Latin Percussion

Latin Percussion LP799X-AW Galaxy Giovanni Wood Djembe 12.5-inch

5.0 (5 reviews)

Crafted from North American Ash with a natural goat skin head, this 12.5-inch Giovanni djembe delivers rich, resonant tone.

$755.83*$787.99Save 4%
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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated:Jun 04, 2026.Price and availability are subject to change.

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Overview

The Latin Percussion LP799X-AW Galaxy Giovanni Djembe is a professional-grade hand drum that combines traditional West African djembe design with modern construction and tuning technology. The shell is crafted from premium, kiln-dried North American Ash — a hardwood chosen for its resonant tonal properties and resistance to warping. At 12.5 inches in diameter and 25 inches tall, this is a full-size djembe capable of producing powerful bass tones from the center of the head and crisp, cutting slap tones at the edge. The hand-selected natural goat skin head contributes an organic warmth and dynamic responsiveness that synthetic heads cannot replicate.

Where this djembe distinguishes itself from traditional instruments is in its tuning system. Rather than the rope-and-ring method used on conventional djembes, the Galaxy Giovanni employs LP Heart side plates with 3/8-inch tuning lugs that accept a standard wrench — included with the drum along with LP Lug Lube for smooth adjustments. This mechanical system allows players to quickly and evenly tension the head, making it practical for stage use where consistent tuning between sets is essential. The LP Comfort Curve II Rims are ergonomically shaped to cushion the hands during extended playing, reducing the fatigue that can come from sharp-edged bearing surfaces on traditional drums. With its natural gloss finish and gold tone hardware, this djembe looks as polished as it sounds, making it a compelling choice for serious percussionists, educators, and dedicated drum circle participants.

Key Features

12-1/2" djembe, 25" height, Natural gloss finish with Gold Tone hardware

North American Ash shell

Natural goat skin head

LP Comfort Curve II Rims

Modern mechanical tuning, LP Heart side plates with 3/8" diameter tuning lugs

Specifications

Brand
Latin Percussion
Model
LP799X-AW
Head Diameter
12.5 inches
Height
25 inches
Shell Material
Kiln-Dried North American Ash
Head Material
Hand-Selected Natural Goat Skin
Rims
LP Comfort Curve II
Tuning System
Mechanical — LP Heart Side Plates, 3/8" Tuning Lugs
Finish
Natural Gloss
Hardware
Gold Tone
Included Accessories
Tuning Wrench, LP Lug Lube
Weight
21 Pounds
Dimensions
17 x 17 x 27 inches

Pros & Cons

👍 Pros

  • Kiln-dried North American Ash shell produces a warm, full-bodied tone with strong projection
  • Mechanical tuning system allows precise, consistent head tension adjustments with a standard wrench
  • LP Comfort Curve II Rims reduce hand fatigue during extended playing
  • Hand-selected natural goat skin head delivers authentic tonal character with clear slaps and bass notes

👎 Cons

  • At 21 pounds the djembe is heavy to transport without a dedicated carrying case
  • Natural goat skin heads are sensitive to humidity and temperature changes, requiring re-tuning
  • The 25-inch height and 12.5-inch head make this a full-size instrument that is not easily portable
  • Mechanical hardware adds weight compared to traditional rope-tuned djembes

Frequently Asked Questions

The shell is made from premium, kiln-dried North American Ash, which provides a warm, resonant tone and excellent durability.
It uses a modern mechanical tuning system with LP Heart side plates and 3/8-inch diameter tuning lugs, so you can adjust head tension with the included tuning wrench rather than relying on traditional rope tuning.
These are ergonomically contoured bearing edges on the top of the drum designed to reduce hand fatigue during extended playing sessions, making the djembe more comfortable for long performances or drum circles.
Yes, a tuning wrench and LP Lug Lube are included with the djembe.