The basic idea in designing and constructing a talking drum is to incorporate some way of quickly and easily changing the tension of the drumhead while playing. By providing room on the lacing for an arm to squeeze, the player is able to change the head tension as the drum is played.

Our design is based on a traditional African talking drum. We thought a lot about how to make the hoops and have come up with what we think is a pretty slick design requiring nothing more than rawhide strips and contact cement. No wood required.