Installation Instructions for Tuned Drums

Table of instrument dimensions

The tuned drums are to be set in concrete to the depth of about six inches, which is the length of the plastic tubes below the wire mesh covered soundholes. If the drums are stood next to one another the soundholes should be all approximately the same height from the floor. This height, minus one inch, is the intended concrete depth. You will notice that the drum tops gradually diminish in height, with the largest drum on the left, proceeding to the right with each drum progressively smaller in diameter. This is the intended installation arrangement. You may wish to arc the line of drums slightly.

It is important that the drums be separated by about one inch when installed. They will not sound properly if they are touching each other. With the drums standing on the floor or at the site, measure or mark the size of the trench that will need to be dug to accommodate them.

The trench needed to support the drums is not deep. A contractor may advise drilling holes to act as freeze stabilizing piers to a depth of 36 inches within the perimeters of the trench. This would make the drum pad less likely to be heaved up by freeze and thaw cycles.

The tuned drums are the only one of the instruments that should be placed after the concrete is poured. This will fill the insides of the drums with concrete up to within an inch of the soundhole, which will give the proper sound. A one half foot deep trench should be sufficient. Simply fill the trench to near the top with cement and set the drums in the arrangement above? larger diameter on the left, and so forth, insuring there is a one inch gap between each of the drums. The bottom edge of the drum is scalloped to assist its being inserted into the wet concrete. By twisting the drum into the concrete you will easily get it to the proper depth. They need only be braced in vertical position until the concrete is cured. Bracing is not necessary if they can be cordoned so that no disturbance will be made to them while the concrete sets up.

The drumheads are replaceable, but they will never wear out. They will only need replacement if they are deliberately broken. Replacement caps can be ordered from Freenotes or an irrigation supply company if that ever occurs. These are all low head caps.

As a final installation suggestion, it may be advisable to keep the foam wrapping on the drums until the installation is complete, in order to minimize scratching the paint.

If you need any additional information about this process, please call our toll free number: 866-238-3520.