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SHOP TALK

Do-It-Yourself Percussion, Part 4

Maraca Rods

by Glenn Kotche

This column is dedicated to providing drummers and percussionists with
simple and inexpensive do-it-yourself projects for building and modifying
instruments and accessories. This month’s project is maraca rods.

Maraca rods are created by affixing lightweight shakers to the ends of
commercially available multi-rod sticks. This results in a sympathetic
shaker sound when the rods are played on the drums. Maraca rods can also be
played like maracas to get only the shaker sound. I encourage you to
experiment with your own ideas, but the following method is the one that
I’ve had the most luck with.

Gathering Your Materials
You’ll need a pair of rods, in the brand and model of your choice.
You’ll also need two ping-pong balls, some sort of shot or similar
shaker-fill material, a couple of inches of heat-shrink tubing, and some
super glue.
Many different materials can be used as the shaking component, including
rice, corn, BB’s, and peppercorns. However, I strongly recommend shotgun
shot. These are the extremely small metal pellets that are used in most
commercially available shakers and eggs. Your best bet for finding shot is
at a sporting goods store that has hunting accessories. Or you can try the
Internet. It’s usually possible to find a large bag or tube (20–25 lbs.) for
under $15. Since the amount needed for this project is quite small, I
recommend sharing the bulk purchase with some other drummers, if possible.
The ping-pong balls can also be found at a sporting goods store, and
sometimes at toy, dollar discount, and department stores. Heat-shrink tubing
is a soft rubber tubing that can be easily cut. It will be used here as a
seal. You’ll want to get at least the 3/4"-diameter size in order for it to
fit around the rod. The tubing can be found at hardware and electronics
stores.

Putting ’Em Together
To begin the project, use a pencil to trace the back end of the rod onto
the ping-pong ball, being sure to do this away from the seam of the ball.
You’ll wind up with a circle about the size of a penny traced onto the ball.
This is the portion of the ball that needs to be removed. You can use a
drill with a sharp bit to puncture and rout out the hole, or use a small,
sharp knife to puncture the ball and cut out the circle. Whichever method
you use, be careful!
The next step is to put some shot into the ball. The amount is up to you,
but be careful not to use too much, since that will adversely affect the
balance of the rod. I recommend about a teaspoon’s worth.
Now you need to fit the back end of the rod inside the hole in the ball,
inserting it about 1/4" to 1/2". Use the super glue to carefully seal the
rod to the ping-pong ball. Allow the glue to dry thoroughly.
The next step is to cut about a 1" portion of the heat-shrink tubing and
slide it over the rod until it firmly meets the ping-pong ball. Make sure
the tubing is snug against the ball. Heat the tubing with a heat gun or
common blow dryer, until it shrinks to form a tight seal. Be aware that too
much heat can deform and melt the ping-pong ball, so use just enough for the
tubing to shrink.
That’s all there is to it. You should now have a functioning maraca rod.

Variations On A Theme
The ping-pong ball maraca idea can be used with any type of stick or
mallet. However, since the shaker is relatively quiet, I’ve found that it
works best on rods or non-retractable brushes. This pairing allows the
shaker part to be heard. Additionally, the balls tend to last much longer
when used in lower-volume situations.
You should be able to get used to the added weight of the maraca rods
with relative ease. Some drummers who like to hold their sticks at the very
ends will find it necessary to choke up a bit. I don’t recommend using the
ping-pong ball ends as mallets, since the thin plastic shells of the balls
dent easily, and the balls can break if hit against rims and cymbals.
However, it is this very thinness of the plastic shell that gives the shaker
a good sound, while making it light enough to attach to a rod.
This simple DIY project can provide you with interesting and useful
sonic effects. Maraca rods are easy to create, and they’re fun to play. Give
’em a try.