Dartmoor Drums offer a bespoke drum making service, if you
would like to explore the possibilities or just go ahead and order
a drum, please mail Sue at dartmoordrums.co.uk.
(Please excuse this not being a link, I don't want computer generated spam.)
Or alternatively phone on 01647 277164.
All our drums are made to the highest standards with materials sourced in an ethical and sustainable way.
The skins are from Deer, some farmed, but mostly wild, who live on either Dartmoor or Exmoor.
They are shot where they stand rather than being taken to an abbatoir and so do not suffer any fear or indignity
at their death. They are always culled for a reason - such as that they have become too agressive within the herd
or are ill beyond helping. No animal is purposefully killed to make a drum. The skins are prepared in a
local tannery here in Devon.
The iron ring which I usually use within the lacing at the back (It makes the drum
more stable to hold) is forged by our local blacksmith
Greg Abel in Moretonhampstead and the hoops are made from timber from sustainably managed woodland.
Leather used to bind the hand hold at the back of the drum and to cover the head of the drum-stick is recycled from old clothing.
The interior of the stick is made from organic wool hand spun by me.
The stick itself is usually holly or hazel and is gathered in a respectfull way which does not harm the continued
good health of the remaining tree.
Prices
Prices vary according to the size of the drum and the amount of art work both within the rim and on the face of the drum.
Prices are by individual arrangement but as a guideline I cannot make a drum for less than £90.00 (this would be 13" with no decoration) and have not as yet charged more than £200.00 for one.
As an example; a 16" (diameter) drum with simple art work on the face and a small number of glyphs within the frame would be aproximately £130.00.