Several kinds of materials are used when building a taiko. Each has their own qualities that contribute to the drum as a whole.

Wood

The bodies of all but a few Japanese drums are made of wood. More...

Skin

Japanese drums are made from animal skins, primarily cow-hide. More...

Byo

Byo (iron tacks) are used to affix the skins to the bodies of the nagado-daiko and hira-daiko. More...

Kan

Ring handles called "kan" are often attached to the bodies of the nagado-daiko and hira-daiko. More...

Himo

A large number of Japanese drums untilize himo (rope) to tighten the heads More....