chunk of wood missing, how to patch?

[vex390]

i got this african djembe from my dad about 5 years ago and i picked it up this year and noticed a chunk of wood missing from from the upper body of it. it kills the low bass notes and i am eager to repair it, but i don't want to use anything that would damage it further. the hole is small enough where i can't fit my pinky through it but big enough so that it kills the low notes. what can i fill this hole with to save the tone? it needs something strong enough to maintain inside the hole but blocks out the sound. thanks!

[michi]

Could you post a photo or two? That would make it a lot easier to help.

Cheers,

Michi.

[bresail]

I have a large wooden drum !6 feet long.
I have had to do many repairs on it and the method to use is;
Drill a hole a little larger than the missing piece of wood.
Obtain a hardwood dowel the same size as the drilled hole. It is possible to get dowelling with longtitudinal grooves in it. If not then cut a few longtitudinal grooves in the dowel.
You need a push fit dowel not a hammer fit.
Use a good wood glue and coat the dowel.
Push in place and wait to dry as per manufacturers instructions.
It will now be watertight.
My wooden drum is a boat but it is the same for drums and boats.
Regards.