How to Choose a Hide Drum

Choosing a hide drum is both practical and intuitive. There are real differences between hide types, sizes and construction methods that are worth understanding — and at the same time, most people find that once they know the basics, a particular drum simply calls to them. Trust that when it happens.

Hide Type

The hide is the heart of the drum. Different animals produce different sounds, different textures, and different relationships with the environment.

Kangaroo is my most commonly used hide and the one I recommend for most people, particularly those new to hide drums. It is exceptionally thin, strong and lightweight, producing a dry, warm and articulate sound with fewer overtones than many other hides. It is highly responsive and handles humidity and temperature fluctuations well — an important consideration in the Australian climate. The lacing on my kangaroo drums is cut from the same hide as the face, making the drum entirely from one animal.

Deer hide has a different quality — warmer and more open, with a tone that is rounder and more resonant than kangaroo. It tends to be more sensitive to humidity and temperature changes, particularly younger, thinner deer hide. Deer drums are less common from my studio than kangaroo.

Goat hide is earthy and tactile, with a visible grain and a texture that feels different under the hand to both kangaroo and deer. It produces a warm, full tone with good resonance. Goat drums are rare from this studio.

Size

Most of my drums are 14” — a versatile size that works well for personal practice, one-on-one sessions, and group work alike. It is comfortable to hold and play for extended periods and suits most contexts.

An 18” drum produces more resonance and depth of tone given its size. Some people find this better suited to larger group settings or ceremonial use, though a 14” drum is equally capable in those contexts. The 18” is less commonly available from my studio.

Natural or Dyed

Natural hide drums carry the markings and character of the animal’s skin exactly as it was — undyed, individual, and often quietly beautiful. No two are the same.

Dyed drums offer a different visual presence. I dye exclusively with cochineal — a natural dye derived from dried insects and used for centuries — which produces a deep, rich purple. The colour varies from hide to hide depending on how the dye takes, meaning each dyed drum is also unique.

Sound-wise, there is no significant difference between a natural and dyed drum. The choice is largely aesthetic and intuitive.

Inside-Out or Traditional

Most frame drums are made with the grain side of the hide as the playing surface — smooth, marked with the history of the animal’s outer life.

An inside-out drum is made with the flesh side forward. The flesh side is cleaner and more even in texture, often with a slightly softer, more sensitive feel under the hand. On kangaroo hide, the inside-out surface has an almost silvery quality at the rim where the hide folds over the frame.

Neither is better than the other. It comes down to what calls to you.

Trusting Your Instinct

After all of the above — trust what draws you. Most people who find the right drum describe a felt sense of recognition rather than a rational decision. Something in the image, the colour, the character of the hide. If you’d like to hear a drum before deciding, I’m happy to share sound clips.

If you have questions about any of the drums currently available, feel free to get in touch.