Log Drum for Hire

Originating in Africa, the log drum was literally a log that had been carved out, with one or two tongues of wood of differing lengths that is the striking point. In Africa these were used for communicating. The modern Log drums are basically the same technology except the design and sound has been significantly improved. Modern Log drums are two pieces of wood that are carved and then stuck together unlike the original African versions where PVA wood glue was thin on the ground. Many contemporary composers have written for log drums including Stockhausen and Boulez and they are now a regular instrument within the 20th Century repertoire. Although they are not designed to be tuned, several composers have experimented with chromatic runs of Log drums.

Repertoire

Stockhausen - Gruppen

Translation

Italian - Tamburo di legno
French - Tambour de bois
German - Schlitztrommel