Second Grade

A second grade djembe is a brand new drum with a small imperfection that keeps it out of the full-price range, so it’s sold at a reduced price.
Each listing names the drum’s imperfection and shows it in the photos, along with a video so you can hear the exact drum before choosing. Most second grade djembes are Ghana djembes carved from Twenaboa, with the occasional hardwood drum, such as a Guinea or Burkina djembe.

Second grade djembes are not second–hand. “Second grade” refers to the grade of the drum, not its history: these are new drums that have never had an owner.
The only difference from a full-price drum is a small imperfection in the shell or skin.

Second grade imperfections are usually in the shell: a dint, a wood knot, or rough carvings; a fine hairline in the pipe; a repaired hairline or patch; or a slight bearing edge deform.
Every imperfection is treated, sealed, and carefully inspected so it doesn’t affect performance.
Each listing names the imperfection of that drum, for example “Pinholes in bowl” or “Hairline in the pipe”.

A second grade djembe plays like any other drum in its range, because every imperfection is treated, sealed, and inspected so it doesn’t affect performance. The video on each listing lets you hear that exact drum before you choose.
Even founder Simon Fraser’s favourite drum is old and beaten up, and by the shop’s standards it would only make second grade.

Second grade djembes are covered under the full warranty: a lifetime structural warranty on the shell under normal use, and a 5-month graduated warranty on the natural skin.
Damage from misuse or accidents isn’t covered, and the drum warranty page has the full terms.