Drums are made with a variety of techniques, from simply gluing a drum head onto a gourd, to complicated wrapped and woven application techniques.
A gourd book by Ginger Summit and Jim Widess
Drum Skins and Metal Rings
Round, lightweight goatskin rawhide drum covers are the best choice for gourd drums and hand drums. Order by diameter - sizes may vary slightly within the stated range. Often it is advantageous to order a larger size than you think you will need. The excess can be used to make jewelry, or make several small drums from one large skin.
Thinner skins may be stapled on. After they are dry, cut off the excess skin and cover the row of staples with decorative leather or braiding and decorative tacks. You may have to use a pair of heavy wire cutters to snip off excess length on the tacks.
Photo shows a drum made using the metal ring as an anchor.
Pewter, Matte
Antique Copper
Antique Brass -
Hammered Head
$8.75 - 100 pieces
Hammered Head - Antique Brass
Hammered Head - Antique Copper
Smooth Head - Pewter Matte Finish
Smooth Head - Old Gold Speckled
Smooth Head - Bright Copper
$4.60 per bag of 50 pieces
Hammered Head - Antique Brass
Hammered Head - Antique Copper
Smooth Head - Pewter Matte Finish
Smooth Head -Old Gold Speckled
Smooth Head - Bright Copper
Decorative tacks for drum making and decorative use.
Offered in bags of 50 pieces (or buy 100 and save!)
Head size is approximately 7/16". Shanks are 1/2" long. All are made from steel, with various platings and finishes.
Old Gold Speckled
Kalimba Kit
Create your own Thumb Piano!
These kits come with all the parts you need except for the gourd, You can make these using many different types of gourds including bottle, canteen and others. (The one pictured below is made with a canteen gourd.) These kits are 8 note diatonic scale kits, which may be retuned to pentatonic if desired. Instructions for assembly and playing basic tunes are provided.
Kalimba Kit: $22
Bright Copper
Thunder Gourd Spring
Synthetic Drum Head
6" x 6" or 8" x 8"
Thunder Gourds can be made with either rawhide or synthetic drum heads. To use a synthetic drum head, apply thick super glue along the bottom edge of the gourd and set on the uncut drum head. Let it dry thoroughly, then gently heat shrink to tighten with a heat gun or hair dryer, working from the center out. Trim the excess membrane with a hobby knife. Insert the spring in the center by pricking a small hole then inserting and gently twisting the spring up a few rows of the coil.
Cut Cowrie Shells
10/ $1.25.
Uncut Cowrie Shells
10/$1.00
Shekere Made with Cut Cowrie Shells and Waxed Cord
If you haven't tried making a Shekere, you should! They're pretty easy to make and can be as simple or elegant in design as you care to make. Cowrie shells or pony beads strung on with simple knots create the netting that claps against the gourd, while the bottom is left open to strike with the heel of your hand. They're lovely percussion instruments that make a variety of sounds. I'll be adding more supplies and tutorials soon!
Black
Brown
Blue
Green
Yellow
Red
White
Waxed Linen Thread .8 mm x 50 Meters $2.49 each
Plastic Pony Beads in Bright, Opaque Colors
6 mm x 9 mm 100 pieces per pack - $2.25/pack
Ivory
Black
Royal Blue
Dark Purple
Red
Orange
Yellow
White
Light Green
Emerald Green
3/8" Rawhide lace $1.99 yd
Note that this is cowhide and much thicker than the goatskin drum heads. It is not ideal for lacing; better used for embellishment.
If you're pre-ordering supplies for The Show Me Gourd Society Art Festival, be sure to call or send me a text at 319 855-9665 or send me an email so I know your order is for pick-up rather than shipping.
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