Chromatic Drums....

- drums -

Howdy! ^_^

Not to worry, homework isn't due yet! Today we'll talk about chromatic drums....

We'll be using PVC for these as well, but let's make them 2" inside diameter ones for this project.

Using the math as before, taking the SSI (Speed of Sound in Inches) and dividing it by the desired note's frequency, we can get an idea of the general length of each tube. Stretch some leather - or rubber from a large, cut up piece of bicycle tire inner tube - or thick, flexible plastic sheeting - over one end of the PVC pipe, holding it in place with one of those pipe/hose fasteners.... those metal rings that tighten or loosen with the turn of a screw.

Now, with a tube of much larger bore diameter than before, we should take that into account.... after all, we don't want it to be too short, or there won't be sufficient space for the vibrations in the air to make any tonal sound.

After doing your math to find the approximate length, double it.

Now, instead of having a roughly 15" length tube for an A, for example, we now have one that is around 30" long.

For a chromatic set, take a piece of 1/2" plywood, about 4"x 36", and make 2&1/2" holes - 12 of them - arranged along it's length.

On the drum tubes, measure down from the tops about 2", and mark all around - on this line, place 3 or 4 small screws - now when you place the tubes into the holes in the plywood, they will sit in this rack you have made while you play them. Be creative with how this should stand.... make legs for the plywood, tie it between two trees, etc.

Again, the 12 notes for the chromatic scale, are;

A, A#, B, C, C#, D, D#, E, F, F#, G & G#.

Now, you don't have to start with A and end with G# - you can start and end anywhere you please. Now you have a set of chromatic drums that you can play beats with, but also in many notes! Percussion with pitch! hehe ^_^

That's it for today - until next time, have a nice night! ^_^

-drums -