Drumming Innovations

From the Workshop

Ray's Creative Percussion Projects

Four Workshop Innovations

Guiro Drum Sticks

Custom-machined drumsticks with a scraping surface and rubberized end, creating three distinct sound options for versatile percussion work.

Floor Tom Sound Booster

A resonance enhancement system that amplifies the natural tone of floor toms through innovative acoustic design.

Lazy Susan Turntable

A rotating platform solution for effortless drum maintenance and cymbal cleaning, bringing workshop efficiency to percussion care.

Tennis Ball Drum Riser

An acoustically isolated practice platform using tennis balls for vibration dampening, enabling quiet practice without compromising feel.

Guiro Drum Sticks

In 2013, I developed the concept of creating a "guiro" drum stick, allowing the player to drag the stick across an edge to create a scraping sound similar to the traditional Latin American guiro instrument.

Working with master woodworker Bert E. in Richmond, Virginia, we machined two pairs of drumsticks into the required shape. The result was a multi-purpose percussion tool offering three distinct sounds:

Regular wood tip for traditional drumming
Scraping surface along the stick for guiro effects
Rubberized end for mallet-like tones

Performance Note: I've been using these sticks for 10 years now—the slightly thinner pair for lower dynamics and the thicker for louder playing situations. They sound best when dragged across a drum counterhoop, but using them on cowbell edges creates an equally interesting sonic texture.

Guiro Sticks: Construction Notes

Selecting and Shaping the Wood

Wood Selection Choose a dense hardwood such as hickory, maple, or oak for durability and flexibility. Hickory is preferred for its balanced weight and shock absorption properties.

Initial Shaping Cut drumsticks to standard length (around 16 inches). Use a lathe to round and smooth the stick to the desired diameter. For the scraping surface, introduce a slight taper along one side, leaving a more pronounced edge.

Precision Cutting Pay attention to symmetry. An uneven taper or inconsistent diameter will affect playability and compromise the aesthetic appeal of the final product.

Master Carpenter's Tip: Balancing Sticks

To ensure even weight distribution, weigh the sticks on a small scale and match them as closely as possible. If you prefer one slightly heavier, mark it with a permanent marker or small strip of tape. This ensures consistent feel when playing.

Guiro Sticks: Oil Treatment Process

Preparation and Application

Surface Preparation Sand sticks with fine-grit sandpaper (320-grit or higher) to smooth imperfections. Wipe down with a damp cloth to remove dust, allowing the sticks to dry completely.

Oil Application Use a lint-free cloth to apply the oil, working it into the wood grain. Linseed oil, walnut oil, or Danish oil work well. Apply a small amount to the cloth and rub in circular motions. Do not pour directly onto the sticks.

Heat Enhancement For a smoother finish, consider applying a heat source (hairdryer or heat gun on low) to slightly warm the oil as you apply it—this helps it penetrate deeper into the wood.

Curing Process Let the sticks sit for 24 hours in a dry space. Thicker applications may take several days to fully cure. Check for excess oil pooling and wipe it off to avoid uneven curing.

Recommended Oil Choice

For durability and a rich, long-lasting finish, tung oil is recommended. It penetrates deeply and forms a protective, waterproof layer. Apply it generously with a soft cloth, let it soak for about 15 minutes, then wipe off the excess. Multiple thin layers create a better finish than one thick coat.

Guiro Sticks: Rubberized End

Creating the Third Sound Option

The rubberized end creates a cushioned knob similar to a xylophone mallet, providing a soft, mallet-like tone for greater versatility.

Rubber Coating Application Use liquid rubber paint to create the cushioned knob. Apply carefully with a brush to prevent drips and ensure an even coat. This creates a mallet-like surface at the end of each stick.

Finishing Once dry, inspect for rough patches and sand gently to ensure a smooth finish. If desired, add a second layer for added durability and sound isolation.

Sound Testing After the rubberized end is fully cured, test by tapping the sticks on various surfaces. The rubber should dampen the sound while adding a distinct, soft tonal element.

Testing Different Drum Surfaces

After finishing the sticks, test them on various drum surfaces as you would in real playing scenarios. The scraping sound varies greatly depending on the texture and material of the drum edge, so experiment with different types of drums to achieve the best scraping effect.

Floor Tom Sound Booster

This innovation enhances the resonance and projection of floor toms through acoustic principles. The sound booster amplifies the natural tone of the drum without requiring electronic amplification.

