Making a drum using recycled materials is not only a creative and fun project but also an eco-friendly way to express your musical side. By repurposing items that would otherwise end up in a landfill, you can create a unique percussion instrument that produces real sound. In this guide, we’ll explore various recycled materials that can be used to make different types of drums and walk you through the step-by-step process of construction.
Materials You’ll Need
For the Drum Shell
Plastic Containers: Plastic buckets, large plastic cans, or even emptied plastic oil drums can be used as the base for your drum shell. Look for containers that are cylindrical in shape and have a sturdy structure. The size of the container will determine the size and pitch of your drum. Larger containers will produce lower-pitched sounds, while smaller ones will create higher-pitched tones.
Cardboard Tubes: Cardboard tubes, such as those from paper towels, wrapping paper, or carpet rolls, can be used to make smaller drums or to add additional layers to a larger drum shell. They are lightweight and easy to work with. You can stack multiple cardboard tubes together and secure them to create a more substantial shell.
Metal Cans: Metal cans, like coffee cans or soup cans, are another great option. They have a natural resonance that can produce interesting sounds. Just make sure to remove any labels and clean the cans thoroughly before using them. If the cans have sharp edges, you may need to sand them down or cover them with tape to avoid injury.
For the Drumhead
Plastic Bags or Sheeting: Thick plastic bags, such as those used for grocery shopping or large garbage bags, can be stretched over the opening of the drum shell to create a drumhead. Clear plastic sheeting, like the kind used for covering furniture during painting, also works well. The plastic should be strong enough to withstand being struck but flexible enough to vibrate and produce sound.
Animal Hide (Optional): If you have access to a clean and suitable animal hide, such as a piece of deerskin or goatskin, it can be used to make a more traditional-sounding drumhead. However, working with animal hide requires more skill and preparation, including soaking, stretching, and curing the hide. It’s also important to ensure that the use of animal hide is legal and ethical in your area.
Old T-Shirts or Fabric: Thin, stretchy fabric like an old T-shirt can be used as a substitute for plastic or animal hide. While it may not produce as loud or clear a sound as some other materials, it can still create a soft, mellow tone. Cotton or cotton-blend fabrics work best.
For Securing the Drumhead
Rubber Bands: Rubber bands are a simple and effective way to secure the drumhead to the drum shell. You can use multiple rubber bands around the circumference of the shell to hold the plastic or fabric in place. Make sure the rubber bands are strong enough and not too stretched out, as they need to keep the drumhead taut.
String or Twine: String or twine can also be used. Wrap the string around the drum shell and the drumhead, tying it tightly in several places to secure the head. This method gives you more control over the tension of the drumhead.
Nails or Screws (for Metal or Wooden Shells): If you’re using a metal or wooden drum shell, you can use nails or small screws to attach the drumhead. However, be careful not to damage the shell or the drumhead in the process. This method is more suitable for more experienced DIYers.
Other Accessories
Paint or Decorative Materials: To make your drum look more appealing, you can paint the drum shell or decorate it with markers, stickers, or other craft materials. This step is optional but can add a personal touch to your creation.
Drumsticks or Mallets: You’ll need something to hit the drum with. You can use traditional drumsticks, or you can make your own using wooden dowels, pencils, or even rolled-up newspaper. For a softer sound, you can use mallets made from foam or fabric-wrapped balls.
Types of Drums You Can Make
Hand Drum
Materials Needed: A plastic or metal can, a plastic bag or piece of fabric for the drumhead, rubber bands or string, and something to decorate the drum (optional).
Construction Steps:
Clean the can thoroughly and remove any labels. If the edges are sharp, sand them down or cover them with tape.
Cut a piece of plastic bag or fabric that is large enough to cover the opening of the can with some excess around the edges.
Stretch the plastic or fabric over the opening of the can. Make sure it is smooth and free of wrinkles.
Secure the drumhead to the can using rubber bands or string. Start at one point and work your way around the can, tightening the rubber bands or string as you go to keep the drumhead taut.
If you want to decorate the drum, now is the time to do it. You can paint the can, add stickers, or draw on it with markers.
Test the sound of your hand drum by tapping on the drumhead with your fingers or a small stick. You can adjust the tension of the drumhead by tightening or loosening the rubber bands or string to change the pitch.
Bass Drum
Materials Needed: A large plastic bucket, a large piece of plastic sheeting or thick fabric for the drumhead, a lot of rubber bands or strong string, and a bass drum pedal (optional).
