This is the method most commonly used by custom builders. Built similarly to a barrel, the wood pieces are vertical with bevelled edges arranged to form a circle. The staves are glued and clamped. When the glue is dry, the outside and inside are lathed to achieve a smooth, round shell.

This process is unlike typical modern drum shells, fabricated with either ply construction (thin sheets of wood bonded with glue and pressed into a cylinder) or steam bent (a single piece of wood heated and curved under stress). Stave shells consist of vertically oriented blocks that are beveled and glued to create a cylinder.

Built similarly to a barrel, the wood pieces are vertical with beveled edges arranged to form a circle. The staves are glued and clamped. When the glue is dry, the outside and inside are lathed to achieve a smooth, round shell.

Stave shells are made with multiple staves (segments of wood that are cut out and beveled equally) of quality hardwood, typically, which can lead to a better sound. They are also more responsive than ply drums. Ply shells, on the other hand, are less expensive and can be more durable.