How To Make a PVC Pipe Drum or Tubulum
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Time to read 4 min
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.
Build the Frame: Assemble 2x4 lumber using wood screws to construct a sturdy wooden stand that holds the instrument's pipes in place.
Cut & Mount the Pipes: Measure and cut 2" PVC pipes into specific lengths, securing 11 vertical pipes evenly across the wooden frame with pipe straps.
Attach Elbows for Musical Pitch: Connect 90-degree elbows and varying lengths of horizontal PVC pipe extension to the bottom to tune each pipe to a distinct musical note (G2 to C4).
FAQs
How do you play a PVC pipe drum (tubulum)?
You play a tubulum by striking the open top end of each PVC pipe using the flat of your palm or a flat, soft paddle (such as a foam-backed paddle or flip-flop). Hitting the top sends air vibrations down the tube, producing a resonant, bass-heavy percussion note similar to a bucket drum or marimba.
How does pipe length affect the pitch of the notes?
Pipe length directly determines the pitch of each note: longer pipes produce lower pitch notes, while shorter pipes produce higher pitch notes. The precise cut lengths (ranging from 83.6 inches for a low G2 note down to 6.8 inches for a high A3 note) control the resonant air column length, ensuring each tube plays a specific musical note.
What pipe size and fittings do I need to build this tubulum?
This project requires approximately 75 feet of 2-inch diameter PVC pipe and 11 90-degree PVC elbows (2-inch). The elbows attach at the bottom of the upright pipes to connect the horizontal extensions, keeping the overall structure compact while maintaining the full tube length needed for accurate musical tuning.
Mark Ligon
Mark Ligon is the marketing manager at PVC Fittings Online, a supplier of commercial PVC and CPVC pipe, fittings and valves. Ligon enjoys educating businesses on the parts of piping systems so managers can make informed decisions. He can be reached at webmaster@commercial-industrial-supply.com.
