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The Goblet drum is a goblet or hour-glass shaped hand drum used in Arab music, Persian music, Balkan music and Turkish music. It is of ancient origin, and is believed by some to have been invented before the chair. In Egypt, it's known as the darbuka or darabuka. In Balkan and Turkish music, it's called the dumbek, doumbek, dumbeck, doumbec, doumbeck, or dombak. In Persian music its called the tombak, zarb, or tonbak.
The goblet drum has a single drum head on one end and is open on the other end. The body may be made of beaten, cast, or spun metal, ceramic (often with a glued-on head) or wood. Materials for the head include synthetics such as Mylar or FiberSkyn, as well as more traditional animal skins, such as goat or fish. In general, goblet drums tend to have much lighter heads than African drums, and are played with a much lighter touch and quite different strokes (sometimes including rolls or quick rhythms articulated with the fingertips).
There are two main types of goblet drums. The Egyptian style has rounded edges around the head, whereas the Turkish style exposes the edge of the head. The exposed edge allows closer access to the head so finger-snapping techniques can be done, but the hard edge discourages the rapid rolls possible with the Egyptian style.
The goblet drum may be played while held under one arm or by placing it between the knees while seated. It produces a resonant, low-sustain sound while played lightly with the fingertips and palm. Some players move their fists in and out of the bell to alter the tone. There are a variety of rhythms that form the basis of the folkloric and modern music and dance styles of the Middle East.
There are two main sounds produced by the goblet drum. The first is called the 'doum'. It is the deeper bass sound produced by striking the center of the head with an open palm. The second is called the 'tek' and is the higher-pitched sound produced by hitting the rim of the head with the fingertips. A 'tek' struck with the secondary hand is also known as a 'ka'. Hand clapping and hitting the sides of the drum are often used in addition to these basic sounds.
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