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
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.
11" - 12"- $517 - 18"- $10
13" - 14" - $619 - 20" - $12
3" jewelry sized drum skins- $.506" Metal Ring $1.50
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These big drums were made using a large drum skin. Depending on the size of your gourd, rawhide lacing can sometimes be cut from the same skin as the head if the skin is sufficiently thick enough.
Hint: To cut rawhide lacing, use sharp shears. Start at the outer edge of the skin and cut a strip 1/4 - 3/8" away from the edge. Continue cutting in a long spiral around and around the outside edge of the skin until you have a sufficient length of lacing for your project.
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 wirecutters to snip off excess length on the tacks.
Pewter
Antique Copper
Antique Brass -
Hammered Head
$7.50 - 100 pieces
Hammered Head - Antique Brass
Hammered Head - Antique Copper
Smooth Head - Pewter
Smooth Head -Gold Spotted on Antique Brass
Smooth Head - Bright Copper
$4 per bag of 50 pieces
Hammered Head - Antique Brass
Hammered Head - Antique Copper
Smooth Head - Pewter
Smooth Head -Gold Spotted
on Antique Brass
Smooth Head - Bright Copper
Last three styles Out of Stock
both quantities
Decorative tacks for drum making and decorative use.
Offered in bags of 50 pieces (or buy 100 and save!)
Head size is approximately 10mm. Shanks are 1/2" long. All are made from steel, with various platings and finishes.
*Pewter is satin finished dull silver color.
*Gold Spotted has mottled antique gold on a antique brass base
Gold Spotted Antique Brass
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
NEW - Bright Copper
Thunder Drum Kit
Kit includes a 6x6" mylar drum head, a leather thong for hanging the finished drum and one drum spring. You supply the gourd and glue. (Insta-Cure glue works well). Ron Swank has a You Tube video on heat shrinking the membrane. $10
We have 3 kits available. When these are sold we will not be restocking. Get yours now.
Thunder drum springs and Mylar membrane are available from Ron Swank, the inventor of the Thunder Gourd. Visit his website:
