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Log & Slit Drums

Find the perfect wooden drum, log drum, or wood tongue drum at West Music!

These unique wooden tongue, log and slit drums have been used in places as diverse as Africa and Asia, and now you can introduce them into your own home or classroom. Designed to be played with fingers or rubber mallets, these easy-to-use percussion instruments simultaneously better hand-eye coordination and teach students the foundational elements of rhythm. As for sound, the tongue drum's distinctive exterior cutouts allow for a warm, rich tone, no matter the player's skill level. The log and slit instruments are made of reliable woods, including oak and American timber, making them sound investments for your classroom or musical therapy setting. West Music offers individual tongue drums, or multi-piece sets that are perfect for use with an ensemble, so place your order now to be inspired by one of the world's oldest instruments.

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You can also navigate directly to product pages by adding a 6-digit item number( i.e. "123456") to the end of our URL (i.e. westmusic.com/123456).

If you cannot view the products in this category, PLEASE CLICK HERE

Your network or browser security settings may be blocking the products from loading (to confirm, try opening this page on your phone's cellular network).

Please try the following options to proceed with your order:

1. To place your order over the phone, call us Monday-Friday, 9am - 5pm CST at 1-800-397-9378.

2. Shop via a different browser or network connection (i.e. on your phone or with a different Wi-Fi network).

3. Contact your IT team to ask them to whitelist js.klevu.com.

4. You can also click here to access our digital catalog. Use the search at the top of the Catalog screen to find a product, click a link to navigate the product detail page (product pages will load normally), and add it to your cart. You can also navigate directly to product pages by adding a 6-digit item number (i.e. "400278") to the end of our URL (i.e. Westmusic.com/400278).

Log and Slit Drums

Log and slit drums, ancient instruments rooted in the traditions of cultures around the world, bring the primal essence of wood and rhythm into the realm of music. From the deep, resonant tones of the African slit drum to the melodic sounds of the wood tongue and timber drums, these instruments encapsulate the natural harmony between human creativity and the organic materials from which they are crafted. Known for their simplicity in design yet complexity in sound, log drums, tone drums, and their variants offer musicians a unique way to explore rhythm, melody, and the intrinsic musicality of wood. Whether used in traditional ceremonies, modern musical compositions, or as a means of personal expression and relaxation, log and slit drums continue to resonate with a timeless, universal appeal.

Timber Drums: Celebrating Wood's Natural Resonance

Timber drums, encompassing a range of wooden percussion instruments, including log and slit drums, celebrate the natural resonance of wood. Whether crafted from softwoods for a gentler sound or hardwoods for sharper, more defined tones, timber drums connect players to the natural world through music. These instruments are appreciated for their organic aesthetic, durability, and unique sonic footprint on any musical composition.

The Log Drum: Ancient Rhythms from a Single Log

Traditionally carved from a single log of wood, the log drum is one of the oldest musical instruments. By hollowing out the log and creating slits or tongues on its surface, artisans form an instrument capable of producing deep, resonant sounds that mimic the heartbeat of the earth. Played with hands or mallets, the log drum's sounds are as varied as the wood they are made, each type of timber imparting its unique timbre and tone.

Wood Tongue Drums: Modern Adaptations of Traditional Instruments

The wood tongue drum, a modern adaptation of the traditional log drum, features precisely cut tongues of varying lengths and widths to create different pitches. This instrument combines the physical resonance of wood with the melodic potential of a tuned percussion instrument. The resulting sounds are warm, clear, and capable of playing complex melodies and harmonies. The wood tongue drum is popular among musicians seeking a rhythmically versatile and inherently melodic instrument.

Tone Drums: Harmonic Possibilities in Wooden Percussion

The tone drum, often used interchangeably with wood tongue drums, emphasizes the harmonic possibilities of wooden percussion. By tuning the tongues or slits to specific notes, tone drums can be played melodically like a xylophone or marimba but with the distinct tonal warmth that only wood can provide. These drums are favored in music therapy, meditation, and educational settings for their soothing sounds and ease of playability.

African Slit Drums: Symbols of Communication and Community

The African slit drum, known in various cultures by different names, is a powerful symbol of communication and community. Traditionally used for ceremonial purposes and to send messages over long distances, African slit drums are characterized by their large size and the deep, booming sounds they produce. These drums are played with sticks or mallets and can be intricately decorated, reflecting their makers' cultural significance and artistry.

Author: Aaron Hansen