Every Nowak drum begins with carefully selected Australian hardwoods. Each timber contributes its own unique voice, shaping the tone, feel, and visual appeal of your drum. Explore the characteristics below to find the wood that speaks to your style

Variety of timbers

Blackbutt

  • Hardness: ~9.1 kN — Hard
  • Tone: Balanced, warm, punchy projection
  • Visual: Honey-brown grain, elegant and subtle
  • Character: Versatile across genres; bright attack with warm midrange
Blackbutt

Jarrah

  • Hardness: ~8.5 kN — Hard
  • Tone: Warm, punchy, rich lows, crisp attack
  • Visual: Deep red-brown grain, striking natural character
  • Character: Bold and earthy; perfect for rock and blues
Jarrah

Marri

  • Hardness: ~7.1 kN — Moderately Hard
  • Tone: Warm, resonant, balanced mids, crisp highs
  • Visual: Striking grain patterns, natural beauty
  • Character: Smooth and dynamic; great for expressive playing
Marri

Sheoak

  • Hardness: ~5.0–5.9 kN — Medium
  • Tone: Warm, mellow, clear midrange
  • Visual: Subtle, light-brown to golden tones
  • Character: Excellent for nuanced, acoustic, and studio styles
Sheoak

Wandoo

  • Hardness: ~15.0 kN — Very Hard
  • Tone: Bright, articulate, strong projection
  • Visual: Pale, fine grain, dense appearance
  • Character: Highly responsive; perfect for cutting through mixes
Wandoo

York Gum

  • Hardness: ~8–11 kN — Hard
  • Tone: Warm, balanced mids, slight brightness
  • Visual: Rich, golden-brown tones with attractive grain
  • Character: Versatile, with strong tonal character for varied genres
York Gum

Understanding timber density can help you choose the perfect drum. The Janka Hardness & Tone Chart below shows each wood’s hardness and how it influences tone.

Janka Hardness Table

At Nowak Drums, sustainability is at the heart of our craft. We exclusively use recycled and sustainably sourced West Australian hardwoods, hand-selected by our artisans to ensure that every drum delivers exceptional sound and stands as a work of art.

Our choice of Australian hardwoods reflects our commitment to quality, durability, and natural beauty. These timbers provide:

  • Organic warmth in tone.
  • Exceptional durability for a lifetime of performance.
  • Striking natural grain patterns that make every drum unique.

When you choose a Nowak Drum, you’re not just selecting an instrument, you’re acquiring a masterpiece born from sustainable practices and a deep respect for the natural world.