Construction Steps:
Select a large plastic bucket. Make sure it is clean and in good condition.
Cut a piece of plastic sheeting or fabric that is much larger than the opening of the bucket. You’ll need enough material to cover the opening and have plenty of excess to wrap around the sides of the bucket.
Stretch the plastic or fabric over the opening of the bucket. Try to get it as smooth as possible.
Use rubber bands or string to secure the drumhead to the bucket. Start at the top of the bucket and work your way down, wrapping the rubber bands or string around the bucket and the drumhead multiple times to ensure a tight fit.
If you want to be able to play the bass drum with a pedal, you can attach a bass drum pedal to the side of the bucket. This may require some additional DIY skills, such as drilling holes and attaching brackets.
Decorate the bucket if you like. You can use spray paint to give it a more professional look or add some creative designs.
Test the sound of your bass drum by hitting the drumhead with your hand or a large mallet. Adjust the tension of the drumhead to get the desired deep, booming sound.
Tom-Tom Drum
Materials Needed: A cardboard tube (preferably a thick and sturdy one), a plastic bag or fabric for the drumhead, rubber bands or string, and some wooden dowels or cardboard to reinforce the shell (optional).
Construction Steps:
If the cardboard tube is not very sturdy, you can reinforce it by wrapping some wooden dowels around the outside of the tube and securing them with tape or glue. You can also use strips of cardboard to add strength.
Cut a piece of plastic bag or fabric to cover one end of the cardboard tube. The piece should be large enough to cover the end with some extra to wrap around the sides.
Stretch the plastic or fabric over the end of the tube and secure it with rubber bands or string. Make sure the drumhead is tight.
If you want to make a double-headed tom-tom, repeat the process for the other end of the tube.
You can decorate the cardboard tube with paint, markers, or stickers to make it look more interesting.
Test the sound of your tom-tom by hitting the drumhead with a drumstick. Adjust the tension of the drumhead to change the pitch.
Tuning Your Recycled Drum
Adjusting the Tension of the Drumhead
The tension of the drumhead is the key to tuning your drum. If the drumhead is too loose, the sound will be low-pitched and muffled. If it’s too tight, the sound will be high-pitched and sharp. To adjust the tension, you can tighten or loosen the rubber bands, string, or other fasteners that are holding the drumhead in place.
For rubber-band-secured drumheads, you can add or remove rubber bands to change the tension. Adding more rubber bands will increase the tension, while removing them will decrease it. You can also try using different-sized rubber bands to fine-tune the tension.
If you used string to secure the drumhead, you can tighten or loosen the knots. Pulling the string tighter will increase the tension of the drumhead, and loosening the knots will decrease it.
Changing the Sound with Damping
Damping is another way to change the sound of your drum. You can add materials to the drumhead or inside the drum shell to dampen the vibrations and change the tone.
For example, you can place a small piece of fabric or a wad of paper on the drumhead. This will reduce the overtones and make the sound more focused. You can also try adding some rice, beans, or small pebbles inside the drum shell. This will create a rattling sound when the drum is played, adding a unique texture to the sound.
Decorating Your Drum
Painting the Drum Shell
Painting the drum shell is a great way to make your drum look more attractive. You can use spray paint, acrylic paint, or even tempera paint if you’re working with a cardboard shell.
Before painting, make sure the drum shell is clean and dry. If you’re using a plastic or metal shell, you may need to sand it slightly to help the paint adhere better.
You can choose a single color for a simple look or get creative and paint designs, patterns, or even your name on the drum. Let the paint dry completely before using the drum.
Adding Stickers or Decals
Stickers and decals are an easy way to decorate your drum. You can find a variety of musical-themed stickers, or you can use regular stickers that you like. Just peel off the backing and stick them onto the drum shell.
If you want to make your own decals, you can print out designs on sticker paper using a printer. Then, cut out the designs and stick them onto the drum.
Using Markers or Crayons
Markers and crayons can be used to draw directly on the drum shell, especially if it’s made of cardboard. You can draw simple shapes, lines, or create more elaborate illustrations. This is a great option if you don’t want to use paint or stickers.
Conclusion
Making a drum using recycled materials is a wonderful way to combine creativity, music, and environmental awareness. With a little imagination and some basic materials that you can find around your house or in the recycling bin, you can create a unique percussion instrument that produces real, musical sounds. Whether you’re making a hand drum for a fun DIY project, a bass drum for a school band, or a tom-tom for your own personal jam sessions, the process of constructing and customizing your drum can be a rewarding experience.
