The Duke University Wind Symphony recently performed Steven Bryant’s “Ecstatic Waters“. The score calls for a Mahler Box to be struck at the climax of the piece. I won’t go into the details of the Mahler Box other than to say that it’s origin is Mahler’s Symphony No. 6, the so called “Tragic” symphony which calls on percussionists to produce a loud, thudding sound “like the fall of an axe”. Various methods have been used over the years but a wooden box struck with a large wooden hammer has seemed to prevail.

I took on the task of building a large wooden hammer while members of the percussion, horn, and bassoon section took on the the construction of a large wooden box. Below you’ll find links to pages that detail the construction of a hammer that provides a large striking surface and looks quite dramatic while in use.

• The model
• Materials
• Tools
• Cutting parts
• Initial layout
• First glue-up
• Handle pocket
• Final glue-up
• Attach the handle
• Finishing touches