Traditional Japanese taiko drums, in addition to being amazing instruments, are also works of art. This combination of beautiful sound, exquisite appearance and centuries of handcrafted tradition has the unfortunate result of making genuine taiko more expensive than the typical mass produced instrument. This page will explain a bit about how taiko are made, and will give you a head start on understanding the some of the special qualities of these wonderful instruments.
For the adventurous, instructions are also provided on making homemade taiko.
Coming soon.
Where To Buy Taiko Equipment In Europe
Where To Buy Taiko Equipment In Japan
In the fall of 1993 Otodaiku began to sell its first piece of original merchandise, a 5-sun chappa. With the 1996 summer introduction of a shinobue, Otodaiku now counts a total of five original products in its collection. All these original products were designed in line with the suggestions of Kodo's performing members and were given shape by the hands of local artisans.
To receive a catalog of Otodaiku merchandise, please contact them at the address above.
Where To Buy Taiko Equipment In The US
Mark Miyoshi was one of the first North American taiko makers. He makes and sells a variety of taiko. He has had some training in Japan, and his drums are well regarded.
Rolling Thunder offers a full line of taiko related products, from taiko drums to CDs and videos. Rolling Thunder imports Asano Taiko from Japan, as well as resonably priced synthetic bodied taiko. A growing variety of CDs, the Rolling Thunder Taiko Video Series, and many other items are also available.
The Rolling Thunder has an growing Online Catalog.
The San Francisco Taiko Dojo has a showroom in San Francisco's Japan Town. The Taiko Dojo's CDs, tapes and T-shirts are available for sale, in addition to Japanese oak bachi, fue, shakuhachi, Jika-tabi, wristbands and some videos.
Taikos.com is run the husband and wife team of Jesse and Carla Maddox. They offer a full range of taiko styles, including shime, nagado and katsugi taiko.
Monty Levenson has been making shakuhachi in Northern California for over 20 years, and he has created a series of high quality, low cost shakuhachi from student quality to concert grade shakuhachi. His sourcebook/catalog is packed with information, and he carries a wide variety of other flute types as well.
World Sphere Taiko makes a variety of wine-barrel taiko and stands.