Currently tacks (called "byou") and handles (called "kan") are available for "do-it-yourself" taiko makers. To determine the size and amount of tacks you will need for your taiko, use the 2 tables below. Remember to add 10 to 20 tacks to the amounts listed for bent tacks or miscalculations.

Table 1 - Thickness of Shell & Recommended Tack Size

5/8" Thick Shell - use mini (#5.0) or small (#5.5) tack only.

3/4" Thick Shell - small (#5.5) or medium (#6.0) tack. Medium tacks are recommended for shells 20" in diameter, or larger.

1" Thick shell - small (#5.5) for diameters smaller than 20". Medium (#6.0) tack for shell diameters over 20".

1-1/4" Thick shell, or thicker - medium (#6.0) for diameters smaller than 26". Large (#7.0) tacks for shells over 28" in diameter.

Table 2 - Drum Diameter & Number of Tacks (assumes 2 rows of tacks on both top & bottom skins)

Taiko Tack (byou) Prices - Imported from Japan. Square shank steel tacks with round caps, painted black.

Mini - #5.0 (16mm long, 16mm tack head) = $190.00 per box (1,000 tacks per box), or .20 cents each.

Small - #5.5 (17mm long, 17mm tack head) = $209.00 per box (900 tacks per box), or .24 cents each.

Medium - #6.0 (20mm long, 20mm tack head) = $165.00 per box (700 tacks per box), or .25 cents each.

Large - #7.0 (25mm long, 22mm tack head) = $168.00 per box (400 tacks per box), or .44 cents each.

Taiko Handle (kan) Prices - Imported from Japan. Black steel ring handles with decorative black & brass plates. Traditional pin-mount design.

Small (9 cm bracket) - for 12 to 17 inch diameter taiko = $80.00 per pair

Medium (12 cm bracket) - for 18 to 28 inch taiko = $110.00 per pair

Large - for Odaiko (over 34 inches) = Please ask for price & availability.

Taiko Bachi (drum sticks)

We normally carry all the items listed on this page "in stock" at our store in the USA. The taiko bachi and other accessories are either imported from Japan or made by Perfect Harmony. While we have determined these to be the most popular styles and sizes, from time to time we may add additional items. Please check back in the future for more bachi specials!

Imported Bachi (made in Japan)

Shimedaiko Bachi - 14 1/4" Long by 5/8" Diameter, made of Hoo (magnolia) a medium-soft wood stick. This bachi is made specially for shimedaiko.

Price = $18.00 per pair

Shime/Kumi Daiko Bachi - 15 3/4" Long by 7/8" Diameter, made of Buna (beech) a moderately hardwood stick. This bachi is a good choice for "matsuri" or "sukeroku" style on taiko 19 inches in diameter or smaller. It can also be used to play larger shimedaiko (#4 and #5), as well as for playing taiko & shime together kumi daiko style (like a drum kit).

Price = $19.00 per pair

Nagadou Taiko Bachi -- Oak - 15 3/4" Long by 1" Diameter, made of Nara (oak) a hardwood stick. This bachi is a good choice for "matsuri" style, where sharp "ka" sounds are required. Also for playing nagadou taiko between 18 and 24 inches in diameter. Not recommended for use on a shimedaiko.

Price = $25.00 per pair

Nagadou Taiko Bachi -- Beech - 15 3/4" Long by 1" Diameter, made of Buna (beech) a moderately hardwood. This is a good all-around taiko bachi, especially for playing larger nagadou taiko. Beech wood is lighter than oak, and therefore less stressful over a long performance. Since beech is softer than oak, larger bachi made of beech are less likely to mark or damage the body of your taiko. This bachi is recommended for drummers who play the side of their taiko during performance.

Price = $22.00 per pair

Chi Chibu Bachi - 14 1/4" Long by 1 3/4" Diameter on the batter end (the stick tapers to 1 3/8" on the grip end). These bachi are specially made for playing the song "Chi Chibu Yatai Bayashi" a standard among many taiko groups in Japan. They are made of Hinoki (cypress) a soft, lightweight yet durable wood. These bachi are tapered, so the grip end is thinner than the batter end (the end you hit the taiko with). This is the traditional style of bachi used in playing "Chi Chibu Yatai Bayashi."

Price = $32.00 per pair

Odaiko Bachi - 18 1/2" Long by 1 3/8" Diameter (tapers to 1 1/8"), made of Hinoki (cypress) a soft and lightweight wood that is surprisingly strong. These bachi are specially designed for Odaiko, but can also be used for "Miyake Daiko." The bachi are tapered, so the batter end (the end you hit the taiko with) is slightly thinner than the grip end. This makes for a more comfortable grip when playing.

Price = $35.00 per pair

A note about Odaiko bachi - many people ask about oak or keyaki Odaiko bachi, these sticks will be very heavy! Before buying these bachi ask yourself - "how long am I going to play?" If you play an Odaiko piece that is more than 5 minutes long, we recommend that you do not play with heavy bachi - it will cause too much strain on your wrists.

Also, we do not recommend keyaki or oak sticks for songs where you hit the body or the rim (called the "fuchi" - or the "kara" sound) of the taiko, since you can dent or crack the taiko.

Atarigane (or Chanchiki) - the small bell that is used to keep time in taiko (pictured above, left). The special stick for playing is included.

Small (4 sun) = $70.00 (includes stick)

Large (4.5 sun) = $85.00 (includes stick)

Stick only = $18.00 each (imported from Japan)

Stick only = $14.00 each (made in the USA)

Chappa - small hand cymbals that are used to keep time and add accent to taiko (pictured above, right). Sold in pairs.

Small (4 sun) = $90.00 per pair

Large (5 sun) = $120.00 per pair

Kagura Suzu - hand held bells commonly used in Shinto ceremonies. These bells come in a beautiful tradional design, and make great narimono. There are 2 styles available: KS-5 (more bells, larger size) and KS-6 (smaller bells).

Small (KS-6) = $12.00 each

Large (KS-5) = $16.00 each