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DIY Slit Drums

The slit drum, also sometimes referred to as the log or tongue drum, is a percussion instrument from many parts of the world, including North and South America and Africa. This drum does not have an animal skin head as many drums do, but rather it is an idiophone, which means it creates sound by vibrating. Most slit drums are made from bamboo or wood. Often, logs are hollowed out and slits are made on the top, creating tongues of different lengths. These different lengths allow the drum to create different pitches.

Things You'll Need

  • Two 23-inch by 3 5/8-inch wood planks approximately 1/2-inch thick
  • Two 5-inch by 3 5/8-inch wood planks approximately 1/2-inch thick
  • One 23-inch by 5-inch wood plank approximately 1/2-inch thick
  • One 23-inch by 5-inch piece of bamboo or hardwood approximately 1/2-inch thick
  • Ruler
  • Pencil
  • Drill
  • Jigsaw
  • Sandpaper
  • Glue
  • Hammer
  • Nails
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Instructions

    • 1

      Make the top of your slit drum. Using the piece of bamboo or hardwood, mark the lines of where you want to cut the slits. Make an H shape on the top. For this drum, leave about 4 1/8 inches on the left side and 3 1/4 inches on the right side. Leave about 1 3/4 inches on the top and bottom and 1/4 inch between the tongues. Use the ruler to measure for the slits and draw the H shape with a pencil.

    • 2

      Draw two circles where the lines of the H intersect. Drill a hole in each circle.

    • 3

      Use a jigsaw to cut the lines you drew. Use sandpaper to finish the edges.

    • 4

      Make the box for your drum. Attach the two long wood planks to the 23-inch by 5-inch plank, which will be the bottom of the drum. Glue the planks or use a hammer and nails. Allow the glue to dry before moving on to the next step. Attach the sides of the drum to the bottom plank.

    • 5

      Attach the top of the drum to the base. Do not use the nails for the top - only use glue. Allow the glue to dry, and then try out the drum.

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