Before we start making drums and bass drums, it’s essential to understand what they are and how they work. Drums are percussion instruments that produce sound by striking a membrane, called a drumhead, which is stretched over a shell. Bass drums, also known as kick drums, are the largest drums in a drum set and produce a deep, low – pitched sound. They play a crucial role in setting the rhythm and foundation of a song.
Anatomy of a Drum and Bass Drum
Shell: The shell is the body of the drum. It can be made from various materials such as wood (like maple, birch, or mahogany), metal (such as steel or brass), or synthetic materials. The shape and material of the shell greatly influence the sound of the drum. For example, wooden shells tend to produce a warmer, more organic sound, while metal shells offer a brighter, more cutting sound.
Drumhead: There are two drumheads on a drum – the top (batter) head and the bottom (resonant) head. The batter head is the one that is struck, and it usually has a thicker and more durable material. The resonant head helps to amplify the sound and adds to the overall tone. Different types of drumheads, like single – ply, double – ply, or coated heads, can also change the sound characteristics.
Hoops: Hoops are the circular metal or wooden rings that hold the drumhead in place. They come in different widths and thicknesses. Narrower hoops can give a more focused sound, while wider hoops can add more resonance.
Tuning Lugs: These are the small metal screws around the edge of the drum. By tightening or loosening the tuning lugs, you can adjust the tension of the drumhead, which in turn affects the pitch and tone of the drum.
Gathering the Materials and Tools
Materials
Shell Material: As mentioned earlier, you can choose wood, metal, or synthetic materials for the shell. If you’re making a wooden shell, you’ll need to get pre – cut wooden staves or sheets. For a metal shell, you may need to source metal sheets and have them rolled into a cylindrical shape. Synthetic shells can be made from materials like fiberglass or acrylic.
Drumheads: Purchase high – quality drumheads suitable for the type of drum you’re making. Make sure to get both batter and resonant heads.
Hoops: Select hoops that match the size and style of your drum. Metal hoops are commonly used, but wooden hoops can also be a great option for a more traditional look and sound.
Tuning Lugs and Screws: You’ll need enough tuning lugs and screws to evenly space around the drum. The number of lugs depends on the size of the drum.
Glue: If you’re making a wooden shell, you’ll need strong wood glue to join the staves or sheets together. For other materials, choose an appropriate adhesive.
Padding and Felt: For bass drums, you may want to add padding or felt inside the shell to control unwanted overtones and add warmth to the sound.
Tools
Cutting Tools: Depending on the material, you may need a saw (for wood), metal shears (for metal), or a sharp utility knife (for synthetic materials).
Sanding Tools: Sandpaper or a sanding block is necessary to smooth the edges of the shell and any rough surfaces.
Drill and Bits: You’ll use a drill to make holes for the tuning lugs and other hardware.
Measuring Tools: A tape measure, ruler, and compass are essential for accurate measurements during the construction process.
Wrenches and Screwdrivers: These are used to tighten and adjust the tuning lugs and other hardware.
Step – by – Step Guide to Making a Drum
Making the Shell
For a Wooden Shell:
If you’re using pre – cut wooden staves, lay them out on a flat surface. Apply a generous amount of wood glue along the edges where the staves will meet.
Carefully form the staves into a circular shape, making sure the edges are aligned properly. Use clamps to hold the staves in place while the glue dries. This may take several hours or even overnight, depending on the type of glue used.
Once the glue is dry, sand the outside and inside of the shell to smooth the surface and remove any excess glue. You can start with a coarse – grit sandpaper and gradually move to a finer – grit for a smoother finish.
If you’re using wooden sheets instead of staves, measure and cut the sheet to the appropriate size and shape. Roll the sheet into a cylinder and glue the edges together. Again, use clamps to hold it in place until the glue dries, and then sand the shell.
For a Metal Shell:
Measure and cut the metal sheet to the correct size and shape using metal shears.
Roll the metal sheet into a cylindrical shape. You may need to use a metal roller or a similar tool to ensure a smooth and even roll.
Weld the edges of the metal cylinder together. If you don’t have welding equipment, you can use metal – specific adhesives or ask a professional to weld it for you.
Sand the inside and outside of the metal shell to remove any sharp edges or rough spots.
For a Synthetic Shell:
Measure and cut the synthetic material, such as fiberglass or acrylic, to the required size and shape using a utility knife or a specialized cutting tool for that material.
Form the synthetic material into a cylinder and use the appropriate adhesive to join the edges. Clamp the material in place until the adhesive dries.
Sand the shell to smooth the surface and make it ready for the next steps.
Attaching the Hoops
Place the Hoops: Position the hoops around the top and bottom edges of the shell. Make sure they are centered and evenly spaced.
Mark the Hole Positions: Using a pencil or marker, mark the positions where the tuning lugs will be attached. The holes should be evenly spaced around the hoop and the shell.
