FRAME DRUM   

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Frame Drums have been heard in many different regions of the world for thousands of years, often in spiritual contexts. From the beginning, the playing of the Frame Drum has supported this special connection. The multitude of different playing techniques from diverse cultures has resulted in a wealth of sound that distinguishes the unmistakeable character of the Frame Drum. Because of the large number of different Frame Drum models and designs, they can be used in many different musical styles. This has contributed to the growing popularity of the Frame Drum by percussionists as well as by people who are newly discovering the drum for themselves.

Murat Coşkun
Percussionist, Freiburg

We make our Frame Drums by hand from a combination of woods that are then glued in multi-layers. This gives the frame the necessary stability and insures that the frame holds its shape without adding unduly to the weight of the drum. The “classic” version of the Frame Drum is made of precious Cherry wood and is 12 mm (½") thick. The “light” version is made of Beech wood and is 10 mm (⅓") thick.

For the covering of the Frame Drums we use natural hides of selected quality.

For the “light”-version hand picked hides of wild goats from the Middle East are used. These skins are most notable for their originality, which can be seen in the variety of individual markings sometimes present. Because the goats live free in nature, they are subjected to wind and weather, rocks and thornbushes that sometimes leave their marks on the hides. The hides often have large areas of differing light beige patterns.

For the “classic”- version we use the hides of European goats that conform to the highest standards of quality. These goats also live free in nature and their hides can also show the small scars and irregularities, which is part of the character of natural hides. The hides are rather white with distinctive, often very finely structured, almost transparent patterns.

The smoothly operating tuning mechanism is built into the Frame Drum and allows an exact and effortless tuning of the drum. This makes it possible to play these drums with the advantages of natural hides in any weather without losing any sound quality.

A small recessed grip on the bottom edge of the Frame Drum makes the handling of the drum easier when played both in a standing or sitting position.

The use of selected materials, attention to detail and a sophisticated technique produces a sturdy but still lightweight Frame Drum of the highest quality workmanship. We offer our Frame Drums, both the “classic” and the “light” version, in five different sizes.

Andrea Piccioni plays Frame Drum, classic model

Besides our proven Frame Drum “classic”, we are offering another version that is lighter in weight. Because of the reduced weight it is possible to play for a much longer time under professional conditions without getting tired.

Professional tuning wrench for an easy tuning with optimal handling refer to: Accessories
Carrying bag for Frame Drums refer to: Bags & Cases

Andrea Piccioni plays Frame Drum, light model
Watch further videos concerning this instrument at: Videoclips

Tuning System

The use of the Allen wrench makes it possible to fine-tune the drum by loosening or tightening the hide. This makes it possible to tune the drum to a particular piece of music. The tuning wrench in standard format is included with all of the above Frame Drums. For a still more precise control of the tuning we also offer the tuning wrench in professional format.