The drums are made in the
form of wooden
casks. A large number of beech slats are glued together to
form the
drum body. The drumheads are made of calfskin, and the
bindings are
made of hemp.
I have not done exact replicas of existing instrument, but
have used
the techniques that were available and well known during the
medieval/renaissance periods. My ambition is to create drums
which
compliment the other instruments in the renaissance ensemble
in respect
to both appearance and sound.
*
These drums can be tightened and, if necessary, tuned. The
tuning
interval is about one forth.
The tambourines have bells instead of discs, which I find to
give a
softer sound. The skin is glued to the frame.
*
After 48 years I have now stopped
building drums. My hands are not capable to mount the skinns anymore.
But I keep building Elvari electric violin and contact microphones.
If you are interested in drums I can get you in contact with a builder working in the same tradition.
