About Tamashii's Drums & Instruments

Tamashii performs using a number of different types of drums, as well as flute, chappa, and other specialized instruments.

Shimedaiko

The smallest of our drums, the shime is used to keep rhythm, and has a higher-pitched sound something like a snare drum.

Chuudaiko

These drums are roughly the size of a wine-barrel, and are the main drums we perform with. Depending on the song, these drums may sit upright, or at an angle, or horizontal with the floor.

O-daiko (click for photos)

Our largest drum, Tamashii's O-daiko has a head diameter of 1.2 metres, and stands at 2.4 metres off the ground. Because it is large and heavy, it is difficult to move and only used for special performances.

Oke-do (click for photos)

Mid-sized lightweight drums that can be played while carried. These drums are often used for parade and festival songs. "Oke" literally means bucket, so this drum name translates as bucket-body.

Fue / Shinobue

Japanese bamboo flute.

Chappa

Small cymbals.

Tettsu Zutsu

Japanese bell. This is a very loud and high-pitched instrument that is only used when all of the drums are playing.

Shamisen

Japanese guitar or banjo.

How Our Drums are Made

All of Tamashii's drums--including the O-Daiko--are hand-made by the team's equipment maven, Brian Grove.

If you're interested in learning how the drums are made, please contact us and we'll connect you with Brian to learn more.