as to expand and contract without developing tension which could cause
cracks. A furniture- or instrument oil can be applied to maintain the luster
of the finish.

Step 2:
Feed rope under the next
available pair of verticals

Step I:
Release tuning rope

Step 3:
Rope threads over the second
vertical and under the first.

Remember:
UNDER – UNDER – OVER - UNDER

Step 4:
Pull firmly until the first vertical
has crossed over the second one.
The resulting knot should be held
down with one hand, to prevent
the diamond from opening up
until the rope is fed under the pair
of verticals, which will hold it in
place.

Contact:
RBI Drums
P.O.Box 15
Jaroso, CO 81138

email: mschraud@gmail.com
tel: 719 588 4973