Diameter: 35 centimeters / 14 inches
Drumhead: Calf skin
Fabric: Blue/Brown cross-stitch
Rings: Textured/Silver
FREE unpadded carrying bag included!
About the dap
The dap (դափ) is Armenia’s traditional frame drum, used in celebrations and gatherings for centuries. It forms part of the traditional Armenian trio of instruments—alongside the tar and kamancha. Similar frame drums exist throughout neighboring regions, each with distinct characteristics, but the Armenian dap holds its own voice—collected, responsive, and resonant.
This handcrafted dap is not just a souvenir or a decorative object. It’s a professional tool for students and masters of the Armenian percussion tradition.
• Frame: Regional tonewoods chosen for their resonance and appearance.
• Drumhead: Natural calf or goat skin, carefully selected for character and durability.
• Sound Rings: Oriented and weighted for an optimal sound, with decorative elements chosen by the maker.
• Exterior Liner: A fabric ribbon with Armenian-inspired motifs that echo cultural patterns and finish the drum’s outer edge.
• Glue: Fish glue—reliable, time-tested, and fully reversible for future skin changes.
• Finish: A blend of organic boiled linseed oil, natural shellac and beeswax—entirely food-safe and free of synthetics.
While each drum follows a standardized size, tonal variability exists from the unique character of the drumhead and mechanical properties of the wood used. Each drum is fine-tuned to match the timbre of antique Armenian daps and approved by a master Armenian percussionist before it leaves our hands.
⸻
Care & Handling
Natural materials are responsive—they breathe and shift with the environment. That’s part of their living nature.
• To prolong the life of the natural glue, avoid extreme heat or freezing cold. Don’t leave it in a hot car, under direct sun, or near a heater for extended periods.
• Humidity affects pitch: In damp conditions, the skin loosens and the tone drops. As the air dries, it will tighten and return to pitch. Contact us to learn how to tune your instrument.
• Don’t stack or rest objects on the instrument.
If your instrument sees frequent use, a refreshed finish may help. Please reach out for safe instructions.
⸻
2-Year Limited Warranty
If any manufacturing defects are found in the wooden frame, sound rings, or exterior liner within two years of the purchase date, NVAGARAN will repair or replace the defective components at no cost to the customer.
Excludes: surface blemishes from regular use or environmental exposure, structural damage with signs of impact, and any issues resulting from unauthorized modifications, alterations, or repairs.
Out-of-warranty repairs or replacements of all components are available upon request at the cost of materials at the time of the repair and minimal labor. Out-of-warranty repairs or replacements for all components are available upon request. Costs reflect the price of materials at the time of the repair and minimal labor.
Note: Replacing the natural skin may change the sound characteristics of your dap. To preserve the traditional identity of the instrument, we do not install synthetic heads.
For inquiries, email: workshop@nvagaran.com
Diameter: 35 centimeters / 14 inches
Drumhead: Calf skin
Fabric: Blue/Brown cross-stitch
Rings: Textured/Silver
FREE unpadded carrying bag included!
About the dap
The dap (դափ) is Armenia’s traditional frame drum, used in celebrations and gatherings for centuries. It forms part of the traditional Armenian trio of instruments—alongside the tar and kamancha. Similar frame drums exist throughout neighboring regions, each with distinct characteristics, but the Armenian dap holds its own voice—collected, responsive, and resonant.
This handcrafted dap is not just a souvenir or a decorative object. It’s a professional tool for students and masters of the Armenian percussion tradition.
• Frame: Regional tonewoods chosen for their resonance and appearance.
• Drumhead: Natural calf or goat skin, carefully selected for character and durability.
• Sound Rings: Oriented and weighted for an optimal sound, with decorative elements chosen by the maker.
• Exterior Liner: A fabric ribbon with Armenian-inspired motifs that echo cultural patterns and finish the drum’s outer edge.
• Glue: Fish glue—reliable, time-tested, and fully reversible for future skin changes.
• Finish: A blend of organic boiled linseed oil, natural shellac and beeswax—entirely food-safe and free of synthetics.
While each drum follows a standardized size, tonal variability exists from the unique character of the drumhead and mechanical properties of the wood used. Each drum is fine-tuned to match the timbre of antique Armenian daps and approved by a master Armenian percussionist before it leaves our hands.
⸻
Care & Handling
Natural materials are responsive—they breathe and shift with the environment. That’s part of their living nature.
• To prolong the life of the natural glue, avoid extreme heat or freezing cold. Don’t leave it in a hot car, under direct sun, or near a heater for extended periods.
• Humidity affects pitch: In damp conditions, the skin loosens and the tone drops. As the air dries, it will tighten and return to pitch. Contact us to learn how to tune your instrument.
• Don’t stack or rest objects on the instrument.
If your instrument sees frequent use, a refreshed finish may help. Please reach out for safe instructions.
⸻
2-Year Limited Warranty
If any manufacturing defects are found in the wooden frame, sound rings, or exterior liner within two years of the purchase date, NVAGARAN will repair or replace the defective components at no cost to the customer.
Excludes: surface blemishes from regular use or environmental exposure, structural damage with signs of impact, and any issues resulting from unauthorized modifications, alterations, or repairs.
Out-of-warranty repairs or replacements of all components are available upon request at the cost of materials at the time of the repair and minimal labor. Out-of-warranty repairs or replacements for all components are available upon request. Costs reflect the price of materials at the time of the repair and minimal labor.
Note: Replacing the natural skin may change the sound characteristics of your dap. To preserve the traditional identity of the instrument, we do not install synthetic heads.
For inquiries, email: workshop@nvagaran.com
