The Tombak, Djembe, and Ashikos are made from wood staves glued together and then turned on my lathe. These unique drums have an accurate lathe-turned bearing edge for the skin to pull against (assuring a better voice), plus a shaped profile, decorative grooving, and a ridge on the drum body to keep the lower ring from riding up the drum. The twelve sided Mahogany Council Drum is shaped entirely by hand without the use of the lathe. The Tars, Native American Style Drums, Kilaut and the Bodhrans are made with air-dried steam-bent red oak. All of my Ashikos are now being offered in quarter sawn sycamore. This indigenous wood is as light as most simi-soft woods yet it has the durability and beauty of a hardwood. Quartersawing the sycamore make the wood more stable over the long run and brings out a delightful grain pattern. Color ranges from light tan to medium brown. All the drums are finished both inside and out with a custom blended oil-finish and are fitted with a superior quality goatskin head. Special orders are welcome too. I have made many large Native American style Dance Drums, Macedonian Tupans and South American Bombas. Many large ceremonial drums of great power and spirit have come out of the shop such as ThunderHeart and The Gong Drum pictured here. Don't hesitate to contact me if you are interested in discussing an unusual custom-made drum or a special request.   The great photography of my work was by David Egan Photography Great Drum Bags, Straps,Crowns and more by Mimi Baczewska - mimosa@wiseheart.com

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