How to Make Boomwhackers

Written By
Robert Preston
Robert Preston
Published: Mar 11, 2011
Updated: Feb 23, 2021
2 minute read

Boomwhackers are simple percussion instruments which create tones when they are struck. Boomwhackers can be played in a variety of ways, such as using mallets to strike them, banging them together or whacking them against stationary items. The longer the boomwhacker is, the lower the tone is when struck, meaning a set of pipes of different lengths creates a musical instrument capable of playing many notes. The simplest way to make boomwhackers is to use the thin tube inserts that hold golf clubs in a soft golf bag.

Things You'll Need:

Things You Will Need

  • Permanent Marker (Optional)
  • Saw
  • Tape Measure
  • Percussion Mallets (Optional)
  • 5 Golf Club Tubes, 36 Inches Long
  • Tape
  • Cut one tube into two pieces, each 16 1/2 inches long. These are G notes. While only one G is needed for a set, the remaining tubing is long enough to create a second backup tube.

    Cut a section of tube 11 7/8 inches long and a section of tube 21 7/8 inches long from the second tube. These are high C and D, respectively.

    Cut a section 19 1/2 inches long and a section 14 1/4 inches long from the third tube. These are E and A, respectively.

    Cut a section of tubing 18 1/4 inches long and a section 12 3/4 inches long from the fourth tube. These are F and B, respectively.

    Cut a section of tube 24 5/8 inches long. This is low C.

    Mark each pipe and identify it using tape. Wrap each pipe with tape, then label the note with a permanent marker.

    Hit the boomwhackers with percussion mallets. You can also hit the boomwhackers against a flat surface or against each other to play different notes.

    Robert Preston

    Robert Preston is a professional writer who majored in journalism at The College of New Jersey. In addition to work for various websites, Preston has done public relations with Major League Lacrosse's New Jersey Pride organization, where…

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