JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser.

Ashikos

Shop Ashikos at West Music

Ashikos originated from the Yoruba culture, in what is now present-day West Africa. At West Music, we're proud to offer several different versions to our customers in order to infuse global awareness and appreciation into classroom settings. Our line of ashiko drums brought to you by some of the world's best percussion manufacturers - Remo and Toca. All offerings are lightweight, compact, and nestable. This makes them perfect for traveling or keeping neatly packed up if you're limited by space. Moreover, Remo ashikos and Toca timbau drums are all extremely durable in order to withstand the not-so-gentle hands of young students in the classroom or in music therapy. Shop today at West Music; your students are sure to love the vibrant rhythms and colorful designs of all our ashiko hand drums.

*If you cannot view the products in this category, please click here

Your network security may be blocking the products from loading (to confirm, try opening this page on your phone's cellular network).

Please try the following options to proceed with your order:

Call us M-F 9am - 5pm CST to place your order over the phone at 1-800-397-9378.
Shop via a different browser and/or network connection (i.e. on your phone or with a different Wi-Fi network).
Contact your IT team to ask them to whitelist our js.klevu.com
You can also access our digital catalog here to find and add items to your cart (product pages will load normally).
- Use the search at the top of the Catalog screen to find a product
- Click a link to navigate the product page
- And add it to your cart!
You can also navigate directly to product pages by adding a 6-digit item number( i.e. "123456") to the end of our URL (i.e. westmusic.com/123456).

If you cannot view the products in this category, PLEASE CLICK HERE

Your network or browser security settings may be blocking the products from loading (to confirm, try opening this page on your phone's cellular network).

Please try the following options to proceed with your order:

1. To place your order over the phone, call us Monday-Friday, 9am - 5pm CST at 1-800-397-9378.

2. Shop via a different browser or network connection (i.e. on your phone or with a different Wi-Fi network).

3. Contact your IT team to ask them to whitelist js.klevu.com.

4. You can also click here to access our digital catalog. Use the search at the top of the Catalog screen to find a product, click a link to navigate the product detail page (product pages will load normally), and add it to your cart. You can also navigate directly to product pages by adding a 6-digit item number (i.e. "400278") to the end of our URL (i.e. Westmusic.com/400278).

Ashiko Drum in World Percussion

In the rich tapestry of world percussion, the ashiko drum holds a distinguished place, celebrated for its deep tones and versatile rhythms. With its conical shape and dynamic range, this traditional African drum invites seasoned percussionists and enthusiastic beginners to explore its rhythmic possibilities. From the craftsmanship of Toca ashikos to the innovation of Remo ashikos, the ashiko drum is a testament to the enduring appeal of percussive expression.

Traditional Construction of the Ashiko

The ashiko from West Africa is traditionally carved from a single piece of wood and fitted with a goatskin head. However, modern iterations might use synthetic materials for durability and consistency. Its distinctive shape—wider at the top and tapering down—contributes to its unique sound, ranging from resonant, deep bass notes to sharp, high slaps. Playing the ashiko involves a combination of hand techniques that allow for a broad spectrum of sounds, making it a highly expressive instrument in solo and ensemble settings.

Versatility of the Ashiko Drum

The ashiko drum's versatility makes it a favorite among percussionists across various musical genres. Its ability to produce rhythmic accompaniment and compelling solo sequences allows it to fit seamlessly into traditional African music, world fusion, and contemporary electronic music compositions. The ashiko's rich sound palette can complement the djembe, another staple African drum, providing depth and texture to percussive arrangements.

Toca Ashikos

One brand to consider is Toca, renowned for its high-quality percussion instruments; its ashikos are no exception. Toca ashikos are crafted with attention to detail and a commitment to producing authentic, powerful sounds. Available in traditional wood and synthetic builds, Toca ashikos cater to the needs of modern percussionists, offering durability without sacrificing the instrument's characteristic warmth and resonance. These drums are favored by professionals and hobbyists alike for their playability and robust construction.

Remo Ashikos

Another great option is that Remo has been at the forefront of developing synthetic percussion instruments, and its ashikos embody this innovation. Remo ashikos utilize synthetic drumheads and shells to achieve consistent tone and weather-resistant performance, making them suitable for outdoor use and rigorous touring schedules. Using synthetic materials also allows for a broader range of tuning possibilities, giving players more control over their sound. Remo's commitment to quality ensures that their ashikos deliver musicality and durability.

Cultural Significance of the Ashiko Drum

The ashiko drum, with its deep cultural roots and sonic versatility, continues to captivate musicians and audiences worldwide. Whether through the traditional rhythms of Africa, the innovative designs of Toca and Remo, or the contemporary fusion of DJ ashiko performances, this instrument celebrates the universal language of rhythm. The ashiko's enduring appeal lies in its ability to connect the past with the present, inviting players to explore the depths of percussive expression and share the communal joy of making music.