ANCIENT TREE DRUMS, LLC
GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA

   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!