The UDU DRUM is an instrument of the finest quality capable of creating beautiful sounds in the hands of both the trained musician and the novice. Its low, haunting vibrations are as pure and as spiritual as a heartbeat. Its high pitch can be compared to the Indian tabla drum. It is similar in tone to the African talking drum, yet has a quality of sound that no skin covered drum can attain.

The surface finish on all handmade UDU DRUMS is one of deep, smokey luster. It is a result of burnishing the entire surface with a smooth stone while the clay is still moist and unfired. The dark tones result from the action of the flames and smoke of the firing process on the surface of the clay and may have flash markings from combustible materials. There is no difference in the sound quality between either finish. Glazes are not used on the handmade drums because they tend to deaden the sound.

Frank Giorgini's handmade UDU DRUMS are considered the very best instruments of their type in the world and the choice of the worlds leading percussionists. Each drum is signed, dated, and numbered in series, and made only by his hands.

"UDU KUDOS"

"When you first strike one of Frank Giorgini's UDU DRUMS, what comes out seems utterly improbable: a moist, resonant boom that evokes the earth from which the instrument grew. The drums voice is so round, so chargedwith primal, muddy warmth, that its not surprising people in all idioms of music are seduced. At the same time, they exemplify the mathematical concept of elegance, of just-right-ness, of lack of waste. They are totallyefficient sound producers; efficiency, it seems, is simple and beautiful,and sounds like the earth's own heart." (Norman D. Bloom Percussion Source Vol. 1 NO. 1, 1995)

"I first heard the UDU DRUM being played in 1985 and was amazedwith the sound. The next day I bought three of Frank Giorgini's UDU DRUMS of different sizes and pitches. I have been playing them ever since and now use them on almost every album I record. The experience I have with the UDU is that it fits in any musical context or style. The sound is warmand also powerful, and they blend well with other percussion instruments- acoustic as well as electronic. The more I play them, the more musical we both get - the UDU and I." (Alex Acuna)

"Keeping alive the traditions of musical sources is very important.Frank Giorgini hand makes the UDU DRUM with respect to its African heritage and the sound is proof of it. When I play the UDU it is the spirit of the drum speaking. Giorgini's clay drums are the best! Play one - it will speakfor itself." (Mino Cinelu)

"Percussionists are always looking for new sounds to explore, and Giorgini's UDU DRUMS have a sound that is comparable to none other.They have made a significant contribution to every recording session in which I have used them. I have a set of four drums, and I always seem tobe able to match any pitch that is called for. The care and concern Frank Giorgini takes in their construction is self evident in the UDU's terrificsound." (Mike Fisher)

"Frank Giorgini makes the world's finest clay drums. I use his UDU DRUMS on all my albums, and they have become an integral part of my sound. I've featured the UDU DRUM in live performances across the USA, Europe,and even Japan, and the audiences always go wild for the sight and sound of the UDU on stage. They love it. I love it." (George Jinda)

"Frank Giorgini is a modern day Harry Partch! As Harry used to say,'I'm not doing any thing new, but just remembering something of the distant past!' Of course, Partch and Giorgini expand on the past by their creativeand artistic designs of the future. The sounds of the instruments are 'of another place.' I am proud to own and play the UDU DRUMS, Giorgini originals!" (Emil Richards)

"If you've never heard or played one of Frank Giorgini's UDU DRUMS,get your hands on one and find some recordings they're on. You don't needany special techniques to get started. Any hand technique (conga, bongo, Brazilian pandeiro, tabla) will have you playing grooves after spending a little time experimenting with the many beautiful tones these drums canproduce. Most importantly, don't think that this is just a 'color' instrument. The UDU is not just another percussion 'toy' you can use to add one or two more sounds to your repertoire. These are 'stand alone' percussion instruments, and - like the conga, bata, tabla, pandeiro, or frame drums - can be themain (or even the only) percussive source in a composition. I have several of Frank's drums and I still want more!" (Ed Uribe)

"In August of this year I received your wondrous creations - a set of four original Giorgini hand made UDU DRUMS. What I expected were four finely crafted drums with that distinctive udu sound. What I got blew my expectations right out the door and continues to blow me away to this day.The simple organic beauty of them alone is enough to satisfy anyone. But then to introduce their individual voices unfolds an infinite world of possibilities within each drum. Warmth, richness, and earthiness emanate with each bass tone, resonating for an astonishing duration. Bell-like sounds ring withsuch crispness and clarity when each UDU's surface is addressed with eventhe slightest tap of the finger. This combination of visual and sonic delightsis plenty to feast upon for many timeless moments. I cannot express adequatelyenough how much these drums affect my state of being. There is truly a spiritual voice that speaks through each and every UDU. I am forever grateful to youfor the care and skill you put forth in creating each amazing drum. Onceagain, I thank and commend you for your musically expressive works of art." (Matt Johnson)

HANDMADE UDU DRUM SPECIFICATIONS

Every handmade UDU DRUM is formed by Frank Giorgini's own hands. The sizes, weights, and finishes are remarkably consistent, but because each drum is individually sculpted, the specifications listed may vary.

MODEL HEIGHT WEIGHT PRICE

DU # 1 12 inches (31cm) 4 lbs $450 US

UDU # 2 14 inches (36cm) 5 lbs $600 US

UDU # 3 15.5 inches (40cm) 6 lbs $750 US

UDU # 4 17 inches (43.5cm) 7 lbs $1000 US

UDU SET (#1,#2,#3,#4)
All four drums made together at same time. $3200 US

UDU ABANG GRANDE (in foreground of photo) Specifications and price available upon request - very big and difficult to ship.

The surface finish on all handmade UDU DRUMS is one of deep, smokey luster. It is a result of burnishing the entire surface with a smooth stone while the clay is still moist and unfired. The dark tones result from the action of the flames and smoke of the firing process on the surface and may have flash markings from combustible materials. The standard finish on the drums is now more mottled with smokey tones of grey to black. The deep black finish requires a second special firing and an added cost of $100.00 to each drum. There is no difference in the sound quality between either finish. Glazes are not used on the handmade drums because they tend to deaden the sound.

Every original handmade Giorgini UDU DRUM is signed, dated, and numbered in series on the inside of the top neck opening.

UDU CUSTOM CASES

NO LONGER AVAILABLE. SEARCHING FOR A NEW SOURCE.

HANDMADE UDU DRUM ORDERING PROCEDURE

Frank usually has a few drums on hand and ready to be shipped. You can E-mail fgiorgini@mhcable.com or call 1 800 UDU DRUM (838 3786) in the USA for current availability. If your drum needs to be made to order, allow a minimum of one month (or more) for completion depending on back order volume.

SHIPPING COSTS

Contact Frank for a quote: fgiorgini@mhcable.com or call 1-800-UDU-DRUM (838-3786)

METHODS OF PAYMENT

International Money Orders, US Money Orders, Certified Bank check, VISAor MASTER CARD or (in USA) Personal Checks made out to UDU INC.

Payment in full required before shipping. If your drum is being made to order a $100.00 deposit is required, the balance due upon completion of drum. Deposit is 50% refundable upon cancellation.

Contact fgiorgini@mhcable.com or call 1-800-UDU-DRUM (838-3786) in the USA for ordering or additional information.