Drill the Holes: Use a drill and the appropriate – sized bit to drill holes through the hoops and the shell at the marked positions. Be careful not to drill too deep or too wide, as this can affect the integrity of the drum.
Installing the Tuning Lugs
Insert the Tuning Lugs: Put the tuning lugs through the holes in the hoops and the shell from the inside of the drum.
Secure with Screws: On the outside of the drum, thread the screws into the tuning lugs and tighten them using a screwdriver or a wrench. Make sure the tuning lugs are firmly attached and can turn smoothly.
Mounting the Drumheads
Place the Resonant Head: Start with the resonant head (the bottom head). Lay it on a flat surface and place the drum shell on top of it, aligning the holes in the head with the tuning lugs.
Attach the Hoops: Put the bottom hoop over the resonant head and shell, and start threading the tuning lugs through the holes in the hoop and the head. Tighten the tuning lugs slightly to hold the head in place, but don’t fully tighten them yet.
Repeat for the Batter Head: Do the same process for the batter head (the top head). Place it on the top of the shell, put the top hoop over it, and attach the tuning lugs.
Tune the Drumheads: Use a drum key to gradually tighten the tuning lugs around the drum. Start by tightening each lug a little bit at a time, moving around the drum in a circular pattern. This will ensure that the drumhead is evenly tensioned. As you tighten the lugs, listen to the pitch of the drum. Keep adjusting the tension until you get the desired sound. You can also use a drum tuner app on your phone to help you achieve a more precise pitch.
Making a Bass Drum
The process of making a bass drum is similar to making a regular drum, but there are some additional considerations.
Shell Design
Bass drums are usually larger and deeper than other drums in a set. When making the shell, make sure to choose a size that suits your needs. A common size for a bass drum is 22 inches in diameter and 18 – 24 inches in depth. You may also want to consider adding a port hole to the bass drum shell. The port hole helps to project the sound better and can give the bass drum a more focused tone. To make a port hole, measure and mark the position on the shell, and then use a hole saw or a similar tool to cut the hole.
Padding and Felt
As mentioned earlier, adding padding or felt inside the bass drum can significantly improve the sound. You can use acoustic foam or felt strips. Cut the padding or felt to fit the inside of the shell and attach it using glue or adhesive tape. This will help to reduce unwanted overtones and give the bass drum a warmer, more punchy sound.
Pedal Attachment
Bass drums are played using a foot pedal. To attach the pedal, you’ll need to install a bass drum spurs (the legs that hold the bass drum in place) and a pedal mount. The pedal mount is usually a metal plate that is attached to the front of the bass drum shell. Drill holes in the shell and the pedal mount, and then use screws to attach the mount securely. Make sure the pedal mount is at the right height and angle for comfortable playing.
Tuning and Adjusting Your Drums
Tuning the Drums
Tuning your drums is an important part of getting the best sound. As mentioned before, use a drum key to adjust the tension of the tuning lugs. Here are some general tips for tuning:
Start with a Low Pitch: When you first start tuning, begin by loosening the tuning lugs to get a low – pitched sound. This will make it easier to adjust the tension evenly.
Listen and Compare: As you tighten the lugs, listen to the sound of the drum. Compare the pitch of different areas of the drumhead. If one area sounds higher or lower than the others, adjust the corresponding lugs to even out the pitch.
Experiment with Different Tensions: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different tensions to achieve the sound you want. Higher tensions will produce a higher – pitched, brighter sound, while lower tensions will give a lower – pitched, warmer sound.
Adjusting the Hoops and Lugs
Check for Loose Hoops: Over time, the hoops may become loose. Regularly check the hoops to make sure they are tightly attached to the shell. If a hoop is loose, tighten the tuning lugs around that area.
Inspect the Tuning Lugs: Make sure the tuning lugs are in good condition and can turn smoothly. If a tuning lug is stuck or damaged, replace it as soon as possible.
Tips for Beginners
Start Small: If you’re new to making drums, it’s a good idea to start with a smaller drum, like a snare drum, before moving on to larger drums like bass drums. This will help you get familiar with the process and build your skills.
Take Your Time: Making drums is a time – consuming process. Don’t rush through the steps, as this can lead to mistakes. Take the time to measure accurately, cut precisely, and assemble everything carefully.
Learn from Others: There are many online resources, forums, and communities where you can learn from experienced drum makers. Watch tutorial videos, read articles, and ask questions to gain more knowledge and tips.
Conclusion
Making drums and bass drums can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience. By understanding the basics of drum anatomy, gathering the right materials and tools, and following the step – by – step guide, you can create your own unique percussion instruments. Remember, the key to making great – sounding drums is in the details, from the choice of materials to the tuning and adjustment process. With practice and patience, you’ll be able to produce drums that not only look great but also sound amazing. Whether you’re a musician looking to customize your own drums or a hobbyist interested in the art of drum making, this guide should give you a solid foundation to start your drum – making journey.
