Barril and Pandero drum makers (Bomba and Plena drum makers)

This list is focused on English speaking US based barril drum makers, I list one from Puerto Rico.  If you know a barril drum maker that you think should be listed here write me an email at eastriverbomba@gmail.com.

*Here are some tips on searching for a barril/bomba drum.  There is a difference between a Bomba drum and a barril drum.  A bomba drum is shorter than a conga and usually wider it is solid shell and looks a lot like a conga.  Some people convert a conga into a bomba drum.  Traditionally bomba practitioners like to use barril drums.  (A quick look at YouTube  videos and Facebook pictures will confirm this.) Some believe the solid shell drum is superior, but I simply haven't found that to be true.  Many of the barriles from Puerto Rico appear to be made from rum barrels some people use pickle barrels.  All the barril drum makers I know use goat skins, this is the traditional skin used for Bomba, however its not unheard of to use cow skins if goat skins are not available.

I prefer the drum head or skin to be position above the rim of the barril some like the skins even with the rim as long as your technique doesn't suffer it doesn't make a difference.*

If you bring a bomba drum or barril to a cold weather environment be careful to store it away from heat sources like a radiator as it can dry out your wood. Also sometimes the wood will crack during cold temperatures. Ask your drum maker for advice on strategies for preventing this from occurring.

ARG Percussion LLC (Rahway, NJ)
Call Angel at (732) 423-8866

Angel explained to me that barril drum making is just a hobby for him and that his day job takes takes up most of his time.  If you would like to order a barrile from him he ask that you give him some time to make it.  For those who need a barril made in a quicker amount of time Angel usually refers customers to Juancho at JRF Percusion (see his information below).  Angel has attracted some attention for his wooden top barriles, in addition to making barriles he also makes cajons, wooden top bongos and panderos.  Below are videos of Angel's drums in action.

Angel Luis Reyes (Orlando, FL)
Angel Luis Reyes aka Mr. Balance. Angel is known as an elder Bombero a very good primo and a fantastic Bomba dancer who has earned the name Mr. Balance.  What many don't know is that he also makes barriles, maraca and cua sticks.

As you may have observed Angel prefers to build his barriles with pegs instead of with metal clamps, but like most drum makers he will build the drum to specifications upon your instructions.  As seen in the pictures above he also makes and sales maracas and cuas. For more information please contact Angel at quaroco@yahoo.com and call him at (787) 669-3286.

The Bomba Works (Long Island, NY)

Call Joe (some know him as "Bomba Joe") at (516) 286-9095

Bomba Joe's services include building barriles, re-skinning barrile heads, drum repair, band adjustments, metal work, refinishing and complete rebuilds.  Joe makes both barriles for students and professionals.  Joe offers a barril oak wood model, a cherry wood model, panderos and maracas. Below is a picture of Joe's student model its light weight and smaller than most barriles making it easier for carrying around and you can place it in a conga back facing up so as to not damage your drum's skins.
*Joe is also available for Drum making workshop on barriles and bomba drums.

Carlos M. Cruz (Connecticut)
Contact: For Spanish call Carlos at (203) 215-2352,  for English call Maria at (203) 215-3950.
When asking for barril and pandero drum makers in the Rhode Island area I was referred to Mr. Cruz a resident of Connecticut who is known for his work building and repairing barriles. As you can see in the picture he also makes a beautiful marimbula.  Carlos may also be a good source for information on Bomba and Plena classes in Connecticut.

JCR Percussion (Bronx, NY)
Contact Caly Rivera at (718) 293-6589
Located at 948 Ogden Ave, Bronx, NY 10452-5502
Caly is mostly known for his cow bell making skills, but he makes panderos and other percussion instruments.  Word on the streets is that if you ask Caly to make you a barril he will build one for you.


JRF Percussion (Bronx, NY) - http://www.jrfpercussion.com/  ; phone no. (347) 621-1429; email at jrfperc731@gmx.com;
Juan aka "Juancho", is known in the NY Bomba and Plena community for making panderos.  Juancho also makes bomba drums (he makes barriles but he is in the camp that says solid shell drums are better.) which he makes almost completely from scratch,  he does his own wood carving, metal work and skinning.  His bomba drums and congas (yes he makes congas as well) are super light as he makes them from one solid piece of wood. Check out Juancho's website to see his full range of products, such as bongos, maracas, and bata drums.

Ricky Soler (Puerto Rico) - I am sorry to announce Rick's passing on December 1, 2013.  My condolences to his family.
https://www.facebook.com/ricky.soler.7
Considered a master drum maker by some, Rick makes barriles, panderos, maracas and cua.  *He made my barril but he made it so I could play it as either a primo or buleador drummer.*  Rick's 1st language is Spanish, but he can hold a conversation in English if needed.

Skin-On-Skin (Upstate, NY area)
Call Jay at (607) 639-2417 (retired)
Jay is known for constructing top quality barriles, both Juanacho and Joe think of Jay as a mentor and consider him the best barril maker in the NY/Tri-state area. As you can see from the picture below Jay makes a beautiful barril drum (this is not a good picture by me). Unfortunately Jay is retired but he is a master at this craft and an legend at making congas and barriles.  He is not going to make a drum for you, but he could point you in the right direction for good drum makers and maybe give you some tips on what to look for or request in your drum's construction.

Spirt in the Wood (Wycombe, PA)
Call them at (215) 598-0188 or email Conrad: conrad@spiritinthewood.com 
http://www.spirtinthewood.com

These guys are spoken highly about in my drum circle as quality drum makers you can see it in the faces of the people who know.  I haven't seen their work first hand but people who know swear by them.