I offer a wide variety of custom instruments built to the client’s specifications. For many years, commissions have been the only way to purchase instruments. Each instrument I create is a unique piece tailored exactly to meet the preferences and needs of individual musicians. From selecting the finest materials to applying precise craftsmanship and attention to detail, every step in the creation process is handled with utmost care. This dedication to quality ensures that each finished instrument not only meets but often exceeds our clients’ expectations. Whether you’re looking for a traditional design or something totally innovative, my custom instruments promise exceptional performance and distinctive style.
My work is dedicated to crafting ceremonial tools that are imbued with cultural significance and a profound respect for tradition. These sacred items are created with the utmost care, ensuring they honor the customs and rituals they are designed for. Alongside these spiritual products, I also craft functional instruments which, although not intended for ceremonial use, are made with the same level of craftsmanship and attention to detail.
In addition to original pieces, I frequently take commissions for replicas, allowing individuals to own a piece of history or cultural heritage without impacting the original artifacts. These replicas serve as functional instruments or ceremonial tools, depending on the needs and requests of the client. Whether for use in ritual, education, or personal enjoyment, every item I produce is a testament to the rich cultural tapestry that inspires my work.
Using mainly organic & culturally appropriate materials is a goal for all of my projects. For example, I utilize only African built djembe shells, and try to source all djembe (and other African drums) skins from Africa as well. Morally, I believe honoring the sources of those instruments is very important. Though sometimes problem-solving is necessary for alternative materials when required.
Available Commissions
- Drums (frame, djembes, udus, doumbeks, tamborines)
- Duct Flutes (ceramic, wood, bone, stone)
- Pan Flutes (ceramic, stone, wood, bamboo)
- Quena Flutes (wood, ceramic)
- Rattles (rawhide, gourd, ceramic)
- Death Whistles (ceramic)
- Whistles (wood, bone, ceramic)
- Mouth Whistles (stone, bone)
- Singing Vessels “huaca silbado” (ceramic)
- Conch Shell Trumpets (various shells can be used)
- Ceramic Trumpets
- Didgeridoo (bamboo, wood, ceramic)
- Bullroarer aka Rhombus (wood, stone, ceramic)
Past Projects
Japanese style Conch Shell Trumpet (Horagai)
This project was commissioned as a minimalist replica of a Japanese Horagai (conch trumpet). For this project I had to source the shell that would fit the species used for a culturally appropriate direction, I also used a longer wood mouthpiece to replicate the stylistic goal.
The video below is a visual study of the process for this specific project. Showing an overview of the hand made process of creating this custom trumpet.
As you can see, the client wasn’t too focused on a total replication, but wanted to achieve a Horagai style without the full replication. So this wouldn’t be an exact replica of any specific Horagai, but a generalized version of this type of trumpet with a minimalistic style goal.
Bamboo Tongue Drum (mayohuacan/Teponaztli)
These were a group of bamboo tongue drums built to replicate the Mesoamerican Aztec Teponaztli drum, this style of drum can be found throughout Central and South American, and the Caribbean, with other variations found throughout most of the world.
Sourcing the bamboo for this series of drums was complicated. Since purchasing bamboo this size was almost impossible, I chose to source locally and heat cured the pieces, then had to wait 6 months before beginning work. Bamboo require curing time or risks the possibility of splitting, like most woods.
Using a hand drill and fire as my tools of choice, I slowly drilled the areas that needed to be removed and then used fire and a hot metal rod to refine and temper the edges of the tongues. I then darkened areas of the drums for aesthetic purposes.
Indigenous North American Frame Drum
Large frame drum with custom henna crow design. This commissioned project utilized a refurbished drum frame (provided by the client) and deer skin, along with a decorative head design with henna. I prefer henna on drums rather than acrylic paint, since the design is stained into the drum head rather than just painted onto the head. Paint tends to crack or flake after some time on drum heads, so using henna there is no worry of that, actually henna usually darkens over time, and rarely fades on drum skins.
The client specified the type of skin and design direction for the drum decoration, I was given artistic freedom for the design itself and methods used. This was a large 18″ drum, and I was inspired by the natural coloring of the skin to bring out this crow design that was finalized and highlighted with the henna. It seemed the skin had a crow like pattern naturally in it’s coloring, so that was a great alignment to finalize this ceremonial drum.
Ceramic Quena (Chincha Style “replica”)
This Chincha culture style quena flute, crafted from terracotta clay, represents a significant piece of ancient Peruvian heritage. The Chincha culture, which thrived in Peru from about 900 to 1400 C.E., is noted for its significant contributions to the Andean civilization before they eventually became part of the expansive Incan Empire. This culture developed in the coastal regions of Peru, known for their advanced skills in agriculture, weaving, and ceramics. This particular quena flute not only showcases their craftsmanship but also highlights the importance of music and ceremonial traditions in their society.
This piece isn’t quite an exact replica, as I have incorporated aspects of the Chincha style as inspiration for creating this flute. However, there are several intentional deviations, especially in terms of size, finger placement, and the decorative elements. These variations are tailored to enhance the playability and aesthetic appeal, diverging from the traditional specifications found in genuine Chincha quenas. By merging classical features with unique modifications, this flute not only pays homage to the original art form but also brings a personalized touch that caters to modern preferences.
I love this style quena, they are easy to play compared to most wood quena, and they have unique tuning capability, since they are officially a vessel style quena. They can achieve extremely low notes and comparatively high notes, without much practice.
Native American Style Flute (Purple heart with heart design)
This exquisite flute, crafted exclusively for a silent auction aimed at benefiting local causes, is truly one-of-a-kind. Made from the distinctive purple heart wood known for its durability and deep, rich color, the instrument resonates not just with sound but also with a commitment to community support. Its unique design features a lovingly carved heart at the bottom, symbolizing the spirit of giving that the auction embodies. Additionally, the flute is adorned with subtle wood burned accents, enhancing its visual appeal and highlighting the meticulous craftsmanship that went into its creation. This piece not only serves as a musical instrument but also as a splendid work of art, reflecting both beauty and benevolence.
It also had a custom cedar stand.
Frame Drums
The recent project involved meticulously crafting a large ensemble of frame drums specifically designed for therapeutic purposes. This custom order included 18 unique drums, each constructed to accommodate a variety of skin sizes supplied by the client. The customization process was highly detailed, ensuring that each drum was perfectly suited to the therapeutic needs of the group, providing not only a musical instrument but also a tool for healing and community-building. The diverse sizes allow for varied tones and sounds, which contribute to the dynamic range of music therapy sessions, enriching the therapeutic experience for all participants.
I also made the exact number of drum mallets for this group of drums. The skins were a bit thinner than I would prefer for frame drums, but the client provided them, so I completed the commission.
Sizes ranged from 8″-22″ with custom cedar frames.
Other instruments
