DIY Tongue Drum
The beautiful, varied tones of the tongue drum are a distinctive addition to any occasion. Interestingly, these drums can be made at home with a minimum of woodworking skill and an inexpensive list of materials. In addition, it makes a fun and interesting project and a wonderful gift as well.
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Gathering Materials
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Tongue drums vary greatly in size and design, with each variation creating an entirely new spectrum of sounds. Search online or at local woodworking and hobby stores for a set of plans for the design that meets your needs. These plans will provide the specific measurements and acoustic qualities that will allow you to perfect the drum's tone. Generally, you will need 3/4-inch pine for the sides and bottom of the drum and 3/4-inch redwood or other coniferous wood for the top (as it provides a richer and brighter tone than hardwood.) As for tools, a sharp skill, scroll, jig or coping saw, wood glue and standard sanding tools should be all you need.
Measuring and Cutting the Tongues
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The precise measurement and placement of the tongues in the drum's top section is vital to "tune" the drum properly. Rely heavily on your plans for these details and pay close attention to finishing and sanding the tongues in such a way that you do not change its size or ability to resonate, as this can cause a noticeable change in tone. Your plans will also describe placement of a dowel or other support under the tongue. The placement of this support at the tongue's "sweet spot," or the point at which its tone is the clearest, will improve the drum's sound as well as its durability.
The Interior
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Some tongue drum plans include wooden channels glued to the interior of the sound box to aid in acoustics. These small sections of wood will need to be cut and glued in place to precise measurements as outlined in the plans to accomplish their purpose. The simpler and smaller drum plans will leave the interior empty.
Putting It All Together
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The sides, bottom and completed top sections of the drum should be joined via dovetail glue joints. It is critical that these joints be tight and perfectly flush, as the interior of the drum serves as a sound box, amplifying the tones produced by the tongues much the same way an acoustic guitar's sound is amplified by the space left open underneath the strings. If the box is poorly jointed, the sound will be muffled and distorted. Upon completion, finish the drum to your liking, being careful not to apply any thick or hardening coating to the tongues themselves. A light stain or veneer can make the finish beautiful and resilient for years of use.
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