The sound of a hand drum is unmistakable – it’s a primal beat that can evoke emotions, spark creativity, and bring people together. While you can buy a hand drum at a music store, making one at home can be a fun and rewarding DIY project. In this article, we’ll take you through the process of creating a homemade hand drum, from selecting the materials to adding the final touches.
Materials Needed
Before you start making your hand drum, you’ll need to gather the necessary materials. Here’s a list of what you’ll need:
- A circular piece of wood or plastic for the drumhead (e.g., a wooden plate, a plastic container lid, or a metal pie plate)
- A container or shell for the drum body (e.g., a wooden bowl, a plastic bucket, or a metal pot)
- A piece of rawhide or animal skin for the drumhead cover (optional)
- A strong thread or cord for lacing the drumhead
- A pair of scissors or a craft knife for cutting the materials
- A drill or a sharp object for making holes in the drumhead and drum body
- A hammer or a mallet for shaping the drumhead and drum body
- A piece of cloth or a paper towel for applying glue or sealant
- A sealant or glue for attaching the drumhead to the drum body (optional)
Choosing the Right Materials
The type of materials you choose will affect the sound and durability of your hand drum. Here are some factors to consider:
- Drumhead material: A wooden or plastic drumhead will produce a brighter, more resonant sound, while a rawhide or animal skin drumhead will produce a warmer, more mellow sound.
- Drum body material: A wooden drum body will produce a warmer, more resonant sound, while a plastic or metal drum body will produce a brighter, more trebly sound.
- Drumhead size: A larger drumhead will produce a deeper, more resonant sound, while a smaller drumhead will produce a higher, more trebly sound.
Step 1: Prepare the Drumhead
The first step in making your hand drum is to prepare the drumhead. If you’re using a wooden or plastic plate, you can skip this step. If you’re using a rawhide or animal skin, you’ll need to soak it in water for several hours or overnight. This will make the skin pliable and easier to work with.
Once the skin is soaked, use a pair of scissors or a craft knife to cut it into a circular shape. Make sure the skin is large enough to cover the drumhead, with a little extra material around the edges.
Shaping the Drumhead
If you’re using a wooden or plastic plate, you can skip this step. If you’re using a rawhide or animal skin, you’ll need to shape it into a circular shape. Use a hammer or a mallet to shape the skin, working from the center outwards. Make sure the skin is evenly tensioned and smooth.
Step 2: Prepare the Drum Body
The next step is to prepare the drum body. If you’re using a wooden bowl or a plastic bucket, you can skip this step. If you’re using a metal pot, you’ll need to clean and dry it thoroughly.
Once the drum body is prepared, use a drill or a sharp object to make holes in the top and bottom of the drum body. These holes will be used to lace the drumhead to the drum body.
Shaping the Drum Body
If you’re using a wooden bowl or a plastic bucket, you can skip this step. If you’re using a metal pot, you’ll need to shape it into a cylindrical shape. Use a hammer or a mallet to shape the pot, working from the top down. Make sure the pot is evenly shaped and smooth.
Step 3: Assemble the Drum
The final step is to assemble the drum. Use a strong thread or cord to lace the drumhead to the drum body. Make sure the drumhead is evenly tensioned and smooth.
If you’re using a rawhide or animal skin drumhead, you may need to apply a sealant or glue to attach it to the drum body. Use a piece of cloth or a paper towel to apply the sealant or glue, making sure to cover the entire surface of the drumhead.
Adding the Final Touches
Once the drum is assembled, you can add the final touches. Use a piece of cloth or a paper towel to apply a sealant or glue to the edges of the drumhead, making sure to cover the entire surface.
You can also add decorations to your drum, such as paint, markers, or stickers. Make sure to use a sealant or glue to attach the decorations, making sure they are securely attached.
Tips and Variations
Here are some tips and variations to consider when making your hand drum:
- Use a variety of materials: Experiment with different materials, such as wood, plastic, metal, and rawhide or animal skin.
- Add decorations: Use paint, markers, or stickers to add decorations to your drum.
- Experiment with different shapes: Try using different shapes, such as a square or a triangle, to create a unique sound.
- Add a resonator: Use a piece of wood or a metal plate to create a resonator, which will amplify the sound of your drum.
