Flaws Taiko Players Have To Suffer Part 2

Hi edubloggers,

 

Welcome back to part two for problem Taiko drummers need to face. Last time we talked about self care, lugging gear around, and it just being so darn loud. Well here are three more ways it can be a pain.

4. Maintenance: I will try to make another post about Taiko drum maintenance later, but because they are made of natural items rather than more synthetic material like typical western drum sets, they will crack, tear, scratch, and the pitch will change because of temperature. You need to find the right time to put a drum in a case. If you leave it in all the time, it will start to grow mold on the skin, but if you leave it out in humid or muggy areas, the skin will get wet and cave in which isn’t good, so it is like caring for a baby; you need to dedicate a lot of time to it.

Photo Credit: MKPicsography Flickr via Compfight cc

5. People say it is not a actual art

Another complaint is that because Taiko Pioneer Daiihachi Oguchi created Kumi Daiko with a heavy emphasis on Jazz and Latin American drumming, it makes it feel more Americanized. Since they use the Shime Daiko as like a snare, a Chudaiko as a Tom Tom, and the low tuned Odaiko as bass drums, it is like a melting pot of different cultures.

So the argument is that it isn’t a actual art since it has been mended in many times, it isn’t authentic taiko. My argument however is may not be truly authentic, there are still Taiko pieces from many centuries ago that are still being shared to this day so it isn’t completely lost. Also, it has built such a tightly knit community, making it a way of community.

6. Costly equipment and global warming complaints

A big problem for starting a new Taiko group is buying new drums and  bachi. You can buy artisan material at Miyamoto Unosuke Shoten for a few grand, but people are always on a budget, so you need to start many fundraisers to get good drums which you need to dedicate a lot of time to.

Anyway do you play a instrument? What problems do you have with your instruments? Comment below!

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