Here’s a before and after picture of some spalted poplar congas in progress. Logs are first inoculated with different fungi and allowed to gain their colors as the fungus spreads. Logs are then rough cut and hollowed into this basic shape before being allowed to dry naturally. When they reach the correct moisture content, they are kiln dried to ensure that they remain stable for the life of the drum. Once kiln dried, the shells are then put on the lathe to be finish turned. They get a high quality clear coat applied before having the internal geometry crafted to create beautiful tones.