By following these steps and tips, you can create a unique and functional hand drum that will provide hours of entertainment and enjoyment. Whether you’re a musician, a crafty person, or just someone who loves music, making a hand drum is a fun and rewarding DIY project that’s sure to bring a smile to your face.
What materials do I need to make a homemade hand drum?
To make a homemade hand drum, you will need a few basic materials. These include a circular piece of wood or plastic for the drumhead, a container or shell to serve as the drum body, some rope or twine for tuning, and a few other miscellaneous items like glue and a drill. You can get creative with the materials you use, but these are the basic components you will need to get started.
The type of materials you choose will depend on the sound and look you want to achieve with your drum. For example, a wooden drumhead will produce a warmer, more mellow sound, while a plastic one will be brighter and more crisp. Similarly, the type of container you use for the drum body will affect the resonance and overall sound of the drum. Experiment with different materials to find the combination that works best for you.
How do I prepare the drumhead for my homemade hand drum?
Preparing the drumhead is an important step in making a homemade hand drum. Start by cutting the circular piece of wood or plastic to the desired size. Make sure it is large enough to cover the drum body, but not so large that it is unwieldy. Next, sand the drumhead to smooth out any rough edges or surfaces. This will help to create a clear, resonant sound.
Once the drumhead is sanded, you can apply a finish to protect it and enhance its appearance. You can use a variety of finishes, such as varnish, polyurethane, or even paint. Just be sure to choose a finish that is non-toxic and won’t affect the sound of the drum. After the finish is dry, your drumhead is ready to be attached to the drum body.
How do I attach the drumhead to the drum body?
Attaching the drumhead to the drum body is a crucial step in making a homemade hand drum. Start by applying a small amount of glue to the edge of the drum body. Then, carefully place the drumhead over the drum body, making sure it is centered and even. Use a few small clamps or weights to hold the drumhead in place while the glue dries.
Once the glue is dry, you can use rope or twine to secure the drumhead to the drum body. Simply wrap the rope or twine around the edge of the drumhead and the drum body, pulling it tight to create tension. This will help to hold the drumhead in place and create a clear, resonant sound. Be careful not to overtighten the rope or twine, as this can cause the drumhead to become too tight and lose its resonance.
How do I tune my homemade hand drum?
Tuning your homemade hand drum is a matter of adjusting the tension of the drumhead. To do this, simply loosen or tighten the rope or twine that holds the drumhead in place. If you want a higher pitch, tighten the rope or twine. If you want a lower pitch, loosen it. You can also experiment with different tunings to create different sounds and effects.
It’s worth noting that tuning a homemade hand drum can be a bit tricky, and it may take some experimentation to get the sound just right. But with a little patience and practice, you should be able to achieve a clear, resonant sound that is perfect for playing.
Can I decorate my homemade hand drum?
Yes, you can definitely decorate your homemade hand drum. In fact, decorating your drum is a great way to make it truly unique and personalized. You can use a variety of materials to decorate your drum, such as paint, markers, or even decoupage. Just be sure to choose materials that are non-toxic and won’t affect the sound of the drum.
Some popular decoration ideas for homemade hand drums include painting or drawing designs on the drumhead or drum body, adding decorative tape or stickers, or even attaching small objects like beads or shells. You can also experiment with different textures and patterns to create a truly one-of-a-kind look.
How do I care for my homemade hand drum?
Caring for your homemade hand drum is relatively easy. To keep your drum in good condition, simply wipe it down with a soft cloth after each use. This will help to remove any dirt or oils from your skin that may have accumulated on the drum. You can also use a small amount of wood polish or oil to keep the drum body and drumhead looking their best.
It’s also a good idea to store your drum in a dry, cool place when you’re not using it. Avoid exposing your drum to extreme temperatures or humidity, as this can cause the materials to warp or crack. With proper care and maintenance, your homemade hand drum should last for many years to come.
Can I use my homemade hand drum for professional performances?
While it’s possible to use a homemade hand drum for professional performances, it may not be the best choice. Homemade drums can be prone to inconsistencies in sound and quality, which may not be suitable for professional performances. Additionally, homemade drums may not be as durable as commercial drums, which can withstand the rigors of frequent use and travel.
That being said, if you’re a professional musician who wants to add a unique, handmade element to your performances, a homemade hand drum could be a great option. Just be sure to test your drum thoroughly before using it in a performance, and consider having a backup drum on hand in case of any issues.