How to Make A Gomikan Taiko

Want to practice taiko at home but don’t have your own drum? If you have the space (and some basic tools and a little know-how), we recommend making a gomikan (trashcan) taiko. Read on for all the info you need to get started!

PDF Directions

Materials

1 plastic trash can
We recommend a Rubbermaid Brute if possible (see below)
Strapping tape (just a few strips)
The stronger the better! Scotch’s “reinforced strength” strapping tape is a great choice
Heavy duty packing tape (two rolls)
Only the good stuff will do (like Scotch’s heavy duty packing tape) … otherwise, you’ll end up with a hole in your drum head before you know it!
Duct tape (enough to go around the trashcan 3 or 4 times)
You can go with basic black Gorilla tape, or choose a color or design that calls to you, or go with a combo of the two (strength plus style – what’s not to love?)
Scissors or utility knife
Jigsaw or other power cutting tool (with safety glasses!)

What kind of trash can is best?

We recommend a 32-gallon trash can (for adults) or a 20-gallon trash can (for kids). The basic criteria are: 1) something round, and 2) something without wheels.

For a gomikan taiko that will last through years of practice, you need something heavy duty with a reinforced bottom, like the Rubbermaid Brute trash can. These are best for cutting out the bottom of the can to use for the head, rather than simply taping over the open top of the can.

It may sound counterintuitive … BUT this gives you more stability (wider base to sit on the ground) and makes for easier storage and transport (you can stack ‘em!)

Cut out bottom of trash can

Use a jigsaw or other power tool (a utility knife will not be strong enough for a heavy duty trash can)
Leave about 2.5” of rim all the way around to support the head
- Do NOT cut all the way to the edge or your taiko will end up weak and misshapen!

Strapping tape base

Make a ‘+’ over the center of the taiko
- Pull tight, but donʼt warp the circle
- Make sure the tape extends down the sides by 4-6 inches
Make an ‘X’ over the ‘+’ so you end up with an asterisk of strapping tape
- This extra-strong tape will help keep the circle from stretching out of shape as you apply the rest of the layers

Spiral layer

Cut packing tape strips long enough to span the circle and extend down the sides 4-6 inches
Start with one strip in the center
Place the next strip slightly rotated to the previous one
- Each strip should overlap the preceding one by half
Make a spiral by placing more slightly rotated strips with all strips crossing the center

Parallel layer

Cut tape strips long enough to span the circle and extend down the sides 4-6 inches
- Not all the strips need to be the same length! Try to estimate each length to save tape
Starting in the center and working your way to the edges, make a layer of parallel strips towards one edge
- Each strip should overlap the preceding one by half
Start again in the center & repeat towards the other edge

Second parallel layer

Cut tape strips long enough to span the circle and extend down the sides 4-6 inches
- Not all the strips need to be the same length! Try to estimate each length to save tape
Perpendicular to the previous layer, start in the center and working your way to the edges, make a layer of parallel strips towards one edge
- Each strip should overlap the preceding one by half
Start again in the center & repeat towards the other edge

Second spiral layer

Cut packing tape strips long enough to span the circle and extend down the sides 4-6 inches
Start with one strip in the center
Place the next strip slightly rotated to the previous one
- Each strip should overlap the preceding one by half
Make a spiral by placing more slightly rotated strips with all strips crossing the center

Secure with duct tape

Wrap the duct tape around the trash can to secure the packing tape ends
Be sure all the packing tape ends are covered
You can use different colors and layer stripes to add some personal style to your gomikan taiko!