Drum Riser on the Cheap

[signia fan]

The ikea table legs may not be hardy enough for long term. For years I used 3/4" plywood with 4x4x4" blocks fastened to each corner and in centre, I think 5 or 6 for each half section. Then I cut down 1 1/2" galvanized fence posts. With a 1 1/2" hole saw on a drill press, I drilled into the 4x4x4" wood blocks so the post legs would slip fit. I don't think I have a picture, but it worked well, the posts were painted and looked good so there was no need to drape it with backdrop. The whole thing packed up and transported easily. Cutting the plywood base to conform to the kit footprint removes a good amount of weight and also avoids jutting corners so it fit small stages better.

[EddieV]

Ace Hardware had smaller buckets that were probably 12" high.

They are not difficult to find.

Not sure if I mentioned (I'd need to re-read my posts). The issue I had with large buckets was that when traveling with them they were VERY difficult to get apart at times. It was almost like a couple of them had been glued together.

It was uncanny.

[Ray on the Drums]

The issue I had with large buckets was that when traveling with them they were VERY difficult to get apart at times. It was almost like a couple of them had been glued together.

It was uncanny.

Somewhere I read ntn2it said he drilled a hole in the bottom of each bucket to break the suction. But I couldn't find it, maybe I dreamed it.

[BigFatDrummer]

Not sure if I mentioned (I'd need to re-read my posts). The issue I had with large buckets was that when traveling with them they were VERY difficult to get apart at times. It was almost like a couple of them had been glued together.

It was uncanny.

I think I remember reading your post stating that. I believe the OP had stated that this issue was alleviated by drilling a hole in the bottom of each bucket thereby releasing the air and the vacuum affect that was creating the problem.

[EddieV]

I think I remember reading your post stating that. I believe the OP had stated that this issue was alleviated by drilling a hole in the bottom of each bucket thereby releasing the air and the vacuum affect that was creating the problem.

Thanks!

I'll have to investigate this!

[ntn2it]

Yeah, my buckets (brand new and shiny) did have a tendency to air lock once in a while. I drilled a 1/2" hole in the bottom of each bucket and that keeps them from sticking together. I started with a 1/4" hole but found the 1/2" hole worked much better, so I stopped there. I highly doubt that a bigger hole would ruin the integrity of the bucket, especially since I put it on the bottom where it really carries no weight.

[EddieV]

I threw away all those buckets.

(recycled)

[kay-gee]

Some brilliant person should invent an inflatable one like a rubber dingy. Blow up and then deflate and roll up up for easy stowage. Matter of fact I would love an inflatable drum set, LOL

all the best...

[FlyByNight]

I'm thinking of building a drum riser, but only about 8" off the ground. I love the bucket idea. Very smart!

[ntn2it]

In my wildest dreams, I never would have thought that my drum riser project would be seen by over 20,000 people. Thank you to all who have given this project a look and to the moderators who gave it "sticky" status. It was truly an honor.
Again, thank you to everyone who viewed, commented or built one of these risers.

[SpazApproved]

I'm going to start planning this out. I love these

[nubdrummer]

I am in the midst of building mine now. I will use 3.5 gallon black buckets from Home Depot. When it's finished I will post pics. Thanks again for the parts list and instructions!

[EddieV]

I went out and bought 15 five-gallon buckets ($2.50 a piece) and converted my smaller riser to a larger one. Works well and everyone loves the look. Especially club owners.

[nubdrummer]

I am almost finished building my riser. As I mentioned earlier, I'm using 3.5 gallon black buckets which will take up a little less space when packing and may eliminate the need for a skirt. They make the riser 12 inches tall, which is only a couple inches lower than it would be with 5 gallon buckets. I found them online from Home Depot. They come in sets of 10, so I ordered 20 and actually used the 4 extra buckets in the middle of each section. The lids are easy-off lids which are perfect. They grip just enough so they stay in place when setting up the riser but they pop off easily when disassembling. I'm ready to glue down the carpet now but I wanted to try it out with the kit set up and playing it. I have to say, this thing is rock solid! While I played, the drums and stands stayed perfectly still. My son and I walked all over it to see how stable it is especially near the edges, and I am really impressed with it. Such a great design! I can't wait to finish it and use it at a gig. Anyway here's a picture as it is now.

[SpazApproved]

^that is great man! Nice work! I'd still put a skirt on it though they always look just a little nicer with a skirt then an open space IMO. But once you get the top carpet on that might change. But when on stage and lights are shinning I'd rather have the skirt so you don't just see all the buckets.

[MDK]

I am almost finished building my riser. As I mentioned earlier, I'm using 3.5 gallon black buckets which will take up a little less space when packing and may eliminate the need for a skirt. They make the riser 12 inches tall, which is only a couple inches lower than it would be with 5 gallon buckets. I found them online from Home Depot. They come in sets of 10, so I ordered 20 and actually used the 4 extra buckets in the middle of each section. The lids are easy-off lids which are perfect. They grip just enough so they stay in place when setting up the riser but they pop off easily when disassembling. I'm ready to glue down the carpet now but I wanted to try it out with the kit set up and playing it. I have to say, this thing is rock solid! While I played, the drums and stands stayed perfectly still. My son and I walked all over it to see how stable it is especially near the edges, and I am really impressed with it. Such a great design! I can't wait to finish it and use it at a gig. Anyway here's a picture as it is now.

Nice I been looking for shorter buckets that are still strong to do this with. Do you have any pics of just the buckets? I have been in home depot and while they do have shorter buckets the lids did not look easy on and off. Whats the height of the riser and what thickness is the OSB?

[nubdrummer]

I do have pictures of the buckets; I will post them later. The height of the riser is just under 12 inches. The OSB is 5/8, I believe. I'll double check when I get home. The only thing I want to add to the design is some kind of handles to keep the sections closed and make carrying easier.

[Texdrumr]

Great work, Nub. That looks awesome.

Tex

[nubdrummer]

Here's some more pictures showing the buckets mounted on the underside of one half of the riser(before I removed the handles), and the assembled riser at a slightly different angle. The OSB is 5/8"

[FlyByNight]

Looks amazing! I like risers that aren't too high off the ground.

[ntn2it]

Nice job nubdrummer! Smear the glue, slap on the carpet and some clasps and handles and enjoy it. I said it would be rock solid. You could park a truck on these things and it will hold up. Glad you're having good results. Not too hard to build either.

When it's all done, would you please post how much it cost you for all the materials? I think it is important to show others that these can be done at a reasonable cost. (finished pics too!)

[Pearl MCX Man]

Great idea nubdrummer. Just the right height off the floor. Do you find your kit sounds different on this riser.

[nubdrummer]

There's no discernible difference in sound on the riser. I have had the set on the same OSB sheets up on milk crates up til now, so I wouldn't expect a change. Once the carpet is glued down I'll check again.

[Mike_Honcho]

Awesome!! Might need some barb wire to keep the idiot guitar players from trying to jump all over it!!

Excellent design, kudos amigo.

[EddieV]

Been using the "buckets" for a couple months now. Club owners love it. Makes such a difference in the clubs and other venues that don't have a stage. A Casino manager that books us absolutely loved the idea.....but was a bit skeptical at first when we unloaded all these buckets on the stage floor. Everyone is amazed at how quick, easy and light it is. (cheap too!)