Simple DIY Drum Ideas: From Den-Den Drums to Taiko Drums!
Many of you have probably seen taiko drum performances on stage at summer festivals and events.
Even without a melody, that overwhelming power and the booming sound that resonates through your body make it impossible to look away before you realize it.
This article introduces handmade drum ideas like those.
We’ve gathered a variety of ideas, from taiko drums that could actually be used for performances to children’s toys like den-den daiko (pellet drums) and balloon drums.
We hope this will be helpful for anyone thinking, “I want to make a drum by hand!”
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[Easy] Handmade Drum Ideas: From Den-Den Daiko to Taiko! (1–10)
Japanese Taiko Drums Made with Buckets
This is a drum you can make using a bucket and OPP tape.
First, prepare a bucket and apply OPP tape in a radial pattern.
The key is to lay the tape so there are no gaps.
If you want a stronger, louder sound, layer the tape several times to increase durability.
For the drumsticks, wrap vinyl tape around the tip of a pair of disposable chopsticks.
Wrap it multiple times to add thickness.
If you decorate the OPP-taped surface with colorful vinyl tape, it will look cute and appealing.
Drum made from PVC pipes and a blue tarp
Let’s make a drum using PVC pipes (like those used for water supply) and a blue tarp.
It’s easy: just stretch the tarp over the PVC pipe, fit a hoop over it, and secure it.
One layer of tarp works, but using two layers will produce a sound closer to a real drum.
You can also change the pitch by altering the length of the PVC pipe, so give it a try.
It would be fun to make several with different lengths and play them together.
You can buy PVC pipes and blue tarps at home improvement stores.
Milk Can Remake Drum
Milk cans are quite sturdy, so many of you might be wondering if they can be repurposed for something.
A great idea for times like that is to remake a milk can into a drum! First, apply a decorative adhesive sheet of your choice to the side of the can.
Next, cut leather fabric into a circle—make two identical pieces.
Punch holes around the edge of each circle, insert eyelets, and attach them to the top and bottom of the can.
Thread a cord through the holes and tighten, and you’re done! It’s perfect as a baby’s toy, so give it a try if you like.
A drum made with newspaper and a desk mat
This idea takes a bit of effort, but since the body is made from newspaper, you’ll end up with a light, easy-to-carry drum.
First, prepare a trash can or flower pot similar in size to the drum you want, and start attaching cut pieces of newspaper.
For the first layer, use newspaper soaked in water; from the second layer onward, soak the paper in glue thinned with water before applying.
Once it dries, remove it from the mold, pour glue into the gaps in the newspaper, press down, and compress.
After the glue dries, attach a desk mat as the drumhead and secure it with screws to finish.
A desk mat doesn’t resonate much, so it’s perfect for practice.
If you want more resonance, try using a blue tarp or plastic shoji paper instead.
Okinawan Eisa drum! Paranku
Let’s make a paranku (Okinawan hand drum) out of cardboard! First, cut six circular pieces from the cardboard.
Hollow out the inside of five of them to make donut shapes.
Glue those five together in a stack, then attach the last solid circle on top.
Wrap the side with vinyl tape, and you’re done.
For the beater, use a cardboard tube from plastic wrap and wrap it with vinyl tape.
It’s also a good idea to decorate the paranku with construction paper or origami rather than leaving it as plain cardboard.
If you turn it into a character’s face, kids might love it!