Virtual Drums from Junk

So, I've spent the morning building a drum set out of found objects and homemade instruments... but I'm not building it physically. I'm building it inside the computer as a .sfz file.

Then the .sfz file is loaded into the Dimension LE program that came with my new sound interface and, voila, instant found objects drum set.

Here's a sample: Download Drum Sample

So what's making those sounds?

Most of the actual drum sounds were made by tapping a cardboard cigar box and then editing the .wav file to get a sound like the particular drum.

The snare portion of the snare drum, part of the hi-hat sound, and all the shaker type sounds where made with the Witch Gourd Jug (pictured) which, in addition to being a musical jug, also contains gravel and can be played as a maraca.

The cymbals were made using our dogs' metal water dish, partially full of water.

I think this experiment worked pretty well. Maybe some of the drum sounds could be tightened up a bit to get a better thump. And the ride cymbal plays a little too loud... but all fixable.