How to Make a Mesh Drumhead
Mesh drumheads allow you to practice without making any noise. Many musicians also like the feel of mesh drumheads because they're bouncy and relatively soft. Instead of purchasing mesh drumheads, you can make your own out of window screening. You can purchase window screening from a home-improvement store, or you can use old window screening that has been vacuumed and washed. Either way, with a little work you'll have a do-it-yourself mesh drumhead for quiet practicing.
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Instructions
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1
Remove the rim from the drum. Slide your fingers under the rim and pop it off. If it's on too tightly, slide a utility knife under the rim and twist the knife to pop off the rim.
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2
Lay the rim on top of two layers of window screening. Using the rim as a pattern, cut the window screening about 2 inches larger than the rim.
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3
Place the drum hoop on a level, sturdy work surface. Put the two layers of window screening on top of the drum hoop and center it so it overhangs the drum hoop evenly all the way around. Push the drum rim into the drum hoop. The drum rim is slightly smaller than the hoop, but it will be a tight fit, especially with the double layer of window screening. Push the drum rim down until it's tightly wedged in the hoop all the way around.
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4
Cut four, 12-inch pieces of jute thread. Insert the thread through the window screening mesh, close to the rim. Tie a knot tightly on the outside of the rim. Ensure the four threads are evenly spaced around the rim as these threads hold everything in place while you sew.
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Thread your needle and tie a double knot in the end of the thread. Sew the window screening onto the rim. Pull the excess screening around to the back side of the rim and stitch the loose edges of the screening into place. Weave your needle in and out of the screening on the inner side of the circle, making stitches about every 1/4 inch. When you get back to your starting place, make a knot on the back side and trim your thread.
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6
Put the newly made mesh head on the drum. Lay two more layers of window screening on before you tighten down the lugs. With these two additional layers of screening, the top layers can wear down without your having to re-stitch a new room. When you notice the top two layers wearing thin, replace them. Trim the top two layers after you tighten down the lugs so you can't see any raw mesh edges around the edges of the drum, if desired.
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Tips & Warnings
Jute thread comes in several colors. Choose a color that most closely matches the color of the window screening.
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Pixland/Getty Images
