Meinl Headliner Series 12.5-inch Mechanical Tuned Wood Djembe — Solid Rubberwood Shell, Hand-Selected Goat Head
Designed to blend traditional West African acoustic character with modern hardware convenience, the Meinl Headliner Series 12.5-inch Mechanical Tuned Wood Djembe (HDJ500) delivers full-bodied bass notes, cutting slap tones, and exceptional projection. Crafted from plantation-grown Rubberwood (Hevea brasiliensis), this djembe features a classic goblet-shaped acoustic shell available in two striking high-gloss finishes: classic Natural (HDJ500NT) and rich Vintage Wine Burst (HDJ500VWB-M).
Equipped with a robust mechanical tuning system, the HDJ500 utilizes heavy-duty 8 mm tuning lugs and a steel tuning rim, allowing players to make precise, effortless pitch adjustments using a standard tuning wrench—eliminating the physical effort and learning curve required for traditional rope tuning. Fitted with a hand-selected 12.5-inch goat skin head, it provides a warm harmonic balance suitable for drum circles, live stage performances, studio sessions, and classroom percussion ensembles.
Key Features
- Plantation-Grown Rubberwood Shell: Solid wood construction generates warm acoustic depth, rich lower-end fundamental resonance, and durable structural integrity.
- 12.5-Inch Hand-Selected Goat Skin Head: Hand-tuned natural skin delivers authentic response with crisp, cutting slaps, warm open tones, and deep bass punch across a generous playing surface.
- Heavy-Duty Mechanical Tuning: Features strong 8 mm tuning lugs anchored to heavy-duty steel brackets, ensuring fast pitch changes and stable tuning retention.
- Two High-Gloss Finish Options: Choose between the classic, clean Natural (HDJ500NT) or the elegant Vintage Wine Burst (HDJ500VWB-M).
- Ergonomic SSR-Rim: Smooth 2 mm rounded steel rim minimizes hand discomfort during long playing sessions and high-velocity slap execution.
- Black Powder-Coated Hardware: Durable hardware plating offers an attractive visual contrast against both finish options while protecting against corrosion.
Specifications
| Specification | Details |
| Brand & Series | Meinl Percussion — Headliner Series |
| Model Numbers |
|
| Instrument Type | Mechanical Tuned Djembe |
| Head Diameter | 12.5 Inches (31.75 cm) |
| Height | 25 Inches (63.5 cm) |
| Shell Material | Rubberwood (Hevea brasiliensis) |
| Head Material | Hand-Selected Goat Skin |
| Tuning System | Mechanical (Heavy-Duty 8 mm Lugs) |
| Rim / Hoop Type | 2 mm SSR (Sound Shaping Rim) |
| Hardware Finish | Black Powder-Coated |
| Available Finishes | High-Gloss Natural (NT) & High-Gloss Vintage Wine Burst (VWB-M) |
| Item Weight (Unpacked) | Approx. 8.0–8.7 kg (17.6–19.2 lbs) |
| Shipping Weight | Approx. 10.0–11.0 kg (22.0–24.2 lbs) |
| Included Accessories | Tuning Wrench |
| Application | Drum Circles, Percussion Ensembles, Educational Use, Stage & Studio |
Experience deep djembe resonance and striking stage presence with the speed and reliability of mechanical tuning. Order your Meinl Headliner Series 12.5-inch Wood Djembe today in Natural or Vintage Wine Burst!
- Size:
- 12.5