Another name for this type of instrument is a Spring Drum, Thunder Drum or Thunder Box, but in this case they are called Thunder Gourds!  

A Thunder Gourd is basically a drum made out of a gourd, with a spring attached to the drumhead.  When the spring is shaken, it creates vibrations that are amplified through the drumhead into the gourd resembling sounds like a thunder storm; it is impressive!   

If you have questions about any of them, please email me.  I have a few more to upload, and I will include a description and prices on them as well.  They typically run anywhere from $55 to about $150 for the biggest size I carry, plus $10 for shipping.  If there is a specific design that might interest you, let me know and I could probably come up with it, or I might just have it but not displayed. 

This is a Native American Style Flute and Thunder-Gourd combo made from a single long handle dipper gourd.  First one I've made but working on more. 

If you are interested in making your own thunder drum, it is easy and not very expensive.  Some common materials would be PVC pipe or even thick cardboard tubbing; typically 3-4 inches in diameter and about 8-10 inches tall.  If you choose to make them out of gourds, they are fairly easy to find, and usually any shape works well as long as the gourd is thick.  I sell the springs ready for use at $5 each, and the drumhead material for one drum is $1.  Rawhide works great if you know how to work with it and keep it tight. 

Once you have a flat surface (bottom side of the pipe, tubbing or gourd) you can glue the drumhead with superglue and let it dry.  After drying, cut around the edges if you haven't already, then with a heat gun you apply heat evenly on the drumhead, and this will stretch it so it is nice and tight.  Poke a hole right in the middle with a thumb tack and insert the ready spring, twisting as if you are screwing it into the drumhead enough for it to stay on.  Finally you put a small drop of superglue to fasten the spring, and your thunder drum is done.  On my gourds I cut out different designs primarily for looks, but it isn't necessary, the sound will still come out.  If you do have any questions, feel free to email me at any time.