Host Shawn Littlebear delves into a big project, a 28 inch powwow drum! Learn how to prepare the hide, measure out and punch the lacing holes and put it all together.
What do you use to decorate your drum heads? Paint? stains? I've seen them painted with acrilic paints and they look awful plus the paint wears off in no time. Love your videos!
Hi, thank you for sharing this video! I made a drum that is more of a medieval drum style, though similar. The drum is a a 24 in frame, with big deer hides and rope tuning system. I was wondering, should I orient the spines of the two hides perpendicular to each other, or parallel? Also, I am noticing that one of the heads has a big ripple, after a couple sessions of use. Is there a way to resoak the hides while they are still on the frame? Thank you.
Thank You again Shawn! Is there a special way that you have to hang a big drum like this to dry or a special position for even drying? I noticed that some artists straighten out the laces as they go and others do not mind them twisting. Do you have a comment on this and why? Thanks
For the lacing twisting or not, it amounts to aesthetics and preferences. For drying the drum, hang it up in a cool, dry place, around room temperature, away from direct heat. And flip it every 4 hours in the beginning and then every 12 and then once a day for a while. Overall it’s best to let it dry slowly over a whole month and really let it cure to get a great sound.
I have a 45 inch pow wow drum. Ive had it for five or six years my question is there anything necessary to treat the hide after all this time? Thank you for your time
Wow, 45”, that’s a biggun! To answer your question about treating it, the best thing to do is absolutely nothing; put nothing on it-especially no oils(!!!). No mink oil; no bear grease. Nothing. (I mean, you can spritz some water on it on a really hot, dry day if it’s getting too tight. But other than that, nothing.) Despite what some people will tell you. The rawhide needs to stay rigid and tight to produce the right sound. Oils or grease will soften it and make it go flat, basically ruining it. It will never sound the same again if you apply oil or grease to it...
I made a big drum from a beach log years back now the hide is loosen up it was great when I firs made it Ithink the log shrank a little what can I do its good if you set it in the sun ☀ should I relace her or somthing thanks
It tightens as it dries. It’s good to pre-stretch the lace before you tie up the drum so if it breaks, it’ll be easier to deal with. Also, you’ll want to push down on the lacing as you’re tying up the drum, rather than pulling it upwards, because that way the drum won’t be coming up off the table on you, and you can pull it tighter. Use playtex gloves to get a better grip on the lace, and go slow and steady. But keep pouring or spraying water all over the drum and lacing as you work, until you’re done tying it up.
The size of the drum is usually around this size for Southern. Northern drums are typically (but not always) deeper and not quite as big around. You’ll see some Northern drums made around this size, but typically, Southern drums aren’t as deep as the Northern ones tend to be.
@@stoneywhitethunder1948 , set it out in the sun for a little while so it’ll tighten back up. Don’t leave it out there too long; just check it to see how it’s sounding on each side and rotate it as needed.
To get the best sound, I like to set mine in a cool, dry place and allow it to dry naturally, avoiding heat/sun. After tying it up, hang it to dry, and flip it over every 4 hours at first, then every 12 hours, then once a day. Then leave it to dry for a whole month before using it. Yes, a month. That allows it to completely cure and come out sounding real keen.
Where is the video on making the stand??
SHAUN,WE NEVER HEARD THE DRUM?
What do you use to decorate your drum heads? Paint? stains? I've seen them painted with acrilic paints and they look awful plus the paint wears off in no time. Love your videos!
I really enjoyed this video. Thank you!! ♡
any tribol drumers out there willing to colab?
Migwetch from your Ojibwa brothers and sisters
where do you get your rims?
Hi, thank you for sharing this video! I made a drum that is more of a medieval drum style, though similar. The drum is a a 24 in frame, with big deer hides and rope tuning system. I was wondering, should I orient the spines of the two hides perpendicular to each other, or parallel? Also, I am noticing that one of the heads has a big ripple, after a couple sessions of use. Is there a way to resoak the hides while they are still on the frame? Thank you.
just wondering where did you pick up a big hoop like that one
This is superior craftsmanship.. I could watch this ALL DAY
Can not thank you enough for sharing this! Excellent presentation. Going to watch how to make the stand for this beautiful drum now.
