You can make your own rainstick if you want the peaceful sound of falling rain.The sound of rain is mimicked by the cylindrical instruments.It is believed that rainsticks were invented in South America to encourage rainy weather.Rainsticks can be made of any type of hollow tube pierced through with nails or wooden skewers and filled with rice, beans or pebbles, which create a gentle plinking sound as they rain down the length of the tube.You can learn how to make a rainstick from bamboo, cardboard, or a tube.
Step 1: You can pick a piece of bamboo.
If you choose a long piece of dry bamboo, you'll get the best sound.The richer the sound, the longer and wider your wood is.You can buy bamboo at a garden store.There are no bends or holes to get a smooth, straight piece.
Step 2: The bamboo should be hollow.
Use a metal rod to push out the bamboo if it isn't already hollow.Attach a piece of sandpaper to the end of the rod once the path is clear.Sand the inside of the bamboo to make it free of obstructions.If you don't have a metal rod, you can use a long implement that is sturdy enough to get out the inside of the bamboo.
Step 3: There is a pattern of dots on the bamboo.
A pattern of dots can be created by using a pencil.The wooden skewers are an essential part of the rainstick.Making a pattern that spirals around the bamboo from the top to the bottom will look very attractive and ensure that the pebbles or rocks inside will have plenty of obstacles to plink against.
Step 4: The holes need to be drilled.
If you use a drill bit the same size as your wooden skewers, they'll be able to slide in.Taking care to puncture the bamboo without drilling through to the other side of the stick is what you should do.You can still make a rainstick if you don't have a drill.Instead of drilling the holes, use a hammer to pound a long nail through each hole.Make sure the nail isn't long enough to penetrate the bamboo stick.
Step 5: Skewers should be inserted.
Attach glue to the tip of a skewer and thread it through a hole.If you push it through, it will run against the bamboo stick.Cut the skewer against the bamboo stick with a pair of scissors or a small handsaw.Continue cutting the ends until all the holes have been filled.If you used nails instead of skewers, this step isn't necessary.
Step 6: The glue should be allowed to dry.
Wait about an hour to finish your rainstick.
Step 7: The sides should be smooth.
Sand off the nubs from the skewers.
Step 8: End caps should be made.
To plug the ends of the rainstick, you have to cut out two pieces of wood the same width.To glue the first end cap to the base of the stick, use wood glue or superglue.The other cap should be saved for now.End caps can be made out of cardboard, particle board, or another sturdy item if you don't have the supplies to cut out wood.Make sure you glue the cap to the stick.
Step 9: The rainstick should be filled with pebbles and other objects.
There are different materials that make different sounds.You can use pebbles of different sizes, as well as pennies, dried rice, and dried beans.The rainstick should be filled with objects.You won't be able to hear the individual sounds of the objects if you overfill the rainstick.If you put too many objects in the rainstick, you won't get the impression of rain.
Step 10: Fix the other end cap.
To seal the rainstick on the other side, use wood glue or superglue.Before use, let it dry completely.
Step 11: You can use a long, thin tube.
Either cardboard or polyvinylchloride works well.Use a fine sanding sponge to smooth the entire pipe.
Step 12: The tube has dots on it.
These are the places where you'll make holes to build your rainstick.From the end of the tube, start by drawing dots all the way up.One half inch up and one inch across should be the spacing of these dots.
Step 13: You can drill.
A double-helix arrangement of holes can be created by drilling directly through the center of the pipe.You can use long nails if you don't have a drill.Put a long nail at each dot and hammer them in.Make sure the nails are long enough to pierce the other side.
Step 14: Skewers to insert.
Attach the end of the skewer to a hole with Gorilla glue or another sturdy glue.Cut the end so that it is flush with the outside of the tube.Attach the wooden skewers to the holes and cut them to an appropriate length.If you used nails instead of skewers, this step isn't necessary.Super glue can be used for PVC pipe.The cement used in the pictures is Gorilla.
Step 15: The rainstick should be left to dry.
Wait about an hour to finish your rainstick.
Step 16: The sides should be smooth.
Sand off the nubs with a flat file.
Step 17: An end cap should be inserted.
The pebbles and other materials don't fall out if one end of the tube is covered.
Step 18: Use pebbles and other materials to fill the tube.
You can put in pebbles, dried rice, beans, beads, and other materials.To test the sound of the tube, tilt your hand over the open end.You can change the sound by adding or removing material.
Step 19: Finish the rainstick.
Attach the other cap to the end of the rainstick.Allow some time for the glue to set.
Step 20: The rainstick should be decorated.
To paint the rainstick evenly, use Mod Podge or an equivalent substance.Working with a small amount at a time, place decorative tissue paper over the glue, pressing it down against the tube.Go over the pipe with more Mod Podge until it isn't papery to the touch.Allow it to dry completely.