The Talking Drum Stick: How to Make Your Own at Home

Whether you buy one or make one, the talking drum stick is essential for creating the right sounds. 

While buying a stick is convenient, making your own can be a fun and personal project.

It allows you to create a stick that is a perfect fit for your hand, giving you a custom feel and a unique connection to your instrument.

Of course, if you prefer a professional, ready-to-use stick, or would like a custom stick made for you, you can explore the collection available at Mlpercussions.

Required Tools to Make Your Talking Drum Stick

The best part about this project is that you don't need a lot of complicated tools. 

Making your own talking drum stick is a simple project that anyone can do.

Here's a simple list of what you'll need:

1. A piece of wood: 
   
   The foundation of your stick! A wooden dowel from a store is a great choice because it's already straight, but a clean, sturdy tree branch works beautifully too. 
   
   Just make sure the wood is strong and doesn't bend easily.
   
   
2. A saw or a Knife
   
   You'll use this to cut the wood to the right length and begin shaping the gentle curve at the end of the stick.
   
   This curve is what helps you create the signature "talking" sounds, so it's an important part of the process.  
   
   
3. Sandpaper:
   
   This is your secret to a smooth finish. You'll want two types: a coarse one to quickly get rid of any rough edges and to refine the shape, and a fine one to make the surface perfectly smooth.
   
    A smooth stick feels great in your hand and gives you better control as you play.
   
   
4. Something to finish it (optional):
   
   A light layer of wood oil or varnish can protect your new stick from moisture and wear. This adds a professional look and ensures your stick will last for a long time.  
   
   

Whether you decide to build your own or get a custom one, Mlpercussions has the right talking drum stick for your musical journey.

Step-by-Step Guide to making your own stick

Here's how to build your own talking drum stick from scratch.

• Step 1: Choose Your Wood
  
  Start by finding a piece of wood that feels comfortable in your hand. The length and thickness should feel right for you.   
  
  A good starting point is about 12-18 inches long.
  
  
• Step 2: Shape the Stick  
  
  Use a saw or knife to create a gentle curve at one end. This curve is important for playing and getting the right sound from the drum.
  
  The tip should be smooth and rounded to avoid damaging the drum's head.
  
  
• Step 3: Smooth It Out  
  
  Start with coarse sandpaper to get rid of any rough edges and to refine the shape. 
  
  Then, switch to fine sandpaper to make the stick perfectly smooth. A smooth finish feels great in your hand and gives you better control.

LEARN ALL THE DIFFERENT PARTS OF THE TALKING DRUM HERE

Why Buy a Talking Drum Stick from Mlpercussions?

While making your own talking drum stick is a rewarding project, sometimes you need the best quality to get the best sound. 

Our sticks at Mlpercussions are handcrafted by expert artisans who know how to choose the perfect wood and shape it for incredible sound. 

Each stick is designed for durability and comfort, giving you the best control and a richer tone.

If you want to skip the DIY process and get straight to playing with a high-quality stick, you can explore our collection to find the perfect stick for you.

Choosing the Right Wood for Your Talking Drum Stick

The type of wood you choose for your talking drum stick is more important than you might think. 

Different woods have different qualities, and each one affects how the stick feels and sounds.

I. Hardwoods vs. Softwoods

In general, hardwoods like maple or hickory are strong and durable. They create a brighter, sharper sound when they hit the drum. 

They are also heavier, which can give you more power as you play. Softwoods, like pine, are lighter and less durable. They produce a softer, warmer sound. 

The wood you choose depends on the kind of music you want to make and what feels best in your hand.

II. The Right Flexibility

A good talking drum stick should have a little bit of flexibility. You don't want it to be stiff like a broomstick. 

A flexible stick is easier to control and helps you create the unique range of sounds the talking drum is known for.

If you're using a branch, find one that bends a little but is still strong. This flexibility will help you get the best sound out of your drum.

Playing the Talking Drum with the Stick

Now that you know all about the talking drum stick, here's how to use it to create music. 

Playing the drum is a simple two-part action: you hit the drum with the stick and squeeze the strings to change the sound.

I.  Hold the Stick:
Hold the stick loosely with your thumb and first two fingers. This lets your wrist stay relaxed, which is important for getting the right sound and feel.

II. Squeeze the Strings:
With your other arm, squeeze the strings along the side of the drum. This changes the tension of the drum's head.

III.  Play the Notes
When you hit the drum without squeezing the strings, you get a low sound. When you squeeze the strings as you hit the drum, you get a higher sound. 

By combining these two actions, you can create a wide range of notes, just like a human voice.

CHECK OUR COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE HERE: LEARN HOW TO PLAY THE TALKING DRUM

Lastly…..

Whether you choose to make or buy your talking drum stick, it's an important part of your musical journey. 

By understanding the tools and techniques, you can start creating music with a deeper connection to your instrument.

If you're ready to start playing, check out our guide on how to play the talking drum. 

And when you're ready to find a quality instrument, you can explore our full catalog of authentic talking drum sticks at Mlpercussions.