Udu drums, made out of clay, resemble water pots. Their key feature is two holes – one on top and one on the side. By tapping or palming these holes, you create different sounds.
Udu drums come from Nigeria, specifically the Igbo people, so they’re often called Igbo or Ibo drums. Here, I’ll list 5 of the best Udu drums.
My top recommended udu drum is the Meinl Percussion Ibo Drum. This Ibo drum has impressive sound quality and is affordably priced.
My second recommended udu drum is the Latin Percussion LP1400-C3 Udu Drum. It’s an affordable choice from a respected brand known for good quality.
The 5 Best Udu Drums (2026)
Let’s compare these in more detail.
1. Meinl Percussion Ibo Drum
If you’re a percussionist, then Meinl is a well-known name for you. Their udu drum is a top-of-the-line instrument for various reasons. First of all, the whole instrument is made out of fiberglass and not clay. Even though it’s not a traditional way of making it, this gives it a clearer sound and makes the instrument sturdier for travel and use.
It has a small hole for a microphone to record effortlessly and a padded bottom. This provides extra playing surface and maintains drum balance during display or performances. It’s also beautifully designed, making it a real eye-catcher on stage.
The price sits in the mid-range, but for a high-quality instrument like this, you wouldn’t expect to pay less.
2. Latin Percussion LP1400-C3 Udu Drum
If you’re eyeing a budget option, the LP1400-C3 is a great pick. This affordable, quality udu drum by Latin Percussion is made entirely of clay, keeping the authentic African sound. Its tear shape fits comfortably in your hands, offering many surfaces to play on for a broad sound range.
It’s 15″ high and 10″ wide with a handy basket-like buffer at the bottom. This instrument is perfect for beginners or those wanting to explore a new percussion option.
3. Latin Percussion LP1400-HG LP Udu Drum Hadgini
Clay artist Frank Giorgini and percussionist James Haddad teamed up to create a modern udu drum with enhanced features and stylish design. The result is a two-headed udu drum, featuring two separate jugs connected in a V shape through a clay tube.
The piece is crafted from clay, featuring microphone holes on each head. One head is round, offering more bass notes, while the triangular head delivers higher notes.
They also have perforated skins, allowing you to use the rubbing technique. A great drum for both experimentation and seasoned percussionists.
Schlagwerk offers a series of udu drums, but I chose to focus on their U62 Basic Udu. You can also find various other udu types, including bass, high-tonal, low-tonal, and tunable options.
The U62 is a premium product, crafted for professionals willing to invest in a top-tier instrument. It’s handmade from clay and includes a stand ring.
They’re 14” high and 10.5” wide. Although not the largest, this drum still provides pristine, high-quality sound and perfect comfort while playing.
5. Latin Percussion LP1400-UT Udu Drum
If you’re after a deep bass sound with your udu drum, the LP1400-UT is ideal. Made entirely of clay, its unique design, resembling a sideways udu drum, enhances low tones, making them resonate more and be heard better.
The price falls in the mid-range, but this drum is aimed at professionals with prior experience using standard udu drums. They know what they need and how to get it.
What are udu drums?
Udu drums are clay instruments from Nigeria, crafted by Igbo women to resemble water jugs, originally used during ceremonies.
How to play udu drums?
Udu drums can be played using various techniques. Use your fingers to beat the drum, producing an almost bongo-like sound.
Palming the udu drum produces deeper, richer sounds. By controlling the two holes, you can fine-tune the sound. This versatility lets you create the perfect tune for your song.
Where are udu drums used?
Although they’re not the most popular percussion instruments, udu drums are gradually carving a niche. Different percussionists and musicians have pioneered the use of udu drums in various music genres.
Jamey Haddad stands out as a leading udu drum player globally. This skilled percussionist has revived many native instruments, integrating them into modern jazz and world music. He’s an exceptional musician.
Today, udu drums enrich not just world and jazz music, but also indie and electro genres. Their soothing sound is perfect for creating calming music.
Conclusion
Whether you know what udu drums are or not, this is an amazing instrument to explore. There are various udu drums available, and I believe these 5 options will meet your needs. Native instruments offer a fresh sound and can introduce you to new musical experiences and experiments.
Whether you’re an amateur looking to get into percussion or a professional expanding your collection, you’ll find something for you on this list.
My top udu drum pick is the Meinl Percussion Ibo Drum. It offers excellent sound quality at a good price.
My budget udu drum pick is the Latin Percussion LP1400-C3 Udu Drum. It’s a great choice for those on a tight budget but still seeking quality.
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