Drum Care
This guide is intended for Native American inspired, Rawhide hoop drums.
Think of your drum as being alive! Having a spirit. It is made out of rawhide and wood which which are from nature. I mainly use Elk, buffalo and Deer hides.
Temperature and humidity changes:
Like your skin, drums will become slack or taunt with varying temperature and humidity changes. For example, when it is very wet and cold a drum has the tendency to literally soak up the moisture in the air and lose tension in the head. This makes it go “flat.” In other words, it sometimes becomes so loose that when it is struck with a paddle or hand there is no resonance to the sound. It is dull and lifeless. This is a typical scenario for here in the Pacific Northwest of the United States or any humid climate. In this case the drum then needs to be warmed up and dried out. The best way to achieve this is to get it into a warm dry room and let it acclimate itself once again.
Do not put it too close to any heat source (heaters, hair dryers, stoves, candles, etc.) as it will cause it to dry out too fast and could do damage to the skin. Think of how your own skin reacts to such conditions. If your drum is not completely “dead,” you can warm it up by simply holding it against your heart for a period of time and your body heat will help it to sing, Plus, what a wonderful way to make a heart connection with your sacred friend and helper.
Do's & Don'ts:
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Don’t hang the drum in direct, hot sunlight or over heaters.
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Don’t put the drum face down on the ground. If the ground is wet the drum will soak up the moisture and go flat. If the ground is dry the drum will lose moisture and get very tight and make a higher tone. (see tuning your drum in these cases)
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Be wary of pets especially ones that like to chew as the drum could turn into a chew toy.
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Meditate with the drum.
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Name the Drum or ask it what is its name.
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Play the Drum often.
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Treat the Drum with respect and be mindful of who you allow to play it.
Tuning Your Drum:
If the drum becomes to loose, the quickest and easiest way to tune a drum is with a hair dryer. Hold the dryer 12 inches away from the Drum and keep it moving.
If the Drum becomes to tight pour a little water in your hand and rub it on the face of the drum. If the drum is painted pour a little water in the inside of the drum and swish it around. Pour out the excess.
Cleaning & Moisturizing:
To clean your drum, just wipe it with a damp cloth.
To moisturize, just rub your hands over the face. The oil from your skin will help it to stay beautiful and lustrous.
Spirit Of The Drum:
Think of the drum as having a spirit. Connect with it. Take care of it, and in turn it will take care of you. :)