Lap Drum - United States
The Lap drum features a set of guiro grooves around the sound portal, as well as a larger playing surface for the drum head located under the sound portal which now has a plastic head instead of calfskin. Made of clay and measuring 12"w by 8-1/2"h, the Lap Drum is non-ethnic-specific instrument, each one featuring a one-of-a-kind glazed finish inside and out. It has a large calfskin head on the top of the instrument, and two smaller heads on the side. This design gives the performer the ability to play on two surfaces simultaneously with one hand. There is also a portal that can be used to vary the pitch or to create a glissando effect. Beneath the 5" head are slotted indentations in the clay surface that give a "guiro" or "ratchet" effect when scraped with the aluminum thumb rings. The rings can also be used to lightly hit the clay body of the drum to create a rhythmic tapping. The Lapdrum has a 1/2" hole between the 2" and 5" drumheads, designed to hold a tambourine jingle, finger cymbal, or miniature wood block. A similar hole in the bottom of the drum allows a lavalier microphone to be installed inside. The back of the drum is sand painted, creating a non-slip surface to prevent it from sliding off the performer's lap. The Lap Drum comes with a waterproof padded gig bag with shoulder strap, thumb rings, a tambourine jingle, and an instructional video. There is an informational video available to purchase in the accessories section.