Best Talking Drums of 2025

Nicole Kim Avatar
Nicole Kim
Last Updated: Jan 2, 2025

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Talking drums are a unique and fascinating musical instrument that have been used for centuries in African cultures. These drums are designed to mimic the rhythms and intonations of human speech, allowing for a wide range of expressive and communicative possibilities. They are typically made from a hollowed out log or gourd, with animal skin stretched over the top to create a resonant drum head. The drum is played by striking it with a stick or hand, and the pitch and tone can be varied by squeezing or releasing ropes that are attached to the drum's body. Talking drums are a powerful and dynamic addition to any musical performance or cultural event.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Paragon Heartwood Mali Tama Talking Drum Cover #TOP 1
Paragon Heartwood Mali Tama Talking Drum
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Remo Talking Drum Cover #TOP 2
Remo Talking Drum
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Terre Talking Drum 16"x9" Cover #TOP 3
Terre Talking Drum 16"x9"
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Talking Drums

#TOP 1

Paragon Heartwood Mali Tama Talking Drum

Paragon Heartwood Mali Tama Talking Drum Cover
Paragon Heartwood Mali Tama 5" x 11" - Professional African Talking Drum - Stick included

The Africa Heartwood Talking Drum is expertly crafted from seasoned Dugara wood, ensuring durability and excellent sound quality. The wood is treated with hardening oils, which not only enhances its resonance but also helps prevent cracking over time. The drum features a custom-fitted goat skin head, providing a rich tone that will elevate your musical experience. Additionally, it comes with robust synthetic lacing that keeps everything securely in place. You’ll appreciate the hand-carved, curved beater that makes playing comfortable and intuitive. This drum is not just an instrument; it also supports cultural artisans and charitable initiatives in Africa.

What We Like
Durable construction
Rich sound quality
Comfortable beater design
Supports artisans
#TOP 2

Remo Talking Drum

TD061581
brown
Remo Talking Drum Cover
Remo Talking Drum (TD061581)

The Remo Talking Drum (TD061581) is a replica of a traditional Tama Drum from Senegal, Africa. It features a beautiful Antique Finish Acousticon shell and a Skyndeep Ultratac Lizard graphic drum head, which produces a unique sound. The drum comes with a shoulder strap, allowing for easy transportation. The rope tuning is also traditional, providing an authentic feel.

What We Like
Replica of a traditional Tama Drum from Senegal, Africa
Antique Finish Acousticon shell
Unique Skyndeep Ultratac Lizard graphic drum head
#TOP 3

Terre Talking Drum 16"x9"

Terre Talking Drum 16"x9" Cover
Talking drum Professional 16"x9"

The Terre Talking Drum is designed for professional musicians seeking quality sound and craftsmanship. Made from durable mahogany wood, this drum offers rich tones that enhance your performance. It comes with a traditional stick, allowing for an authentic playing experience. With dimensions of 16"x9", it is perfectly sized for portability and ease of use. Whether you're in a studio or on stage, this drum provides the reliability and sound quality you need to captivate your audience.

What We Like
High-quality mahogany construction
Includes traditional playing stick
Portable size for easy transport
Professional-grade sound quality
#TOP 4

Remo Talking Drum TD061181

TD061181
Remo Talking Drum TD061181 Cover
Remo Talking Drum (TD061181)

The Remo Talking Drum is a beautifully crafted replica of a traditional Tama Drum from Senegal. It features classic rope tuning, which enhances sound quality and allows you to easily adjust the pitch to suit your style. The Acousticon shell, finished in an antique look, not only adds to its visual appeal but also contributes to its rich sound. Additionally, the drum head showcases a striking lizard graphic, making it a standout piece. With the included shoulder strap, you can comfortably carry it wherever you go, making it perfect for performances or practice.

What We Like
Authentic Senegalese design
Easy pitch adjustment
Rich, resonant sound
Striking graphic design
Convenient shoulder strap
#TOP 5

Kamballa 30cm Talking Drum

838050
Braun
Kamballa 30cm Talking Drum Cover
Kamballa 838050 30cm Talking Drum

The Kamballa Talking Drum is a unique musical instrument that stands 30 cm tall and has a diameter of 17 cm. Made from goat skin, it offers a rich sound quality that can enhance your musical experience. You can easily change the pitch by adjusting the tension cords, allowing for versatile playing styles. The included beater makes it convenient for you to start drumming right away, whether you are a beginner or an experienced player. This drum is perfect for adding rhythm to your music or engaging in traditional cultural performances.

