How long does a body of taiko last? How should I maintain it?
It depends on what kind of wood is used, how often you play it and construction method. Generally, a Zelkova-single-piece body taiko lasts for a long time, without exaggerating, for hundreds years. To keep the body of your taiko in good shape, you should cover it with a case and store in airy and dry place avoiding wet, sunny, extremely hot, or extremely cold place. In case you don't play it for a long time, you need to take it out from case occasionally and leave it in fresh air. Regarding to Shime Daiko and Okedo Daiko, you had better loosen the rope or bolts, which tighten heads if you don't play for a long time. To reduce the tension between a body and heads makes the body last longer. In case a body gets any crack, it should be mended as soon as possible. You had better ask a professional craftsman or taiko shop to do it.
Damn it! My taiko got a crack!
Mostly, cracks on body can be mended. You had better ask a professional craftsman or taiko shop to do it. Cost depends on how bad the crack is. Don't leave it for a long time. It will get worse and the cost to fix it will get higher. We, taiko Center, can fix it properly at a reasonable price. Ask us.
The body of my taiko wore out and its lacquer came off. What should I do?
It can be fixed. You had better ask a professional craftsman or taiko shop as soon as possible. Cost depends on how bad it is. Don't leave it for a long time. It will get worse and you will pay more money. We, taiko Center, can fix it properly at a reasonable price. Ask us.
The edges of body got dents.
As you play a taiko for years, the edge of body usually get dents. Most of taiko makers use a hard wooden material for the edge to avoid it, but it is generally inevitable. If the dent is too deep and there is a remarkable gap between a body and head, the sound quality of taiko gets worse. In that case, you need to flatten the edge and re-pitch the head. You should ask a professional repairman or taiko shop to do it.
Kan (handle) got loose.
It is possible to fix it, but one of heads must be removed to do it. Sometimes it is necessary to change a point to put the kan, if the previous point is really messed up. If Kan is loose, don't carry your taiko holding it. You will get injured if the Kan suddenly falls off, or the body gets cracks. Ask a repairman.
Byo (studs) rusted. Is it OK?
They would harm a body or heads if you leave them. If studs holding a Kan got rusted, the Kan will fall off in a worst scenario. Rub them with sandpaper, apply anti-rust chemicals and paint it with a black paint. It might be hard for amateur to finish beautifully as professional does.