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So you wanna build a drum? This page should answer a lot of your questions. 

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Step 1: CHOOSE your drum shell! 

Step 2: EXPLORE your decorative options! 

Step 3: Make a PLAN  - leave enough time between shows to build your drum!  

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Step 1: CHOOSE YOUR DRUM SHELL. Smaller drums will have higher pitches. 

1. "Festie" - 12"H, 7.5" Head - 

2. 18" Softwood Ashiko - 9" Head

3. 24" Softwood Ashiko - 12" Head

4. 24" Softwood Djembe - 13" Head

5. 24" Hardwood Djembe - 13" Head

6. 28" Hardwood Djembe - 16" Head

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PAYMENT INFO: We accept cash, PayPal, Square, Venmo, and Zelle. 

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Note: "Festies" are our BACKPACK DRUMS! They are the easiest to make, and they're small but mighty! Festie drums are a great option for kids because they require the shortest time commitment. These also make awesome "souvenir" drums for teens & adults! The skins on these backpack drums are tacked on rather than laced onto rings, which is one reason they take less time to make and cost less $. 

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Note: There is a big difference in sound quality and pricing between soft- and hard-wood drums. For new drummers or players that pull their drums out a couple times per year, we recommend softwoods. For experienced or active drummers, we recommend hardwoods. 

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Step 2: DECORATIVE OPTIONS

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Our drum workshops are cost-inclusive. This means that while we do have a few paid upgrade options such as thicker skins or custom artwork, the art supplies listed below will be available in our workshop as you birth your drum: 

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• Acrylic paint, assorted colors 

• Wood stains, assorted colors

• Wood oil finishes 

• Lacquer (poly)

• Wood burning tools (*adults only) 

• Tie-Dyes (dye your skin OR your shell)

• Sand paper, assorted grits

• Various rope colors 

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Check out our PHOTOS page OR our FACEBOOK page for inspiration!

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Step 3: TIPS FOR PLANNING YOUR DRUM-BUILDING EXPERIENCE

 

These PRO-TIPS are from our staff AND past drum-builders! 

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1. Have a plan before you jump in. You won't complete your drum in one sitting. We'll talk you through the entire process before you begin to help you plan. 

2. Some drums take longer than others. ASK questions. For example, you can complete a festie in just a few hours, but a djembe requires that you work for several hours, let it sit overnight, then work several more to finish. We do not ship unfinished kits.The BEST PLAN OF ATTACK: Start earl, pace yourself, and remember to build in drying times.

3. Larger drums require a lot of one-on-one guidance. Let us give YOU the best experience we possibly can. The last day of every workshop is insane because everyone is rushing to finish. If you want a lot of personal guidance, keep this in mind. 

4. At Festivals: We've been vending at festivals for a long time. Our busiest times at the tent are typically mid-afternoons when people want to chill in the shade and late nights, midnight to 3am. Our least busiest times are early mornings and during headliner acts.  We are at the tent 24/7 protecting your works-in-progress, but we usually close down to sleep a few hours between 3am-9am. If you come before 9am, bring us coffee. 

5. Drums are like tattoos - they are deeply personal, and for some, building one is a spiritual experience. Don't harsh anyone's vibe. RADIATE POSITIVITY. If someone's having a hard time, ask them to participate in a 30-second dance party! 

6. Looking for specific art on your drum and don't have those skills in your pocket? We always have at least one artist on site that help make your ideas come to life. You two will work out a separate fee at the artist's discretion. For legal purposes, our staff can NOT draw any copyrighted logos onto your drum. This includes any logos or phrases affiliated with a festival we night be vending at. 

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