This drum is patterned after the teponazlti, an ancient Aztec drum. Unlike the conventional skin-covered drum, the teponazlti a unique instrument with tongue-like fingers to produce the sound. The design, tongue proportions and resonant chamber has been carefully worked out to produce pleasant natural tones with good volume. The woods used by the Aztecs can be expanded to include several resonant hard and soft woods such as pudauk, redwood, bubinga, fir, walnut, cherry and oak.

 Multiple factors govern the sound produced by this drum, among them the size and shape of the resonant cavity, the length and with of the tongues and the environment in which the drum is played. Any wood may be used for the sides of the drum, but the type and grain of the top govern the sound. On the drum shown above, I used cypress for the sides, walnut with cherry trim for the top. To produce mellow tones the bottom must be 1/8” plywood that acts as a pliant membrane.

 Cut the wood to the dimensions shown on the plans and make an acoustical port to any shape desired. Glue the box together, sand, and finish with several coats of Watso Danish Oil.

 Make the drumsticks from ¼” dowels, 12” long, and superballs from a toy store. Drill the balls with a 1/4” drill and install dowels with clear silicone allowing them to set overnight.

 Cradle the drum in your arm or place it on your lap and start playing softly; try to sustain a simple beat and have fun. The drum is magic.

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