Things You'll Need:
- Drum shell Two drum heads Two hoops Two spurs 20 lugs 20 tension rods 20 claws 40 lug screws 40 lug bolt washers 20 lug gaskets Two spur gaskets Drill Drilling template
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Step 1
Choose a shell. Drum shells are available in metal, acrylic and wood, like maple and mahogany. The thickness of the wood shells is usually 6, 8 or 10 ply. The size of the drum you want will determine the size of the drum shell.
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Step 2
Purchase hoops. These should be the same diameter as your shell. They are also available in wood or metal.
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Step 3
Choose hardware. You will need spurs, lugs, tension rods, claws, screws, washers, lug gaskets and spur gaskets. Have the desired overall look of your bass drum in mind when selecting these items. They are available in a variety of colors and styles.
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Step 4
Mark the holes for 10 lugs. Tape a large sheet of paper to a flat surface, draw a horizontal line across the center and mark the center of this line. Use a protractor to mark out 36, 72, 108 and 144 degrees.
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Step 5
Turn your protractor around and repeat these markings on the other side of the horizontal line. Use a ruler to connect the corresponding markings, drawing the long lines through the center reference point of the horizontal line.
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Step 6
Measure the diameter of the drum shell with a measuring tape. Use a ruler to mark half this measurement above the center of the horizontal line, below the center of the line and on both sides of the center of the line.
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Step 7
Place the drum shell on the paper. Use the radius markings of the drum shell as a guide so that the shell is centered on the paper.
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Step 8
Use the lines on the template to mark the positions for the lugs on the shell. There should be 10 lines. Use masking tape to extend these lines down the length of the shell, perpendicular to the hole. The tape will help you see where the lugs should be without permanently marking the shell of your drum.
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Step 9
Place a hoop on the shell and place a lug on the hoop, over one of the lines on the shell. Mark the holes for the two bolts on the lug. Repeat this step for the remaining lugs.
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Step 10
Drill the holes for the bolts. Use the diameter of the bolts to determine the size of the drill bit you will need to make the holes.
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Step 11
Mark the position for the spurs. Place the drilling template on the shell and use the directions to mark the holes (see Resources below). Drill the holes.
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Step 12
Assemble the drum. Mount the lugs. Place the head on the drum and place the hoop over the head. Insert each tension rod into a claw and then into a lug. Mount the spurs and attach the kick pedal.