What We Like
Adjustable pitch
High-quality goat skin
Convenient beater included
Compact size
#TOP 6

Tycoon Percussion Talking Drum

TPSD-22WD
Tycoon Percussion Talking Drum Cover
Tycoon Percussion TSD 22WD Talking Drum (TPSD-22WD)

The Tycoon Percussion Talking Drum is a 22 inch wooden surdo, perfect for playing the lower parts of a percussion section in many different types of Brazilian music, such as samba or axe drum circles. Its wooden shell construction provides rich and warm tones, while the high-strength synthetic head on each side and 10 tuning lugs allow for easy tuning and a deep, booming bass sound.

What We Like
Easy to tune
Produces deep, booming bass sound
Ideal for samba or axe drum circles
#TOP 7

Tycoon Percussion Talking Drum ETDL

Tycoon Percussion Talking Drum ETDL Cover
Tycoon Percussion Talking Drum (ETDL)

The Tycoon Talking Drum is a unique percussion instrument rooted in West African tradition. You can easily change its pitch by adjusting the tension on the ropes, allowing for versatile sound expression. With two goat skin heads and a specially designed beater included, you have everything you need to start playing. This large drum measures 8" X 18" and produces a rich, deep bass tone that enhances any musical performance. Plus, its extra-strong, non-stretch ropes ensure that tuning remains simple and durable over time, making it a reliable choice for both beginners and seasoned musicians alike.

What We Like
Distinctive sound versatility
Rich bass tone
Durable tuning ropes
Included beater
#TOP 8

REMO Rhythm Log Drum 8" TL

832390
REMO Rhythm Log Drum 8" TL Cover
REMO Rhythm Log Drum 8" TL Red Green RL-0708-09-RG (832390)

The REMO Rhythm Log Drum is a versatile instrument designed for easy play. With unique sounds produced on three different sides, you can explore a variety of musical expressions. Made in the USA, this drum is crafted with quality in mind, ensuring a reliable performance. Its user-friendly design makes it perfect for both beginners and experienced players, allowing you to enjoy making music without any hassle. Whether you're looking to enhance your rhythm skills or just have fun, this drum offers an engaging experience.

What We Like
Unique sound variety
Easy to play
Quality craftsmanship
Versatile for all skill levels
#TOP 9

Tycoon Percussion Talking Drum TPSD-20AL

TPSD-20AL
Tycoon Percussion Talking Drum TPSD-20AL Cover
Tycoon Percussion Talking Drum (TPSD-20AL)

The Tycoon Talking Drum is an excellent choice for anyone interested in Brazilian music. Its large bass sound is perfect for samba and drum circles, providing a deep and resonant tone that enhances any performance. Weighing less than traditional wooden models, this aluminum drum is easy to transport, making it convenient for musicians on the go. With a durable synthetic head on both sides and 10 tuning lugs, you can easily adjust the pitch to suit your style. At 20 inches, it delivers powerful sound without compromising portability.

What We Like
Lightweight aluminum construction
Deep bass sound
Durable synthetic heads
Adjustable tuning options
#TOP 10

Tycoon Percussion Talking Drum TPSD-16AL

TPSD-16AL
Tycoon Percussion Talking Drum TPSD-16AL Cover
Tycoon Percussion Talking Drum (TPSD-16AL)

The Tycoon Talking Drum is an excellent choice for anyone looking to enhance their musical experience. Its large bass sound is perfect for samba and drum circles, providing a deep, resonant tone that adds layers to any performance. Made from high-quality aluminum, this drum is lightweight, making it easy for you to transport it wherever you go. The durable synthetic heads on both sides ensure longevity, while the ten tuning lugs allow for precise sound adjustments. You’ll appreciate the included pair of mallets, enabling you to start playing right out of the box.

What We Like
Lightweight aluminum construction
Deep bass sound
Durable synthetic heads
Includes mallets
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the talking drum used for?

talking drum, any of various types of drums that, by imitating the rhythm and the rise and fall of words in languages, are used as communication devices. Such drums occur in East and West Africa, Melanesia, and Southeast Asia.

2. Why are they called talking drums?

The Talking Drum is an hourglass-shaped pressure drum so-named because it can imitate spoken language's intonations and rhythms. At either end of the drum's body, the drum's heads are made of animal hide, fish skin, or another membrane wrapped around the drum's wooden hoop.

3. What makes the talking drums so special?

“The talking drum is unique in that it has a foot in both language and music camps, and because its existence reminds us of the thin boundary between speech and music.”

Editor's Notes

During our talking drum research, we found 24 talking drum products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 2,736 customer reviews through our big data system to write the talking drums list. We found that most customers choose talking drums with an average price of $289.38.

The talking drums are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of talking drums, including Africa Heartwood Project, Remo, Terre, Gewa, Tycoon Percussion. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 64 consumers with an average rating of 4.8.

Written by
Nicole Kim Avatar

Nicole Kim has been a music teacher and a private piano instructor for six years now. She is a very talented musician who plays piano to a high standard and won several awards in international piano competitions. Lately, she has been sharing her music expertise online, giving incredible tips on how to select the right musical instruments.