A tubulum is a large instrument that looks very similar to a xylophone but sounds almost like a hand drum or bucket drum. We refer to this instrument as the PVC pipe drum. You make the PVC pipe drum by attaching PVC pipes of varying lengths to a frame. To play the pipe drum, you hit the top opening of the PVC pipe which sends vibrations down the pipe. This instrument is a great project for home or school and can be enjoyable for all age groups.
Materials
• 75ft of 2” diameter PVC Pipe
• 11 – 2” 90 Degree Elbows
• 30ft of 2x4’s
• 22 – 2” Pipe Straps
• 2-1/2” Wood Screws to build the base
• 1” Screws to connect the pipe straps to the base
Step 1: Cut the Wood for The Base
Cut the 2x4’s to get 2 pieces of wood 47” in length
Cut the 2x4’s to get 2 pieces of wood 62” in length
Cut the 2x4’s to get 2 pieces of wood 36” in length
Step 2: Assemble the Base
Lay both of the 47” lengths of wood on their edge (2” short side), on a flat surface, parallel to each other about 62” apart.
Take one 62” length of wood and lay it center and perpendicular across the two 47” lengths to create an H. Make sure the ends are flush with the 47” lengths and screw in the first 62” length board using 2-1/2” screws.
Take the remaining 62” length board and lay it perpendicular across the two 47” length boards at the top. Make sure the ends are flush with the 47” lengths and screw in the second 62” length board using 2-1/2” screws.
Take one 36” length board and attach it to the bottom (open end) of the 47” length board to form an upside-down T. Repeat this step for the other side.
Step 3: Cut the Pipe
Cut 9 pipes to a length of 55”
Cut 1 pipe to a length of 55.1”
Cut 1 pipe to a length of 52”
Cut 1 pipe to a length of 83.6”
Cut 1 pipe to a length of 68.6”
Cut 1 pipe to a length of 54.8”
Cut 1 pipe to a length of 48.9”
Cut 1 pipe to a length of 37.5”
Cut 1 pipe to a length of 27.3”
Cut 1 pipe to a length of 23”
Cut 1 pipe to a length of 14.3”
Cut 1 pipe to a length of 6.8”
Step 4: Attach Pipes to Base
On the two 62” length boards, position the first and last pipe strap about 3-5 inches from the edge. Center the pipe on the board, then measure 3” between each pipe strap. This should give you a uniform and symmetrical look. (If you cut your boards to different sizes you may need to make adjustments.)
Do this for both the top and bottom 62” board.
Working from left to right, attach the 9 pipes 55” in length to the top and bottom 62” long boards with the pipe strap, with 3” of pipe extending above the top board.
Then from left to right, attach the 55.1” pipe, then the 52” pipe.
Step 5: Attach the Elbows
At the bottom end of each mounted pipe attach a 90-degree elbow.
Step 6: Attach remaining pipe
Working from left to right, attach the remaining cut lengths of pipe to the elbows.
Attach the 83.6” to create the G2 note
Attach the 68.6” to create the A2 note
Attach the 54.8” to create the B2 note
Attach the 48.9” to create the C3 note
Attach the 37.5” to create the D3 note
Attach the 27.3” to create the E3 note
Attach the 23” to create the F3 note
Attach the 14.3” to create the G3 note
Attach the 6.8” to create the A3 note
*The 55.1” pipe creates the B3 note and the 52” pipe creates the C4 note.
Now that you’ve assembled your PVC pipe drum or tubulum, you’re all set to make some music! You play the tubulum by striking the top of the pipe with the palm of your hand or with another object that has a flat surface.