Morgan, my grandson, has been pretending at being a taiko drummer since he was about 2.5-3 years old. He has a great sense of rhythm and, like taiko drummers, loves to dance around while he drums. Up until now he has made do with toy drums, pots and pans and wooden surfaces in "Mama's" house.

I went looking online to see if we could find an affordable practice taiko drum. Found a wonderful site, emailed for prices...oof...$300 for a practice drum, stand, and bachis. (Not that they aren't worth it!) I thanked them, said we'd have to see about making one with pvc pipe as I'd found plans for one and could get the materials. Claude emailed me back, saying he would do anything to help keep a kid interested in music and would sell me one of the used ones he'd made for his church at a small price, plus he said I could make small payments! :-)

We got it, today. It was a complete surprise to Morgan as I'd not told him about it. Oh boy! His eyes lit up and he went to town. It was such a joy to see him playing. It is a beautiful drum with a very powerful voice.

Today, I also poked around Claude's website a bit more and found out they make some incredible instruments of koa wood. I think you all might like to see them AND to read what "Lance" (same last name, maybe a son or brother of Claude?) wrote about the way he approaches making a guitar: HERE. (Be sure to look at some of their guitars and ukes!)They've got some pretty neat musicians and friends who've played their instruments, including Jake Shimabukuru.

Claude says he makes the drums as a hobby.:-)Neat people and one happy little boy.