Sometimes referred to as a Log Drum, which is historically a very different instrument, this Slit Drum or Tongue Drum uses 3/4 inch boards all the way around. The top should be made of a hardwood. Padouk wood seems to work the best, but Mahogany or Rosewood may be substituted. The box of the drum can be made from almost any other wood (ie. Pine, etc.). It is suggested that you use glue and wood dowel pins to secure the joints in the box ... only using the glue to secure the top panel onto the box. The ratio of the 2 tongues should be 3:4, 2:3, or 4:5 to give the most pleasing intervals.

Here's the measurements for the various points on a two tongue drum (see above graphic for reference; NOT TO SCALE).

Small Drum: 13 1/2" x 3 1/2" x 3 1/4" (L x W x D)
A = 2 1/2"
B = 3 3/8"
C = 1"
D = 5/8"
E = 3/16"

Medium Drum: 23" x 5" x 3 5/8" (L x W x D)
A = 4 3/8"
B = 3 1/4"
C = 1 3/4"
D = 3/4"
E = 1/4"

Large Drum: 26 1/8" x 5 1/2" x 5 1/8" (L x W x D)
A = 3 5/8"
B = 5 5/8"
C = 1 1/2"
D = 2 1/8"
E = 1/8"

If you are really interested in building your own instruments and learning more about the history of the instruments you build ... here are some great books to add to your library.

• Drums, Tom-Toms and Rattles by Bernard S. Mason
• Contemporary Percussion by Reginald Smith Brindle
• Sound Designs by Reinhold Banek & Jon Scoville
• Drums Through The Ages by Charles White
• Percussion Instruments and Their History by James Blades