Drums

Handmade frames of Alaskan Yellow Cedar.

Elk or Buffalo rawhide (processed by artist).

Custom sizes available.

Shipped UPS, USPS, or FedEx, unless otherwise stated by you.

Drumsticks available for sale (see below).

Materials

I make my drums in a traditional manner. I use Alaskan Yellow Cedar and sometimes Port Orford Cedar for the frames. The wood pieces are hand-cut and glued together. There are no metal fasteners used. The glue is a high-quality waterproof glue. The frames are then sanded smooth. The drum heads are either buffalo or elk rawhide. Each fall, I collect fresh raw hides from hunters and ranchers (in the case of some buffalo), and then I process the hides using cold water and sometimes wood ash from the wood stove. When the hair slips, I scrape off the hair and flesh to make rawhide. I then lace the hide to a frame to dry.

Making the drums

Four directions pattern

I first select a piece of rawhide suitable for a drum, with no holes or thin spots. I cut the pattern for the drum from the hide. I then soak the hide for at least 24 hours. I also cut and trim the lacing. I lace up the head using a "four directions" pattern (see photo). After lacing, I let the drum dry for another 24 hours.

Plain Rawhide Drums

The plain, unpainted drums come in three standard, stock sizes: 10"x3", 13"x3", and 16'x3". They are available in elk, buffalo, and horse rawhide. Buffalo tends to be thicker and darker in color than elk, something to note if you plan on painting the drum. The smaller size is strung with faux sinew lacing. The larger sizes are strung with rawhide lacing from the same hide.

Beater Sticks

I carve my sticks from North American hardwoods. The natural bark handle helps with maintaining a grip during extended drumming. Under the elk or deer leather covering is tightly rolled felt to give a deeper tone to the drum. These sticks are approximately 12" long. Unfelted single (for smaller drums), double-ended tippers (for bodhrans), and longer pow-wow beaters are also available.

Custom Drums
Here are some examples of custom sizes, styles, and artwork for past customers

Custom designs are available and require a 25% non-refundable deposit.
Each design is drawn by hand, directly on the drum, making each piece unique.
The original designs are drawn in permanent light-fast acrylic-based inks.
Buffalo rawhide tends to be darker and thicker than elk; elk is the recommended choice for painted drums.
Only the best pieces of rawhide are chosen to bring out the qualities of the design.
Allow 3 weeks for delivery.

Wolf and Eagle Drum

Bob Marley Drum

Cougar Spirit Drum