Why not use a wooden pattern cut to desired diameter with holes marked. Rotate hide for best position with holes away from scars.
Where can I order a southern drum
how about stitching the skin to the frame instead?
Thank You again Shawn! Is there a special way that you have to hang a big drum like this to dry or a special position for even drying? I noticed that some artists straighten out the laces as they go and others do not mind them twisting. Do you have a comment on this and why? Thanks
For the lacing twisting or not, it amounts to aesthetics and preferences. For drying the drum, hang it up in a cool, dry place, around room temperature, away from direct heat. And flip it every 4 hours in the beginning and then every 12 and then once a day for a while. Overall it’s best to let it dry slowly over a whole month and really let it cure to get a great sound.
wow you are really good. if its an cold environment do you paint it black
Very love
Do y’all have a video for making a rawhide shield
I have a 45 inch pow wow drum. Ive had it for five or six years my question is there anything necessary to treat the hide after all this time? Thank you for your time
Wow, 45”, that’s a biggun!
To answer your question about treating it, the best thing to do is absolutely nothing; put nothing on it-especially no oils(!!!). No mink oil; no bear grease. Nothing. (I mean, you can spritz some water on it on a really hot, dry day if it’s getting too tight. But other than that, nothing.) Despite what some people will tell you. The rawhide needs to stay rigid and tight to produce the right sound. Oils or grease will soften it and make it go flat, basically ruining it. It will never sound the same again if you apply oil or grease to it...
@@singerboy461 Thanks I've been waiting for an answer for some time now. Glad I didn't touch it.
I made a big drum from a beach log years back now the hide is loosen up it was great when I firs made it Ithink the log shrank a little what can I do its good if you set it in the sun ☀ should I relace her or somthing thanks
If I was you I would take re-skin it. But if the main hide is still good (or you can revive it with vegetable oil) just re do the thongs.
Beautiful work!❤
Again Shawn, i love your shearing of you wonderful knowledge. Thank you, from New Zealand.
Can you make me one
is there any special way to tightening the lace?
It tightens as it dries. It’s good to pre-stretch the lace before you tie up the drum so if it breaks, it’ll be easier to deal with. Also, you’ll want to push down on the lacing as you’re tying up the drum, rather than pulling it upwards, because that way the drum won’t be coming up off the table on you, and you can pull it tighter. Use playtex gloves to get a better grip on the lace, and go slow and steady. But keep pouring or spraying water all over the drum and lacing as you work, until you’re done tying it up.
wopila tanka lila po
I dance powwow
Thanks for video
Is the hide cow or buffalo? What is a drum like that worth?
Jeremy Miller he said cow
Great 👍 love this. Just wonder if there is another video on how you made the drum shell?
Nice frame! Is there.a video on making the frame?!
Great video.
Awesome!
Thank you for a great lesson. Can you please explain the significance of this being a southern drum? What are the differences?
The size of the drum is usually around this size for Southern. Northern drums are typically (but not always) deeper and not quite as big around. You’ll see some Northern drums made around this size, but typically, Southern drums aren’t as deep as the Northern ones tend to be.
great video
My uncle!
and my grandpa!
Niawenkowa.
Do you sell the drums
Idk he's in Utah btw he's my grandpa
@@loganstarr1238 can you ask him what to do when it gets flat?
@@stoneywhitethunder1948 , set it out in the sun for a little while so it’ll tighten back up. Don’t leave it out there too long; just check it to see how it’s sounding on each side and rotate it as needed.
I want the drum
how do you dry it.....
Put in the sun
To get the best sound, I like to set mine in a cool, dry place and allow it to dry naturally, avoiding heat/sun. After tying it up, hang it to dry, and flip it over every 4 hours at first, then every 12 hours, then once a day. Then leave it to dry for a whole month before using it. Yes, a month. That allows it to completely cure and come out sounding real keen.
Where do you get the hides from?
Should I drill a humidity hole
It’s not necessary. But you can if you want. No hole keeps bugs out, though. 🤣
Thank you for posting this. Question: Do you tighten it as much as possible or just until the laces are snug?
Awesome!