How to Build a Hank Drum

Step 7Playing the Instrument and Summary

Playing the Instrument and Summary
When playing the instrument, it is recommended that you wrap a bungee cord around the tank to help eliminate some ring and provide a better tone. Also, do not play the drum on a hard surface as it loses a large amount of it's sound. The drum will play better held in your lap on standing on carpet or grass.

I built mallets for my drum and I believe they provide a better tone. The mallets are simply two Spiderman superballs stuck on the ends of dowels. If you play with your hands, lightly tap the tongue about 2/3's of the way up to get the best tone.

My instrument was constructed for the state of Georgia's Science Olympiad where it won first place. It was used as the bass instrument and was therefore tuned much lower than what is optimal. I recommend you use the pentatonic scale Dennis Havlena uses for his.

All credit for this project goes to Dennis Hevlena, the inventor and original documenter. His site and instructions can be found at: http://www.ehhs.cmich.edu/~dhavlena/for-webpage-lp-hang.htm
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2 comments
Jan 31, 2011. 7:12 PMfluidman says:
Hey I am actually building a Hank Drum for my Bass Science Olympiad instrument and I was wondering what you tuned your drum to?

Btw great instructable!!
May 21, 2008. 8:23 PMsoul_jahz_united says:
that is the cheapest imitation of a Steel Pan (native instrument of Trinidad & Tobago) that i have ever seen... you should feel ashamed for mimicking a craft that was derived purely from poverty and innate artistic talent. LOL @ All credit for this project goes to Dennis Hevlena, the inventor and original documenter.
May 22, 2008. 6:03 AMbustedit says:
Get a grip sister souljah. Nice instructable, Hermes.
May 22, 2008. 12:23 AMGrey_Wolfe says:
In case you hadn't noticed (you may have after all), but he did give credit to Dennis right in the intro.

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Author:Hermes(Portfolio)
I am a filmmaker, student, and tinkerer. I love designig and building devices instead of purchasing them. Instructables is a great way to do that and share with others how to do the same...