- Artisans begin by selecting a suitable piece of wood, traditionally mahogany, cedar, or oak, for the drum's body or "胴" ("do" in Japanese).
- Using hand tools or power tools, they carefully shape and carve the wood into a cylindrical shape.
- The exact dimensions vary based on the desired sound and size of the drum.
2. Attaching the Skin:
- The next step involves attaching the drum's skin, which is typically made from cowhide or goatskin.
- The animal skin is stretched and secured over the top opening of the drum using nails, tacks, or metal hoops.
- Craftspeople ensure the skin is taut and even to produce the desired sound.
3. Crafting the Bottom:
- The bottom or "底" ("soko" in Japanese) of the drum is usually created using a separate piece of wood.
- It is attached to the body of the drum, leaving a small opening at the bottom.
- This hole allows air to flow in and out during playing, contributing to the drum's resonant sound.
4. Shaping the Sides:
- With chisels and rasps, artisans carefully shape the sides and rims of the drum to achieve a smooth and refined look.
- The sidewalls, referred to as "胴巻" ("dowa" in Japanese), can have various decorative patterns or engravings.
5. Applying Lacquer or Finish:
- To protect the drum and enhance its appearance, a lacquer or varnish is applied to the wood surfaces.
- This coats the drum, providing a glossy and durable finish that resists moisture damage.
6. Adding Tension Rings:
- Tension rings or adjusting mechanisms are mounted around the drum's skin.
- They allow the player to adjust the tension of the skin, thus affecting the drum's tone and pitch.
7. Finishing Touches:
- In the final stages, artisans add details like metal hardware such as lugs or brackets for attaching straps.
- Additional decorations or engravings may be applied to further enhance the drum's aesthetics.
8. Quality Control and Tuning:
- Craftspeople rigorously test and tune the drum to ensure it produces the desired sound and resonance.
- They verify the drum's pitch and perform necessary adjustments.
9. Wrapping and Packaging:
- Once the drum is complete and passes all quality checks, it is carefully wrapped and packaged for storage or transportation.
- Each taiko drum is usually sold as part of a set with drumsticks or "bachi" and other accessories.