The bongo drum, with its distinctive high-pitched sound, is a cornerstone of Latin percussion, adding vibrant energy to genres like salsa, son cubano, and Latin jazz. For musicians and craft enthusiasts alike, the prospect of building a bongo drum from scratch is a rewarding journey that deepens appreciation for the instrument and unlocks a unique sonic palette. This comprehensive guide breaks down the process, from selecting materials to final tuning, empowering you to create your own bespoke bongo.
Understanding the Bongo Drum
The bongo drum consists of two single-headed drums of different sizes, traditionally called the macho (smaller, male) and the hembra (larger, female). These drums are connected, allowing the player to produce varied tones by striking the heads with their fingers and palms. The body, or shell, is typically made from wood, while the heads are usually crafted from animal hide. The distinct sound of the bongo comes from the tight tension of the drumheads, which is achieved through a system of tension rods and lugs.
Essential Components and Their Roles
Each part of the bongo drum plays a crucial role in its sound and overall construction. Understanding these components is vital before embarking on the building process. The shells provide the resonating body of the instrument, and their size and shape directly influence the pitch and tone. The drumheads, usually made of rawhide or synthetic materials, are the vibrating surfaces that produce the sound. The tension rods, connected to lugs, apply pressure to the hoops holding the drumheads, allowing for precise tuning. Lastly, the connecting block joins the two drums together, creating a single, playable instrument.
Choosing the Right Materials
Selecting the right materials is paramount to building a bongo drum with excellent sound and durability. The choice of wood for the shells will affect the drum’s tone, while the drumheads will determine its responsiveness and projection.
Wood Selection
Hardwoods like maple, oak, and ash are excellent choices for bongo shells. They offer superior resonance and durability. Softwoods like poplar can also be used but might not provide the same sonic qualities. The thickness of the wood is also important; generally, a thickness of ½ to ¾ inches is ideal.
Drumhead Options
Traditionally, bongo drums use rawhide drumheads, typically made from calfskin or goatskin. These natural materials produce a warm, rich tone. Synthetic drumheads are also available, offering increased durability and weather resistance. The thickness of the drumhead will affect its pitch and responsiveness. Thinner heads are more sensitive and produce higher pitches, while thicker heads are more robust and produce lower pitches.
Step-by-Step Bongo Building Guide
Building a bongo drum requires careful planning, precise measurements, and attention to detail. This section provides a detailed, step-by-step guide to help you through the process.
Shell Construction
The shells are the foundation of the bongo drum. There are several ways to create them.
Stave Construction
Stave construction involves cutting multiple pieces of wood, called staves, with angled edges that, when joined, form a cylindrical shape.
- Prepare the Staves: Calculate the number of staves needed based on the desired diameter of the shells. Cut the staves to the correct length and angle the edges using a jointer or table saw.
- Assemble the Shells: Glue the staves together, using clamps to hold them in place until the glue dries completely. Ensure the seams are tight and even.
- Shape and Smooth: Once the glue is dry, use a router or sander to smooth the exterior and interior surfaces of the shells. Aim for a consistent thickness and a smooth, rounded edge at the top and bottom.
Steam Bending
Steam bending involves softening the wood with steam, allowing it to be bent into a desired shape.
- Prepare the Wood: Cut a single piece of wood to the correct width and length for the shell.
- Steam the Wood: Place the wood in a steam box for several hours to soften the fibers.
- Bend the Wood: Carefully bend the steamed wood around a cylindrical form or jig, using clamps to hold it in place until it dries.
- Secure the Seam: Once the wood is dry, glue the seam together, using clamps to hold it securely.
Creating the Drumhead Frame
The drumhead frame provides a secure attachment point for the drumhead.
Hoop Construction
- Laminate Strips: Create hoops by laminating thin strips of wood together to form a circle. This provides strength and flexibility. Glue the strips together using a flexible glue, and clamp them around a circular form until dry.
- Sizing and Shaping: Ensure the hoops are slightly larger than the diameter of the shells to allow for the drumhead to be tucked over them. Sand the hoops smooth and round the edges.
Assembling the Drumhead
Attaching the drumhead is a critical step that requires patience and precision.
Preparing the Drumhead
- Soaking the Rawhide: If using rawhide, soak it in water for several hours until it becomes pliable. This will allow it to stretch evenly over the hoop. Synthetic heads do not require soaking.
