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DIY instruments

Bring the Thunder: Build a Simple Sound Effects Tube

A thunder tube is a simple physical sound-effects maker. Its basic materials are a tube, spring and tape, with larger tube and spring sizes generally associated with a lower rumble.

By ThatPainter Team 1 min read

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A thunder tube is a simple physical sound-effects maker that produces a rumbling noise. The basic materials are a tube, a spring and tape; changing their sizes can change the sound. Make:’s project notes that a larger tube and spring generally produce a lower rumble, but do not specify dimensions or a complete attachment procedure.

What you need

  • A tube
  • A spring
  • Tape

These are the materials named in Caleb Kraft’s Make: project article, published March 31, 2015. It does not name particular products, materials grades or dimensions.

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How the materials affect the sound

The project describes varying the tube, spring and tape as a way to produce different sounds. Its general tuning guidance is that larger tubes and springs tend to make a lower rumble. Treat that as a qualitative starting point, not a measured or guaranteed result: the article reports no controlled comparison or pitch values.

Choice Sound guidance in the Make: article
Larger tube Generally associated with a lower rumble
Larger spring Generally associated with a lower rumble
Tape Can be varied to change the sound; a specific effect is not stated
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What the project article leaves unspecified

The Make: article identifies the materials and describes the intended rumbling sound, but it does not give exact dimensions or a full written procedure for attaching the spring. Those details cannot be supplied reliably from that description alone, so this article does not prescribe a particular size, attachment method or build sequence.

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  • It has a sound like thunder through the swing of the spring, which is so creative and practical to use.
  • Drum produces realistic stormy and thunder sounds, allowing children to explore diverse musical sound tube effects and enhance their auditory creativity
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For a play or other sound-effects use, the intended result is an impressive rumble made with a physical object rather than a recorded effect. The source does not report sound levels or establish how loud a particular build will be.

Rank #2
Hiboom 2 Pcs Thunder Tube and Thunder Sticks Noise Maker, Spring Drum Shaker Percussion Stormy Graphics ( 5.9" Diameter, 5.9" Length and 3.14" Diameter, 8.4" Length)
  • Size Combination: the product includes two detonators, large and small, the large one is 5.9 inches/15 cm in diameter and 5.9 inches/15 cm in height, and the small one is 3.14 inches/8 cm in diameter and 8.4 inches/21.4 cm in height; The 2 piece combination allows you and your partner to experience the sounds of detonators of different sizes together
  • Sound: a unique sound somewhere between a gong and a didgeridoo, this effect is created by a coil spring mounted on the pre-tuned head
  • Effect: rolling thunderstorm/thunderstorm, the sound of thunderstorm can be heard by using detonators, where large detonators produce louder sounds, and small detonators produce crisper sounds
  • How to Use: hold the detonator in your hand and shake it gently; The swing of the spiral spring can produce the effect of thunderstorm and thunderstorm
  • Multiple Uses: you can not only hear the sound of thunderstorms through these two detonators, but also use them to create music, and you can also use them for daily science popularization

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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