I’ve played around with a Meinl djembe in a couple of gigs, and while it’s nothing that’ll blow your mind like an antique of some sort, it does hold its own—especially if you need something that screams "modern workshop chic" rather than "rustic one-of-a-kind treasure." In terms of sound, it's pretty consistent: not overly warm like some hand-carved legends, but clean enough for both practice sessions and live performances.
Build quality-wise, I've seen enough percussion instruments wear out faster than I do after two licks of coffee to say their reinforced designs generally mean they can take the hit if you’re on the road often. If you’ve already got a pile of stories about dodging drum damage, the Meinl is a decent compromise between durability and decent tone.
As for models, the mid-tier ones usually come with a few extra finishes and a bit more attention to detail without the sticker shock of high-end artisan instruments. If you get the chance to play one in person, do it—sometimes even a Meinl will surprise you, and you might end up with that unexpected “aha” moment. Cheers to finding the right beat for your gigs!