Thunder Tube Drum: A Unique Percussion Instrument for Sound Healing and Play

The Thunder Tube, also referred to as the Thunder Drum or Thunder Drum Tube, is a percussion instrument that produces a unique sound effect. It comprises a cylindrical tube with a spring attached to one end, and when it is shaken or struck against a surface, the spring vibrates rapidly, creating a rumbling sound that resembles thunder.

This instrument originated from Native American music, where it was used alongside other instruments such as rain sticks and flutes to recreate the sound and motion of a sudden storm. The vibrations in the spring of the Thunder Drum are transmitted through a drumhead and amplified in a gourd, producing a thunderous sound.

To play the Thunder Tube, one holds it in one hand and shakes or strikes it against a surface or the other hand. The intensity and pitch of the sound can be varied by adjusting the shaking or striking technique. The Thunder Tube is often used in music therapy and sound healing.

The toy has three components: a tube, a semi-rigid membrane covering one end, and a flexible spring connected to the membrane. Each of these elements plays a unique role in creating the thunder sound. The resulting sound is low in frequency, fairly loud, and increases and decreases in intensity, similar to the sound of real thunder.

The Thunder Tube demonstrates the physics of waves, with the vibrating spring transferring mechanical energy to the membrane, which then transmits the energy into the tube in the form of sound. The length of the tube creates standing waves and resonance, allowing for efficient conversion of energy into sound by the vibrating spring.

One of the best things about the Thunder Drum is that it requires no batteries, making it an ideal toy to add excitement to special events, parties, theater performances, and home videos. With just a small flick of the wrist or by rubbing the tube in the right place, a variety of different sounds can be created, including thunder, weird alien noises, creaking door noises, and spooky sounds. You can also make this fascinating toy yourself or with your children.

Music is an integral part in the life of the Native Americans, playing a key role in ceremonies, recreational activities, self-expression, and healing. Many different instruments are used in Native American music, including drums, flutes, rainsticks, thunder tubes and other percussion instruments.
Although the tongue drum is a modern musical instrument, is perfectly suitable for any tribal song, and this book gives you an opportunity to play traditional Native melodies even if you never played music before.