Our Bachi / Wood Types
The Right Wood. The Right Feel. The Right Sound.
Every taiko player has their own style, and every piece of wood has its own character.
At TENRYU, we craft taiko bachi from carefully selected woods, drawing on more than 75 years of woodworking experience.
The weight, density, grain and texture of each wood contribute to the character of the finished bachi. Understanding these natural qualities is an essential part of our approach to craftsmanship.
Hinoki — Japanese Cypress
Straight-Grained. Refined. Smooth.
Hinoki is a Japanese cypress known for its fine, straight grain, pale colour and distinctive natural fragrance.
Its relatively soft, uniform texture allows for precise shaping and a smooth finish, while its straight grain contributes to a clean, refined appearance.
Long valued in Japanese architecture and traditional woodworking, Hinoki is appreciated for its natural beauty and workability.
When crafted into taiko bachi, its lightness and smooth texture give the finished product a distinctive character.
Hō — Japanese Magnolia
Fine-Grained. Smooth. Versatile.
Hō is a relatively soft hardwood with a fine, even grain and a smooth, uniform texture.
Its consistent structure makes it easy to shape and finish with precision, allowing for carefully crafted bachi with smooth surfaces and well-defined dimensions.
Hō also offers a combination of lightness and toughness, qualities that have made it a valued material for traditional Japanese wooden implements.
When used for taiko bachi, its fine texture and workability allow for a variety of shapes and finishes.
KAEDE — JAPANESE MAPLE
Hard. Resilient. Light-coloured.
Kaede is a hardwood characterised by its pale colour and clean, even appearance.
Relatively hard for a hardwood, it also possesses natural toughness and resilience. Its light tones and subtle grain give Kaede bachi a bright, refined appearance.
The balance of weight and hardness is one of Kaede's distinctive characteristics. Its firmness gives the wood a substantial feel in the hands.
As a material for taiko bachi, Kaede offers a firm, solid feel, with a combination of hardness and resilience that contributes to its distinctive character.
Kashi — Japanese Oak
Dense. Strong. Substantial.
Kashi is a dense, hard wood known for its strength, toughness and natural weight.
Compared with lighter woods such as Hō and Hinoki, Kashi has a more substantial character. Its dense structure and resistance to wear distinguish it from softer woods.
The natural weight and hardness of Kashi give it a firm, solid feel in the hands. Its strength and density are among the qualities that make it a distinctive material for taiko bachi.
For performers who prefer a heavier bachi, Kashi offers a different balance of weight and firmness, bringing its own character to the playing experience.
WOOD HARDNESS GUIDE
This guide shows the relative hardness of the woods used by TENRYU, based on Kawai Woodworks’ experience.
As wood is a natural material, individual characteristics may vary.
WOOD HARDNESS GUIDE
This guide shows the relative hardness of the woods used by TENRYU, based on Kawai Woodworks’ experience.
As wood is a natural material, individual characteristics may vary.
Understanding Bachi
Small Differences.
Distinctive Characteristics.
The character of a bachi is determined not only by the wood from which it is made, but also by its dimensions, shape and balance.
Length and diameter influence the overall weight and handling, while the shape and finish affect how the bachi sits in the hands.
At TENRYU, we pay close attention to these details, combining the natural qualities of each material with careful woodworking to create bachi to the required specifications.
The length of a bachi affects its reach, movement and overall feel. Different lengths suit different drums, playing styles and individual preferences.
Length
Diameter influences how a bachi feels in the hands. A thicker or slimmer grip can make a difference to comfort and control, particularly during extended performances.
Diameter
From straight to tapered profiles, the shape of a bachi influences its weight distribution and handling. Small adjustments can create a noticeably different playing experience.
Shape
The distribution of weight affects how a bachi moves and responds. Some performers prefer more weight towards the striking end, while others favour a more evenly balanced feel.
Balance
A Performer’s Perspective
In Conversation with GEN of Shidara
Gen
Taiko Performer, Shidara
Born in Toei, Aichi Prefecture, Gen Owaki has been surrounded by taiko since birth, as both of his parents were founding members of Shidara.
Today, he performs with the professional taiko ensemble and also works as a stage director.
What makes a good bachi?
Weight, balance and size are all important. Because wood is a natural material, every bachi is slightly different. For odaiko in particular, the size of the performer’s hands also matters.
I have relatively small hands, so sometimes I prefer the grip to be slightly slimmer while keeping more weight towards the striking end.
How do you choose which bachi to use?
It depends not only on the drum, but also on how I feel that day and where we are performing. Even for the same drum, I may choose a different pair depending on the situation.
I usually bring around ten pairs to each performance and choose the ones that feel right on the day.
What do you value about working with TENRYU?
We can tell them what kind of bachi we are looking for, and they come back with ideas — ‘How about something like this?’ I really value that exchange. It feels as though we are creating the sound together.
After all, without bachi, we cannot make the sound of the taiko.
About Shidara
Based in the mountains of Aichi Prefecture, Shidara is a professional Japanese taiko ensemble known for its powerful performances deeply rooted in local traditions.
Performing both in Japan and internationally, the group brings the energy of taiko and the richness of Japan’s traditional culture to audiences around the world.
Custom Bachi
Made for the Way You Play.