Drum Care Tips
Our drums are handcrafted in Indiana, USA, by our friend Wayne Manthey. They are made of all-natural hide, and are therefore subject to changes resulting from the various environments they are used in. The hide will naturally absorb moisture in humid climates, making it softer; or it can shrink in dry climates like Arizona.
If you receive a drum from us and it feels loose and/or sounds muted, Wayne suggests the following steps to acclimatize the drum's hide to the environment in which it will be played (please note: the following steps are meant as suggestions only; following them terminates eligibility for a refund for any reason):
- Soak the entire drum in clean water for exactly 2 minutes.
- Air dry for 1-2 days, in a well-ventilated space, away from direct sunlight (do not attempt to accelerate the drying process with a hairdryer, fan, etc. Allow the drum to dry naturally).
- If the skin is still loose after 2 days of air-drying, you can use a mild hairdryer, at a reasonable distance and for a short time. Keep tapping the skin as you go to check the sound, but be careful, as too much exposure to the heat from the hairdryer can cause irreversible damage.
If you have any questions, or are unsure about whether or not to try the steps listed above, please contact us at flutes@highspirits.com.