- Centering the Head: Center the drumhead over the hoop, ensuring there is enough excess material to tuck around the hoop.
Tucking the Head
- Tucking Technique: Use a specialized tucking tool or pliers to carefully fold the edges of the drumhead around the hoop. Work in small sections, pulling the head taut as you go. Ensure the head is evenly tensioned around the hoop to avoid wrinkles and uneven sound.
- Securing the Tuck: Use glue or tacks to secure the tucked head in place. Allow the glue to dry completely before proceeding.
Installing Tensioning Hardware
The tensioning hardware allows you to adjust the pitch of the drum.
Drilling and Mounting
- Marking the Holes: Evenly space the lugs around the circumference of the shells. Mark the locations for the mounting holes.
- Drilling the Holes: Drill pilot holes for the lugs. Ensure the holes are correctly aligned and sized for the screws or bolts.
- Attaching the Lugs: Secure the lugs to the shells using screws or bolts. Ensure they are tightly fastened.
Installing Tension Rods
- Thread the Rods: Thread the tension rods through the lugs, ensuring they move smoothly.
Connecting the Drums
The connecting block joins the macho and hembra, creating a single bongo drum.
Creating the Block
- Shape and Size: Cut a block of wood to the desired size and shape. The block should be wide enough to comfortably join the two drums.
- Attaching the Block: Secure the block to the shells using screws or bolts. Ensure the block is centered and aligned properly.
Finishing and Tuning
The final steps involve finishing the drums and tuning them to achieve the desired sound.
Sanding and Finishing
- Sanding: Sand the shells smooth, using progressively finer grits of sandpaper.
- Finishing: Apply a finish to the shells, such as lacquer, varnish, or oil. This will protect the wood and enhance its appearance.
Tuning the Bongos
- Tightening the Heads: Gradually tighten the tension rods, alternating between opposite rods to ensure even tension.
- Listening for the Pitch: Listen to the pitch of each drum as you tighten the rods. The macho should be tuned to a higher pitch than the hembra.
- Adjusting for Tone: Fine-tune the tension to achieve the desired tone and resonance. Experiment with different tensions to find the sweet spot for each drum.
- The smaller drum (macho) should typically be tuned to a higher pitch, around a C or D.
- The larger drum (hembra) should be tuned to a lower pitch, around a G or A.
Tips for Success
Building a bongo drum is a challenging but rewarding project. Here are some tips to help you succeed:
- Take Your Time: Don’t rush the process. Each step requires careful attention and precision.
- Use Quality Materials: Invest in high-quality materials to ensure your drums sound great and last for years.
- Follow the Instructions Carefully: Read and understand each step before you begin.
- Be Patient: Tuning the drums can take time and experimentation. Don’t get discouraged if it takes a while to achieve the desired sound.
- Seek Assistance: If you’re unsure about any part of the process, don’t hesitate to seek help from experienced woodworkers or percussionists.
Enhancing Your Bongo Drums
Beyond the basic construction, there are several ways to customize and enhance your bongo drums.
Custom Finishes
Experiment with different finishes to create a unique look for your drums. Consider using stains, paints, or decorative inlays.
Hardware Upgrades
Upgrade the hardware with higher-quality lugs and tension rods for improved tuning stability and durability.
Drumhead Variations
Explore different types of drumheads, such as synthetic heads with different textures or rawhide heads with unique characteristics.
Adding Resonance Control
Consider adding internal dampening systems or external muffling rings to control the resonance and sustain of the drums.
Personalized Designs
Incorporate personalized designs, such as carvings, engravings, or artwork, to make your bongo drums truly unique.
Building a bongo drum is a significant undertaking, but with careful planning and execution, you can create a beautiful and functional instrument that will bring you years of musical enjoyment. Embrace the process, experiment with different materials and techniques, and let your creativity guide you. The result will be a unique instrument that reflects your personal style and musical vision. Enjoy the journey and the rhythm you create.
What are the best types of wood to use for bongo drum shells, and why?
Hardwoods like maple, oak, and mahogany are generally preferred for bongo drum shells due to their density and resonant properties. These woods produce a bright, clear tone with good projection, making them ideal for both beginners and experienced players. The hardness also ensures durability, preventing the shells from easily cracking or warping over time, even with frequent use and varying humidity levels.
