Love at first tap - REMO is a great brand and very reliable
This Djembe in particular I have owned for quite a few years; it is sturdy and it is gone through many a catastrophe (road trips, drum circles, gigs, friends and kids trying to hit a beat on it)… it is still in great condition. Also, I really enjoy the sound of the 12 inch Remo Djembe. It is in a very nice medium range, but you can still get amazing bass and tenor tones. As far as portability, it is not THAT heavy but for traveling you might be better off getting a djembe carrying case (fits on like a back pack, I am pretty sure REMO makes them specifically for their djembesj). And it is aesthetically pleasing- the variation of tribal designs are connotative of their African derivative and culture. All in all, these djembes (at any size) are a great buy for percussionists playing at any level. You will know it is worth it the very first time you play it.