Which is the best Darbuka for new user?

[Light]

 I have determined to buy my first doumbek or darbuka, but there are so many types like aluminum, copper, brass, nickel-plated, ceramic & so on to choose from, so I'm not sure which one to get.
Which doumbek would you recommend for a first time buyer? Which will be the best for me?
Please answer.

[Blue]

Hi, You have a great question. Buying The Darbuka from a known maker, who is well versed with its aesthetic qualities and its importance, can help you a lot in your quest. None but an experienced darbuka maker would be able to give it a proper shape. This is why you should treat this issue carefully.
For example, the darbukas that are crafted in the hands of Gawharet El Fan have their own specialties that you would never find in any other darbuka. But before buying that particular darbuka, you should check the signature that is engraved in them for helping you to distinguish them. Make sure that the signature is a real one and not a fake. You can find these darbukas in www.arabinstruments.com without making a diligent search.

[Solo]

Hi,
Glad to see your interest on darbuka. One of the most popular beginner doumbeks is the Alexandria Aluminum doumbek.  First time players like this drum because it is a moderate size, very durable and has a good range of tones.  It is a good drum to learn the basics of doumbek playing on.  It also produces quality tones so that even advanced players enjoy playing it too.  Also, it's cost is lower than most other doumbeks, which makes it a great drum for the price.

Other doumbeks that are a little more expensive than the Alexandria doumbeks, but are easy to play and have beautiful tones are the Copper Doumbeks (excluding the large ones) as well as the 8 inch or 10 inch Brass doumbeks.  In addition, these drums are also a moderate size, which is another reason why they are good beginner drums.

As with most things, you get what you pay for.  The Alexandria doumbeks are an excellent drum for the price, but the copper and brass doumbek shells are considered to produce prettier tones than the aluminum shells.

One last point, the Alexandria aluminum and the copper doumbeks have one advantage over the brass doumbeks.  The advantage is that the Alexandria and copper doumbeks have curved rims and this type of rim is a little softer on the fingers & hands while playing.  Nonetheless, all three styles are good beginner drums for the reasons indicated above.