Our Drum Family

Our frame drum with jingles is one of a 'family' of three drums:

the 'riq,'
the 'tambourine,'
the 'tar-rine.'

The riq is is the smallest (9") of the 3 yet notably heaviest because of the weight of the jingles. It has a high pitched tone.

The tar-rine is the largest of the 3 (12") and more difficult to hold and to play for this reason.

The tambourine is sized between these 2 (10") and is best suited for the beginner.

In time, you may enjoy owning and playing all 3 for their variety of tones.

To Purchase a Biblical Drum

In Canada:

To purchase a Remo Lotus frame drum with jingles or a basic tar, contact:

use the Contact Us page in this site
order through Long & McQuade or your local music supply store.

In the U.S.A

order from Remo through your local music stores.

A Drum Case

Make your own drum case

I have seen a very beautiful case quilted by the drummer. You can design and make your own case, using sewing or quilting for example. Just be careful to build in adequate padding, top, bottom and sides so your case protects your drum's skin, frame and jingles.

Purchase a drum case

Alternatively, you may choose to purchase a case. Here are a few considerations that come from the tough school of experience!

Some cases are very good, yet costly.
Many cases will have no inset sides or inset sides with no padding to protect your jingles.
Don't let a music store dealer talk you into buying a case designed for any other kind of drum, including orchestral tambourines, hi-hats, or a cymbal case. We do not play those instruments! Cases for those instruments do not work for our drums.
When you want to purchase a case, go to a dealer with your drum. Have him or her measure it carefully: the diameter (outside jingle to outside jingle) AND the height of the drum. We play a 10"drum with an 11 1/2" diameter because of the jingles. And our drum has 3 1/2" sides. The case needs to fit and protect all parts of our drum!
Our drums are not well known by music store dealers.
Expect to pay $30-$50 for a case.

The Grover Pro 12 case is moderately priced. The Meinl is more expensive but has excellent padding, sides, top and bottom.

In Canada, Long and McQuade orders these for our drummers and perhaps your local music supply store as well.

In the U.S.A., contact your local drum supply stores.

Caring for your drum

The Lotus tambourine frame drum is a professional instrument. It deserves proper care.

When it is out of its case or box, always lay your drum skin down, frame up on a clean flat surface.
If you are transporting and/or keeping the drum in its box, be sure to safeguard the piece of cardboard that comes inside the box. That piece of cardboard protects the fragile German silver jingles. Take time to replace the piece on your drum by sliding the cardboard from the bottom of the frame up to the jingles. Do not force the piece of cardboard over the skin side.
When putting your drum in its box or case, ensure the balance block (attached to the inside of the frame) is at the bottom. This also helps protect the jingles and support the drum.
In your home and at group gatherings, keep the drum away from sunlight, heat vents and drafts. Care for them as you would a computer. Consider setting the drum on a table or stand where you pass often during the day. This will tempt you to pick it up and drum a stroke or two, a pattern, an entire piece as you go through the day!
During the summer, never leave your drum in the car, even for a quick stop. This drum is very sensitive to heat and in heat, it breaks down very quickly. Your drum loves air-conditioning; your car heats up so fast! Ask any dog or infant left in a car during the summer!
There is no need to wash the drum or jingles under normal use. The skin does not need waxing or oiling.
Wash your hands before you play!
If your drum sounds high pitched, practise! With use, the sound becomes lower.
A frame drum becomes a very personal part of you. Lending it to others or letting grandchildren play with it are not advised. Some drummers come to name their drum as they discover all it represents to them and the holy moments that come through it.