The Tombak or goblet
drum, is a direct descendant of drums used by the
ancient Sumerians. It is an essential instrument in both the classical and
the popular music of Persia. The Zarb, as it is often called, has a sound
that is warm and rich, capable of both forceful bass drive and lightning-fast
treble ornamentation. The traditional Persian Tombaks were made from one
section of a log and buried in dung for years to cure the wood so as to
prevent cracking. I build my Dombaks from almost three dozen pieces of wood
so that the wood fibers in each part of the drum are aligned with one another.
This technique eliminates the possibility of cracking and warping of the
drum body. My richly hued, dark mahogany drums with their ornamental wood
turnings inspired by the traditional Persian designs have won the enthusiastic
approval of contemporary Iranian drummers.
"As someone who has been playing the Tombak for twenty-five years, I have found Mr. Millen's Tombaks to be very professionally made and the skins used on them to be properly selected. The quality of sound and fine visual aspects of the drums make Mr. Millen's Tombaks true pieces of art. I think they are the best Tombaks I have ever seen made."
- Saiid Kavoosi, highly celebrated Tombak player in the
Washington D.C area.