We headed this djembe with a thin cow skin and it really has an excellent clean sound. The shell has no cracks in it. The only reason why we are offering it at this price is due to the fact that the top of the djembe has changed shape. It is now out of round, and the difference is by about 1/2 inch. This does not effect the sound or playability of the drum at all. It is an excellent djembe that is only aesthetically challenged. This is an incredible price for a professional djembe!