Vertical Djembe Stringing
Step By Step Rope Replacement Instructions

Djembe stringing is easier than you may think. With Kingy Mensah's step by step instructions you'll replace your djembe rope in no time.

We've already removed the old rope and learned how to tie djembe knots to the rings. Now, we are ready to prepare the verticals:

Step 1

Measure the rope by wrapping it around your arm about 30 times. Don't cut it from the spool, just mark it with a knot.

Step 2

Get a piece of strong wire and bend it in the middle. Used like a needle, it will help you get the rope through the loops.

Step 3

Place your drum in front of you and arrange the rings in a way that the starting/ending point of the knots are in line.

Step 4

At the bottom ring, pull the rope through the first loop next to the starting/ending point (from bottom to top).

Step 5

At the crown ring, pull the rope through the first loop next to the starting/ending point (from bottom to top).

Step 6

Still at the crown ring, pull the rope through the next loop (from top to bottom).

Step 7

Back at the bottom ring, pull the rope through the same loop you started out with (from top to bottom).

Step 8

Pull the rope all the way through to your mark and let the bottom ring hang a few inches below the neck of the drum.

Step 9

You have just completed your first pair of verticals. Well done!
Now, let's continue with the second pair:

Step 10

At the bottom ring, pull the rope through the next loop (from bottom to top).

Step 11

At the top ring, pull the rope through the same loop you used before (from bottom to top) and then through the next loop (from top to bottom).

Step 12

Back at the bottom ring, pull the rope through the same loop you used before. You have just completed your 2nd pair of verticals!

Step 13

Continue like this until the verticals cover about 2/3 of the rings. The rope should be loose enough to slip the skin under the crown ring later.

Step 14

Tie the remaining rope so that it doesn't bother you. Don't cut it until you have mounted the skin. 

That's it!

See? Djembe stringing wasn't all that difficult. You are now ready to mount a new skin.


Djembe Rope and Pullers

In case you are still unsure what materials to you to replace your rope, here are some recommendations: