Taiko Building - From Wine Barrel to Japanese Drum
Nailing the Skin

I wasn't able to be present for this part of the process. It sounds simple enough: secure the skin to the drum by hammering two tight rows of large furniture tacks around the circumference of the drum head. Then release the ropes, remove the dowels, and enjoy your new instrument!

Portland Taiko apparently makes participation in drum-building mandatory for its members because doing so instills an appreciation for the work that goes into making a drum, and leads to closer relationship with the instrument. I certainly will be thinking about that the next time I see a show!

As PT has matured as a professional performing group and gained community support, it has been able to afford new high-quality drums for its stage shows. Use of these cheaper, but acoutically inferior barrel drums is now confined to the practice hall and teaching.

Links

How to Build a Taiko Drum
A description of the drum construction process with LOTS of pictures by Clan Yama Kaminari, a Society for Creative Anachronism group based upon the structure of 16th century Japanese clans

Making a Taiko Drum
VERY detailed instructions, FAQs from Tatsmaki Taiko

Making Your Own Taiko
Instructions for hira-daiko (short-bodied drum), shime-daiko (rope-tensioned drum), and nagado-daiko (long-bodied drum) from Rolling Thunder Taiko Resource

Do-It-Yourself Taiko Gallery
Images of the end results of people's drum projects all over the world

Building an Okedo Daiko
How to build another kind of drum commonly used in kumi daiko

Inexpensive Practice Drums
Budget alternatives, including gomikan taiko (garbage can drum)

Perfect Harmony Taiko Berkeley CA
"Do-It-Yourself" Taiko building supplies

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