Gawharet El Fan Metal Darbuka Doumbek, 17/17.5-Inch

An Authentic Egyptian Metal Darbuka

The darbuka (also known as a doumbek) is one of the defining percussion instruments of Arabic and Middle Eastern music, and the Gawharet El Fan Metal Darbuka brings genuine Egyptian craftsmanship to this iconic goblet-shaped drum. Handmade in Egypt, this metal Arabic drum is built to deliver the sharp, resonant tones that have made the darbuka a staple in traditional and contemporary Arabic percussion alike.

Durable Cast Aluminium Construction

This darbuka is constructed from cast aluminium, a material choice that gives the drum both durability and a distinctive metallic resonance that differs meaningfully from ceramic or wood-bodied darbukas. That metal body construction contributes to the instrument’s characteristic bright, cutting tone — a quality prized by darbuka players performing in ensemble settings where the drum needs to be clearly heard.

Precise Measurements for Authentic Playing Feel

This 17/17.5-inch darbuka comes with detailed manufacturer measurements to help players understand exactly what they’re getting:

• Height: 17 inches (42.5 cm)
• Head diameter: 10.5 inches (26.25 cm)
• Bottom diameter: 7.5 inches (18.75 cm)
• Skin head diameter: 8.75 inches
• Weight: 5.5 kg

These proportions reflect a traditionally sized doumbek, giving experienced players the familiar feel and tonal range expected from a properly constructed darbuka, while still remaining manageable to hold and play across extended sessions.

Comes with a Free PowerBeat Head Skin

This particular darbuka includes a free PowerBeat head skin in a striking Copper & Black finish, a modern synthetic drumhead option known for its durability and consistent playing response compared to natural skin heads. It’s worth noting that the PowerBeat skin is not pre-installed on the drum — players will need to install it themselves using the tuning tool included with the purchase, giving hands-on players the opportunity to properly seat and tension the head to their preference from the very start.

Protected with the Original Padded Bag

Every Gawharet El Fan darbuka in this listing comes with the original padded carrying bag, offering genuine protection for the drum’s metal body and head during transport and storage. That inclusion reflects the practical needs of gigging musicians and students alike, who need to move their instrument safely between home, lessons, and performances.

Handmade Egyptian Craftsmanship

As a handmade Egyptian darbuka, this instrument reflects genuine regional craftsmanship rather than mass-produced, generic construction. For players seeking an authentic connection to traditional Middle Eastern percussion, choosing a handmade Egyptian doumbek — rather than a generic import — makes a real difference in both build quality and cultural authenticity.

Who Is the Gawharet El Fan Metal Darbuka For?

• Percussionists seeking an authentic metal-bodied darbuka
• Students learning traditional Arabic hand drumming techniques
• Performers in Arabic, Middle Eastern, or world music ensembles
• Collectors interested in genuine Egyptian handmade instruments
• Anyone wanting to install and customize their own drumhead via the included PowerBeat skin and tuning tool

Why Choose the Gawharet El Fan Metal Darbuka

Between its durable cast aluminium construction, precisely detailed traditional proportions, included PowerBeat head skin, protective carrying bag, and genuine Egyptian handmade craftsmanship, this darbuka offers a well-rounded package for serious percussion players. It’s built to deliver the authentic tonal character that defines traditional Arabic doumbek playing.