Protype for shape

August 2018

  • Built out of laminated staves
  • Heavy
  • Mahogany on plywood 

#1 Elena’s Wedding Present

Jan 2019

  • Light mahogany
  • Intro of the wood hoops
  • Refined shape

An incredible drummer who has volunteered countless hours to the betterment of the Madison music scene. At one point she asked me if I could cut down a Timbao by 10cm. It is not a coincidence that a standard Djembao measures 80cm tall.

#2 Dende – Salvador Bahia Brazil

June 2109

  • Mahogany – blue die
  • Introduced the eye-bolt to hook up to the drum

This Djembao was gifted to Mestre Dende after a two week Afro-Brazilian drumming seminar he put together in Salvador. He liked it so much that I knew it had found a good home.

Dende is originally from Salvador but currently lives in Philadelphia. Also an avid and creative drum builder. His worked is portrayed nicely at his web site mamadele.com

I can’t express in words how wonderful and empowering his Bahia drumming workshop was for me. If you are thinking of going to Brazil and learning about the birth of Afro-Brazilian drumming this is the trip you want to book.

#3, 4, 5 Refinements in testing phase

Jan 2020

These three drums were built at the same time to test some production refinements and the effect of wood selection on the sound of the drums.

  • #3 I added fiberglass to the inside of the staves. Added a pound to the drum with no real additional strength.
  • #4 is made out of basswood
  • #5 is another mahogany for comparison purposes.
  • #4 and #5 introduced the nicely finished epoxy bead in the interior of the drum shell.