Beating the Drum for Tradition

The Wang brothers inherited the store in 1973 upon their father’s sudden death. Though they grew up surrounded by drums, the brothers knew little about drum making as their father had discouraged them from engaging in the practice due to its thin profit margins. They could not bear to see his 50-year-old business close, however, so they set about picking up the craft, eventually mastering it through a process of trial and error.

Although all traditional Chinese drums consist of a piece of hide stretched over a hollow wooden vessel, there are several different varieties of the instruments. For instance, drums made to accompany group chanting usually have a deeper sound, while those used by lion dance troupes have a slightly higher pitch.

Due to their dedication to the craft, the Wang brothers have managed to build Hsiang Jen Ho into a leading brand. Its customers include temples in Taiwan and overseas as well as some of the nation’s foremost performing arts troupes, such as the Ju Percussion Group.

Now in their 60s, the brothers have begun to take a step back from the physically demanding business. Nevertheless, the shop remains as productive as ever since several third-generation members of the family have begun learning the craft. The beat of Hsiang Jen Ho’s drums, it appears, will continue to ring out for the foreseeable future.

The beat of Hsiang Jen Ho’s drums rings out loud at the National Concert Hall.

In addition to crafting new drums, Hsiang Jen Ho provides maintenance and repair services.

The various drums produced by Hsiang Jen Ho have different tones depending on their purpose.

Processing the hides for the drumheads requires a skilled hand. Different parts of the hides, which come from local water buffalo, are used to create distinct varieties of drums.

Processing the hides for the drumheads requires a skilled hand. Different parts of the hides, which come from local water buffalo, are used to create distinct varieties of drums.

Getting the right degree of tautness on the drumhead, a complex and physically taxing process that takes many years to master, is crucial in determining the quality of the drum’s tone.

Wang Xi-kun, the eldest of the three brothers who have been running the shop since 1973, carefully measures and marks drums at different stages of the production process.

Wang Xi-kun, the eldest of the three brothers who have been running the shop since 1973, carefully measures and marks drums at different stages of the production process.

Established in 1923, Hsiang Jen Ho is one of the last remaining traditional Chinese drum makers in Taiwan.