Build a Suitcase Drum Set

Step 5 Bass Drum Beater

Using a regular bass drum beater will not do. Your suitcase will sound horrible.

I have tried many different materials, felt, rubber, sheepskin, etc… The very best thing to use is a very hard foam rubber. This particular suitcase uses a piece of foam I found at a surplus store. It was from exercise equipment.

If you don't have a surplus store, time, and patience, the easiest way to get the right material is to buy a Super Pinky brand ball. Super Pinky Link.

To build the beater, you need an old bass drum beater that has a removable beater head. Take the old beater head off and drill a hole through your Super Pinky ball. Drilling the hole is not the easiest thing to do. I have drilled some, and on others heated up a nail with a torch and melted a hole through it.

Put the Super Pinky on with a washer on top and bottom, and your beater is done.
Depending on the beater shaft you use, you might have to cut down the size of the ball. A razor blade is the right tool for the job, if you go this way.