How to Make a Tunable PVC Pipe Drum

Simple PVC pipe can be used to make musical instruments.

Tunable PVC pipe drums were popularized by the Blue Man Group. PVC pipe drums can range from single pipes to a complex system of interlocking pipes. A PVC pipe drum project offers many possibilities for a creative individual with an interest in music. A basic tunable pipe drum can be made from a few sections of PVC. Start off with a small project and work into bigger projects. You will soon be familiar with what to put together to produce a certain sound. Whether you are looking to add some new sounds to your percussion repertoire or just enjoy experimenting with new projects, a tunable PVC pipe drum will offer new possibilities.

Things You'll Need

• 28 3/4-inch PVC pipe section, 6-inch diameter
• Table saw
• Two 90-degree elbows, 4-inch diameter
• Rivet gun
• Rivets, 1 box
• 28 1/2-inch PVC pipe section, 4-inch diameter
• PVC pipe glue
• Two 1 1/2-inch PVC pipe sections, 4-inch diameter
• Two flanges, 4-inch diameter
• 2-by-4-inch cardboard piece
• Duct tape
• Drum sticks

Instructions

1. Use a table saw to cut down the length of the 6-inch diameter, 28 3/4-inch PVC pipe section to cut a slit. This slit will enable you to fold flaps on either side of the slit over each other to make the pipe smaller.

2. Fold the flaps on either side of the slit over each other to adjust the diameter of the pipe so it fits over the end of the 90-degree elbows. Rivet each end of the flaps together. Rivet down the entire length of the pipe. Space the rivets evenly every six inches.

3. Place the 28 1/2-inch PVC pipe section on a work surface. Apply PVC pipe glue to one end with the included applicator. Follow the glue application instructions carefully. Insert a 90-degree elbow on this end.

4. Apply glue to both ends of a 1 1/2-inch section of PVC pipe. Place one end into the end of the elbow. Place a flange over the other end of the 1 1/2-inch section of pipe.

5. Apply glue to both ends of another 1 1/2-inch section of PVC pipe. Insert one end into the flange. Place a 90-degree elbow over the other end of the 1 1/2-inch section of pipe. This will create a "J" shape out of the pipe. Allow the glue to dry according to the instructions on the glue container.

6. Align the 2-by-4-inch piece of cardboard on one end of the riveted section of pipe. Wrap duct tape around the pipe to secure the cardboard in place and protect it from damage. This is the striking surface of the tunable pipe drum.

7. Slide the end of the riveted pipe opposite the striking surface over the J-shaped assembly. Slide the riveted pipe up or down to tune the drum to make different sounds. Play on the striking surface with drum sticks. Have someone hold the drum to change the tune while you are playing.

Tips & Warnings

• Paint the pipes for a more professional-looking drum, especially if you are going to be using them for performances.

• Wear safety glasses when operating power tools.

• Follow glue safety warnings carefully.

References

• BMG Construction 101: Drum Bone
• PVC Projects: Drum Bone Reeds

Resources

• Nate True: Building a PVC Instrument