Key Design Features

Acoustic chamber design for resonance enhancement
Natural wood construction for tonal warmth
Non-invasive attachment system
Portable and adjustable configuration

Acoustic Principle: By creating a resonant chamber beneath the floor tom, the sound booster allows the drum's natural frequencies to develop more fully, resulting in deeper, more sustained tones with enhanced projection.

Sizing and Packing: The diameter of the sound booster should be 1" smaller than the size of the floor tom it aims to amplify. This will allow it to be packed on top of the tom in the same box. The carpeting underneath the booster serves to protect the tom head.

Lazy Susan Turntable for Maintenance

A simple yet effective solution for drum maintenance and cymbal cleaning. By mounting drums or cymbals on a rotating turntable, cleaning and detail work becomes significantly more efficient.

Applications

Cymbal cleaning and polishing
Drum shell maintenance
Head inspection and replacement
Hardware cleaning and lubrication

Construction Considerations

Heavy-duty bearing system for smooth rotation
Non-slip surface to secure drums
Appropriate size for various drum dimensions
Stable base to prevent tipping

Workshop Efficiency: This simple addition to the workshop dramatically reduces the physical strain of drum maintenance work, allowing you to focus on the task at hand rather than constantly repositioning equipment.

Tennis Ball Drum Riser for Quiet Practice

This innovative practice platform uses tennis balls as vibration dampeners, creating an acoustically isolated surface for quiet drumming practice. The design significantly reduces vibration transfer to floors and walls while maintaining natural drum feel.

Design Features

Tennis ball vibration isolation system
Double-layer plywood construction
Modular sections for portability
Optional acoustic curtain system
Lockable casters for mobility

Size Options

Standard: 2m x 2m for typical practice setups
Large: 3m x 4m for expanded configurations
Modular sections can be connected as needed

Tennis Ball Riser: Construction Guide

Materials and Assembly

Platform Base Use two layers of plywood (recommended: 15-18mm thickness per layer) for the platform. The double-layer construction provides necessary rigidity while maintaining reasonable weight.

Tennis Ball Placement Drill holes to allow tennis balls to protrude partially. Holes should be slightly smaller than ball diameter for a snug fit. Balls should be evenly distributed for balanced support—approximately 30-40cm spacing works well.

Board Connection Secure the two plywood layers with zip-ties or heavy-duty wood screws at the perimeter. For permanent installations, screws provide superior stability. Double up zip-ties at each connection point if using that method.

Rubber Feet Add high-density rubber feet around the perimeter for additional stability and vibration isolation. Use wide rubber pads spaced evenly for optimal weight distribution.

Master Carpenter's Recommendation

Use a hole saw with diameter slightly smaller than the tennis ball to ensure perfectly round holes. A drill press helps achieve precise hole placement and depth. For large platforms, add center supports (simple wooden beams) underneath to prevent sagging.

Tennis Ball Riser: Advanced Features

Modular Design and Soundproofing

Modular Sections For larger platforms (3m x 4m), divide into smaller manageable sections. Use reinforced metal latches with clip systems for connecting sections. Latches should be strong enough for secure use yet easy to unclip for transport.

Acoustic Curtain Posts Install vertical posts at corners to support sound-dampening fabric. Use lightweight hardwood (pine or poplar) or metal posts. Firmly anchor posts to platform with wood screws or metal brackets.

Acoustic Fabric Stretch dense acoustic fabric (thick felt or soundproofing cloth) between posts. Fabric should be tightly stretched to prevent sagging and maximize sound absorption effectiveness.

Mobility System Add heavy-duty lockable casters to one side for easy repositioning. Ensure casters are rated for the platform's total weight. Lock casters securely during use to prevent any movement.

Structural Integrity for Large Platforms

The tennis ball isolation system is effective for vibration dampening, but larger platforms require additional support to prevent sagging. Add reinforced cross supports (wooden beams) underneath, running across the width or length of the platform and attached securely to the underside.

Workshop Innovation Philosophy

Collaboration with Master Craftsmen

These innovations demonstrate the value of combining musical needs with woodworking expertise. Working with skilled craftsmen like Bert E. brings precision and durability to creative percussion ideas.

Practical Solutions for Real Musicians

Each innovation addresses specific challenges faced by working drummers—from expanding tonal possibilities with guiro sticks to enabling quiet practice with the tennis ball riser. These are tested, practical solutions refined over years of use.

The DIY Spirit

These projects encourage drummers to think beyond off-the-shelf solutions. With basic woodworking skills and attention to detail, musicians can create custom tools that precisely match their needs and playing style.

From Concept to Workshop to Stage

Ray's Drumming Innovations Collection