Things You'll Need:
- Gourd
- Hand saw
- Single ring pipe clamp
- Rawhide large enough to fit over the gourd
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Step 1
Decide whether you want a small or medium sized drum and choose accordingly. The gourd must have a thick skin. You will be applying great pressure and possibly etching the outside of the gourd, so it must be thick enough to withstand the creation.
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Step 2
Take the gourd to the hardware store to buy a single ring pipe clamp that fits over the wide bulbous end of your gourd. You can also find an adjustable metal ring at a craft store.
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Step 3
Prepare your gourd using the boil or wash/soak method. You can boil the gourd in water for twenty minutes and let it dry, or submerse it in hot soapy water while scrubbing with a copper srubber. Whatever you decide, let the wet gourd dry overnight.
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Step 4
Cut the handle off the gourd. The cut should leave enough of the bulbous end to form a deep bowl with an opening that narrows very little. Don't make the bowl too shallow, as this greatly affects the sound created.
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Step 5
Use your thin material of choice to cover the opening of the gourd. If you are using rawhide, soak it well before using. The other materials such as Mylar, goatskin and imitation leather don't need preparation. Allow a generous overhang--you will cut it later.
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Step 6
Place the pipe clamp or metal ring over the material. Using a second set of hands, if necessary, tighten the screw or screws, while stretching the material. Make the screws and tighten as possible.
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Step 7
Cut the overhang as close to the ring as you'd like and decorate your drum. Use any materials that you desire. You can even use woodcarving tools to make decorative etchings on your drum.
