The darbuka with the light inside has a natural skin, while the one without the light has a plastic head, which stays tight. The heat from the light tightens the natural head, which is very thin and may often be way too loose to play, depending on humidity conditions. So the light is a newer alternative to tightening a natural darbuka head when sunlight or fireside heat aren't available. Plus it gives a fun visual effect. Here is a clip with a metal darbuka on which I mounted a natural head... but I used no heat here, in fact put a cloth inside to dampen the sound so as not to disturb neighbors. Enjoy:
I actually bought a Derbakke this month. Nothing too authentic... an aluminum meinl one with a plastic skin, but i find it really fun. I am somewhat worried about being self taught... it feels like if I develop bad technique habits serious injury is possible.
