Stave drums are made typically of 20 pieces of solid wood and are assembled vertically. The result is much less glue used than in the typical veneer shell used by the "big boys." Also because of the vertical joints the sound is more focused. Stave shells also provide for greater variety of wood choices.
The loggers would float the logs to the mill in the icy cold spring-fed rivers and the logs that were already heavy with heartwood would sink to the river bottom. This has allowed these logs to be preserved for over a century and a half. These logs have been located and been permitted to be recovered. Modern harvesting by hand contrasts sharply with the antiquated 1800's methods. It is estimated that only 2% of these treasures remain. We were lucky enough to locate this wood and be able to handcraft a limited number of drum shells. The heart of Ancient Tree Drums is this wonderful, first growth rare timber. The sounds they produce are different than any other wood. The rim shots are incredible!