Softwoods like pine or cedar can also be used, but they tend to produce a mellower, warmer tone with less projection. While this might be desirable for specific musical styles or personal preferences, softwoods are generally less durable and more susceptible to damage. Careful selection and finishing techniques are essential when using softwoods to ensure the longevity of your bongo drums.
What type of skin is recommended for bongo drumheads, and how do you prepare it?
Traditionally, bongo drumheads are made from rawhide, usually from steer or goat. Steer hide offers a thicker, more durable option, suitable for louder playing and higher tension. Goat skin, on the other hand, tends to be thinner and more responsive, providing a brighter tone with more sensitivity to subtle nuances in playing.
Preparing the skin involves soaking it in water for several hours or overnight to soften it and make it pliable. The softened skin is then stretched over the drum shell and secured using hoops and lugs. Even tension across the entire drumhead is crucial for optimal sound and playability. After drying, the skin shrinks and tightens, producing the desired resonant sound.
What tools are essential for building a bongo drum from scratch?
Building a bongo drum requires a basic set of woodworking tools. These include a saw (either a hand saw or a power saw) for cutting the wood for the shells, a drill for creating holes for the hardware, a wood rasp or sandpaper for shaping and smoothing the wood, and clamps to hold the shells together during gluing.
Additionally, you’ll need tools for working with the drumheads, such as a hoop-stretching tool (or a makeshift alternative), a utility knife for trimming excess skin, and a wrench for tightening the lugs. Measuring tools like a ruler and a compass are also essential for accurate cutting and marking, ensuring the shells are the correct size and shape.
How do you ensure the shells are perfectly round and evenly sized?
Achieving perfectly round shells starts with accurate measurements and precise cutting. Using a template or a compass to mark the circular shape on the wood is crucial. When cutting the wood, follow the lines carefully, ensuring the blade stays on track. Any deviations can lead to an uneven shell, affecting the drum’s sound.
After cutting, use a sanding block or a wood rasp to smooth out any imperfections and refine the shape. Regularly check the roundness using a ruler or a compass. To ensure evenly sized shells, measure and cut the wood for both drums simultaneously, using the same template and cutting techniques for both pieces. This helps minimize any discrepancies in size and shape.
How do you tune a bongo drum properly, and what are some common tuning mistakes to avoid?
Tuning a bongo drum involves adjusting the tension of the drumheads using the lugs. To raise the pitch, tighten the lugs evenly in a star pattern, similar to tightening lug nuts on a car tire. Check the pitch at each lug point to ensure it’s consistent. To lower the pitch, loosen the lugs in the same manner. A good starting point is to tune the macho (smaller drum) to a higher pitch than the hembra (larger drum).
Common tuning mistakes include uneven tension, which can lead to a muffled or distorted sound, and over-tightening the heads, which can damage the skin or hardware. Avoid forcing the lugs, and listen carefully to the sound as you adjust the tension. Regular tuning is necessary as the drumheads stretch and adjust to the climate.
What are some finishing techniques that can protect the wood and enhance the drum’s appearance?
Applying a finish to the bongo drum shells not only enhances their aesthetic appeal but also protects the wood from moisture and damage. Options include varnishes, lacquers, and oils. Varnishes and lacquers provide a durable, glossy finish that resists scratches and water damage. Oil finishes, such as linseed oil or tung oil, penetrate the wood, enhancing its natural grain and providing a softer, more natural look.
Before applying any finish, sand the wood smooth to create a consistent surface. Apply multiple thin coats, allowing each coat to dry completely before applying the next. Sand lightly between coats to remove any imperfections and ensure a smooth, even finish. Consider using a sealant or primer before applying the final finish to improve adhesion and protect the wood from moisture.
How do you troubleshoot common issues, such as buzzing sounds or difficulty in achieving proper tuning?
Buzzing sounds can often be attributed to loose hardware, such as the lugs or the hoops. Check all the screws and bolts to ensure they are tight. Another common cause is an uneven drumhead. Try pressing down on the drumhead in different areas to identify any soft spots or areas with inconsistent tension. Adjust the lugs around these spots to even out the tension.
Difficulty in achieving proper tuning can stem from a number of factors, including a damaged drumhead or warped shells. Inspect the drumhead for any tears or thin spots. If the shells are warped, it might be difficult to achieve consistent tension and proper sound. You might need to replace the drumhead or repair the shells to resolve these issues.