Drums are not only a vital part of music but also a source of endless fun. However, buying a drum set can be costly. Why not try making one yourself using recycled materials? It’s not only budget-friendly but also an eco-friendly way to express your creativity. This article will guide you through the process of making a drum using materials you can find around your house or in the recycling bin.
Understanding the Basics of a Drum
Before we start, let’s understand the basic components of a drum. A typical drum consists of a shell, a drumhead, and sometimes hardware like lugs and tension rods for tuning.
Th shell provides the body, the drumhead is the part that produces sound when struck, and the hardware helps in adjusting the tension and thus the pitch of the drum.
Selecting the Right Recycled Materials
Drum ShellePlastic Buckets: Plastic buckets are a popular choice for making drum shells. They come in various sizes, which can produce different tones. A smaller bucket will generally produce a higher pitch, while a larger one will give a lower, deeper sound. They are lightweight, durable, and easy to work with. For example, a 5-gallon plastic bucket can make a great bass drum.
Metal Cans: Cans like coffee cans or large tin cans can also be used. Metal cans often produce a brighter, more metallic sound compared to plastic buckets. A coffee can might be suitable for a snare drum or a small tom-tom. Make sure to clean the cans thoroughly and remove any sharp edges before using them.
Cardboard Tubes: Cardboard tubes, such as those from paper towels or wrapping paper, can be used to make small, portable drums. Although they are not as durable as plastic or metal, they can still produce a decent sound. You can stack multiple cardboard tubes together to create a thicker shell for a more resonant sound.
Drumhead
Old Vinyl Records: Old vinyl records can be repurposed as drumheads. They are made of a relatively thick plastic material that can vibrate well when struck. To use a vinyl record as a drumhead, you’ll need to cut it to the appropriate size, slightly larger than the opening of the drum shell.
Fabric: Sturdy fabric like canvas or denim can also be used. Stretch the fabric tightly over the drum shell. You can use a strong adhesive or sew the fabric around the edges of the shell to secure it. Fabric drumheads tend to produce a warmer, more mellow sound.
Plastic Sheets: Durable plastic sheets, such as those from old shower curtains or plastic tablecloths, can be cut and stretched over the drum shell. Plastic sheet drumheads are easy to work with and can give a bright, clear sound.
Hardware (Optional)
Bottle Caps: Bottle caps can be used as lugs. Glue or screw them evenly around the edge of the drum shell. They can be used to attach the drumhead and also, if you’re getting more advanced, to adjust the tension slightly by adding or removing caps.
Metal Rings: Metal rings, like those from old cans or curtain rods, can be used as rims to hold the drumhead in place. They provide a more stable edge for the drumhead and can enhance the overall look of the drum.
Screws or Bolts: If you want to be able to tune your drum, you can use screws or bolts as tension rods. Drill small holes in the drum shell and the rim, and then insert the screws or bolts through the holes. By tightening or loosening the screws, you can adjust the tension of the drumhead and change the pitch.
Step-by-Step Drum Making Process
Step 1: Prepare the Drum Shell
If you’re using a plastic bucket or a metal can, make sure it’s clean and dry. Remove any labels or stickers. For a plastic bucket, you might want to sand the edges slightly to make them smoother.
If you’re using cardboard tubes, you can tape them together to form the desired shape and size of the shell. You can also reinforce the joints with additional tape or glue for added strength.
Step 2: Attach the Drumhead
Cut the chosen drumhead material (vinyl record, fabric, or plastic sheet) to a size slightly larger than the opening of the drum shell.
If using a vinyl record, you can heat it slightly (using a hair dryer, for example) to make it more pliable. Then stretch it over the opening of the drum shell. Secure it in place by wrapping a strong string or wire around the edge of the shell and the vinyl record.
For fabric drumheads, stretch the fabric tightly over the shell. Use a strong adhesive like hot glue or a heavy-duty fabric glue to attach the fabric to the shell. You can also sew the fabric around the edge of the shell for a more secure attachment.
If using a plastic sheet, stretch it over the shell and use a staple gun or strong tape to attach it to the shell. Make sure the plastic is pulled tight to produce a good sound.
Step 3: Add Hardware (Optional)
If you’re using bottle caps as lugs, glue or screw them evenly around the edge of the drum shell. Make sure they are securely attached.
Place the metal rings around the edge of the drumhead, over the material that’s been attached to the shell. Secure the rings in place using screws or wire.
Insert the screws or bolts through the holes in the shell and the rim if you’re using them as tension rods. Tighten the screws slightly to start adjusting the tension of the drumhead.
Step 4: Test and Adjust
Tap the drumhead gently with your hand or a drumstick. Listen to the sound it produces. If the sound is too dull or too tight, you can adjust the tension.
If you added tension rods, loosen or tighten the screws to change the tension of the drumhead. A tighter drumhead will produce a higher pitch, while a looser one will give a lower pitch.
You can also experiment with different materials for the drumhead and shell to achieve different sounds. For example, try using a thicker fabric for a deeper sound or a thinner plastic sheet for a brighter sound.
Decorating Your Drum
Once your drum is assembled and producing a good sound, you can decorate it to make it your own.
Paint: Use acrylic paint to paint the drum shell. You can create patterns, designs, or just a solid color. Let the paint dry completely before using the drum.
Stickers: Apply stickers to the drum shell. You can use music-themed stickers, your favorite band logos, or any stickers that you like.
Ribbons or Buttons: Glue ribbons or buttons around the edge of the drum or on the shell for a more decorative touch.
Making a Drum Set
If you want to make a full drum set, you can repeat the above process using different sized containers for different drums. For example:
Bass Drum: Use a large plastic bucket or a metal trash can for a deep, booming bass drum.
Snare Drum: A smaller metal can or a plastic container with a thinner shell can be used for a snare drum. You can add some small chains or wires on the bottom head to create the characteristic snare sound.
Tom-Toms: Use medium-sized plastic buckets or cans for tom-toms. By having different sizes, you can create a range of pitches.
Conclusion
Making a drum using recycled materials is a fun and rewarding project. It allows you to be creative, save money, and contribute to environmental sustainability. With a little patience and some basic materials, you can create a drum that not only looks great but also sounds amazing. So, go ahead and start collecting those recycled materials and let your inner drummer shine!
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- How to Muffle a Bass Drum: A Complete Guide for Drummers
