Magnificent instrument! It's too bad that many videos and websites tell you that a 12" djembe is the standard size for adults. They are wrong! I am only 5'9" and with average size hands, and the 12" size feels small after a while.
This 14" size djembe delivers all the tonal qualities that you're looking for in this instrument, plus enough space to have creative freedom when performing. Even if you get it for relaxation or home enjoyment, you can't go wrong with its deep satisfying bass near the center and the high tones and slaps at the edge.
Another reason why I got the 12" initially was because of the complaints about the excessive ringing in the 14" and larger sizes. You don't have to worry about that! Remo ships this djembe with sound control pads that you can use to eliminate the ringing. You can also use adhesive neoprene or foam strips to achieve the same thing. There's even this video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ODeFhKXoU14) that shows you how to get rid of the ring, although I did not need to do that. Mind you, I am very picky with tone and yet I didn't feel that I had to go that far with the 14" djembe. Maybe it's needed for 16" or larger.
Bottom line, if you're looking for a flexible "true standard size" djembe for adults and gives you killer bass sound with amazing high tones, get the 14" size. The weight difference between the 12" and 14" is a mere 1.5 pounds (13lbs vs 14.5lbs). You can't go wrong with the 14". If I had just ordered mine in this size, I wouldn't have had to spend on the 12". (Though it doesn't hurt to have two!) ;)
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