The top and bottom rim can be ground smooth by abrading the stump against a flat, concrete pavement. The flatter the rim, the tighter the fit of the hide. Also slightly beveling the outer edges of the top and bottom rim will make the rawhide drumhead fit tightly.
As it dried, the white oak stump, over time, developed fissures along the inside of the termite eaten core. I applied pine pitch sap, liquified with alcohol, to the cracks. The sap solution was reapplied and allowed to dry before continuing to the next procedure.
Deer rawhide is used for the two membranes and coconut coir is utilized for the lashings.
Soak the rawhide in tepid water for one hour or until pliable. Cut a circle of membrane that extends at least 2 inches beyond the edge of one opening. Cut out another membrane for the other opening.
Place the 2 membranes back to back and punch through both simultaneously. Holes should be punched with an awl around the edge of the membranes at 2 inch intervals and 1 inch from the edge.
Center the bottom end of the drum body on top of its matching membrane and place the other membrane on top of the top rim of the drum. Align the holes of both membranes. Lace the rawhide drumhead. After lacing all the holes, the cordage is then pulled tight and tied.
A drumstick can be made from a wild rose stalk. A groove should be carved 1 inch down on the beater end. The stalk is then fitted with a head of brain tanned buckskin and stuffed with deer hair. A buckskin thong lashes the leather head to the notched end of the wild rose stalk.
Double-headed drums entirely enclose the air chamber, but the flexibility of the second head affects the vibrating air within the chamber. A hole in the side of a double-headed drum is often made to allow air flow and therefore greater sound transmission.