PSA: Drum Care for Extreme Weather
Summer is just about here and heat waves and very dry weather are deadly to drums unless you take some special precautions.
Drums are made of rawhide, which behaves much like your own skin, tightening when it is dry and loosening when it is damp. The drum hoop, on the other hand, stays the same size regardless. The humidity is actually more important than the temperature when it comes to drums; low humidity dries out the hide, leading to either ripped holes or lacing (for thinner heads such as deer, some horse & reindeer especially) or "tacoing" or breaking the hoop (for thicker hides such as elk & buffalo and some horse).
Low humidity situations don't just happen when it is hot out; hard freezes in the wintertime lead to the same situation, as do heaters, fireplaces, dehumidifiers, etc. Even if the drum doesn't seem warm, it can still lose moisture to the air.
It is important to check on your drum daily when there is extreme weather. Creaking, popping and other sounds from your drum are NOT good news; they imply that the head is getting so tight that it is straining the drum. Another sign of stress is when the tone of your drum starts getting higher than normal.
Preventing damage to your drum is pretty easy if you're keeping an eye on it; a damp towel in the back of the drum can keep the drum moisturized enough to keep it happy. Keeping your drum wrapped in a bag or blanket with a damp towel makes it even safer (this is a good way to travel with your drum on hot, dry days). NEVER leave your drum in the car or direct sunlight.
The opposite problem of your drum being too dry is being too damp, with spring showers or summer humidity. Being too damp will never hurt your drum, it looks scary because the head is loose and the sound is awful, but it is easy to bring your drum back to tone by drying it with a gentle heat source like a hairdryer (be careful you don't overdry), tap the drum occasionally while drying until it gets back its lovely voice.
Your drum is a companion and a living being; like all other sacred objects it should be cherished and cared for. With the climate shifting and becoming more unpredictable, this is especially important.
Enjoy your drum and keep it happy!
