Drum Care
Caring for your Drum
Your drum is a hand made musical instrument made with natural skin which is sensitive to the environment in which she lives. Temperature and humidity will change the tone of your drum.
— When the temperature is hot or humidity is low, the drum skin will be tight and her tone will be high or bright.
— When the temperature is cool or the humidity is high, the drum skin will be looser and her tone will be deep or flat.
When exposed to high humidity the drum skin may absorb so much moisture that it becomes uneven.
NEVER play her like this: warm her skin until it is even again.
To change the tone of your drum:
When her tone is too high or bright:
Pour 2 teaspoons of water onto the skin of your drum (called the drum head) and immediately smooth or rub it over the entire drum head using your hand. Once the water has been absorbed into the skin, the skin will be cooler to touch. Depending on the day, add more water to the drum head - 1 teaspoon at a time until the desired tone is created. Allow 10 minutes between "drinks", for the skin to respond.
When her tone is too dull or flat:
She will need to be warmed gently. This can be achieved in many creative ways:
The warmth of your hands— Hair dryer— Fire— Candles— Sun— Wind
Only a small amount of heat is required: be patient. Check your drum often, and smooth the heat over your drum with your hand. Gently does it is the safe approach. Do not leave your drum unattended near fire.
As you spend time with your drum, you will grow to understand your drum and her seasons.
Traveling and Storage of your drum
— Keep safe around campfires-from flame, feet, and fog.
— Protect from rain and damp.
— Avoid extremes of temperature.
— Don't leave your drum in a hot car.
— When your drum travels with you, put her in a bag.
— Best stored out of direct light, in a cool part of your
home, protected in a bag: old sleeping bags are great!
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