EXPERIENCE A NEW SOUND
Our Story
A Brand New Drum
A Brand New Drum
A Brand New Drum
The Takeda was invented by shakuhachi master and maker John Kaizan Neptune in 2008 from his passion for two things: making instruments out of bamboo, and his love for world Percussion. The result is a new drum that does not belong to any culture in particular. It is a drum for the world.
John’s son David Takeo (meaning bamboo born) Neptu
The Takeda was invented by shakuhachi master and maker John Kaizan Neptune in 2008 from his passion for two things: making instruments out of bamboo, and his love for world Percussion. The result is a new drum that does not belong to any culture in particular. It is a drum for the world.
John’s son David Takeo (meaning bamboo born) Neptune started Neptune Musical Instruments in 2023 to start selling the Takeda drum.
The Sound
A Brand New Drum
A Brand New Drum
The holes on the Takeda are its special trait. They offer a unique bass tone similar to the ceramic Udu drum from Nigeria. The two heads on the right and left of the drum offer a warm tone and can be played like a mridangam or bata drum. Because these heads are also made of stiff bamboo, the bass tones work very well with a long sustain.
The holes on the Takeda are its special trait. They offer a unique bass tone similar to the ceramic Udu drum from Nigeria. The two heads on the right and left of the drum offer a warm tone and can be played like a mridangam or bata drum. Because these heads are also made of stiff bamboo, the bass tones work very well with a long sustain. And they’re tuned! The general tone from hitting the heads is in D. The holes on top are an F and G.
100% Bamboo
Crafted in Taiwan
Crafted in Taiwan
Bamboo is a sustainable material that matures in about 5 years, compared to 25-50 years for hardwood trees.
It would be easy to make Takeda out of plastic. However it is our commitment to the environment that means we have always and will continue to make our drums out of bamboo. It is a very resilient material and these drums are very hardy.
Crafted in Taiwan
Crafted in Taiwan
Crafted in Taiwan
Partnering with the Brilliant Bamboo Craft Co in Taiwan, the Takeda is beautifully crafted with bamboo sourced from China. Taiwan has a rich history of bamboo crafts coupled with modern precision and we are honored to be making this new drum there.