The percussion line, each piece
a one-of-a-kind work of art!

Attention to quality and sound

Contact 'Don't Fret Insturments' today! > dontfretinstruments@yahoo.com

At the present time, I offer two different percussion instruments. Each instrument is hand made, one at a time. I put the same consideration of quality and sound in my percussion instruments as in my all my other custom made insturments. If I wouldn’t play it myself, it’s kindling!

THE SIPSEY SLAPPER

The Sipsey Slapper is an instrument that I came up with in the same way that I got the idea for the Sipsey River Steel. It is essentially a hollowed out cypress knee with a hole in the center that allows several different tones to be produced, from a kick drum like thump to a bongo sounding slap. I also groove one side of the slapper so a dowel can be used to rake the wood for a guiro effect. By laying a hand over the sound hole and slapping the Sipsey Slapper with the other hand, you can achieve several tones, and with a little practice, you will find this unique instrument can be quite versatile. I mount a condenser microphone in the end of the slapper to capture the tones and amplify this cool instrument. Each Sipsey Slapper is individually signed and numbered by me. The Slapper is not only a great looking attention grabber, but it sounds great too!

DON'T FRET INSTRUMENTS CAJON’S

My cajon’s were inspired by our great percussionist, Dave Gowens. He’s always on the prowl for some weird or unusual instrument. This guy even plays a spittoon! He asked me to build him a cajon after buying several and not being satisfied with any of them. We put our heads together, and after tinkering a little bit, came up with a design that looks and sounds incredible! No dead thumping here! These things have great tones, from kick drum bottom, to a bright conga and bongo like upper register.

My cajon’s are unique to most for a couple reasons. Where most cajons are made from laminated plywoods, or a combination of plywood and a hardwood soundboard, mine are 100% basswood on all four of the vertical sides and ½” cabinet grade birch plywood on the top and bottom for strength and stability. They are also wedge shaped, which aids in tonal versatility. They measure approximately 15” on the front and sides, 12-13” on the back, and 19-1/2” high. They can be built with or without a snare. If you choose to have a snare mounted, it comes with a throw-off, so it can be played in the on or off position. You also have the option of an abrasive strip on the front that works wonders with brushes! Each cajon is individually signed and numbered by me.