How Do You Build A Wooden Drum?
Wood has always been one of the most popular materials for drum making because it is abundant in most parts of the world and produces a warm, resonant tone. Some of the warmest, most resonant tones come from hollow log drums made from a single piece of wood. If you can find an intact section of log, you will have the chance to make a truly fine drum. Find a hollow log of some sort of soft wood such as cedar or cottonwood. There should be no large cracks on the outside of it. Cut the log to the desired length with a saw. Double-skin drums are usually slightly less than twice as long as they are wide, but you can make yours in any size you wish. Smooth down and even out the outside of the drum. You can use a sander, a rasp or a draw knife to trim away bark and small cracks and to even out the surface. Use a mallet and chisel to cut the wood from the hollow center. Vigorously drive the chisel into the wood with the mallet to quickly chip away the wood. Slow down as you get near the edge.
