I make drums out of hollowed logs and rawhide. I've used willow and maple logs and hollow them out with chisels and sometimes a chain saw. Each drum has a unique shape and sound. The shell is not perfectly round so it's possible to get different tones by hitting different edges of the head. So far I've used rawhide from black tail deer and elk and most of it I processed myself. I really like the idea of knowing where the wood and hide I use comes from. I salvaged a large amount of my willow from clearcut slash piles before they were burned. I enjoy playing in drumming circles wherever they may turn up.
If you're interested in finding out how to make your own drum, a great resource is a book by Bernard Mason called "How to make Drums, Tom-Toms, and Rattles".
