What kind of instruments are best to use during ancestor worship

[Spiderman]

So, if I'm at a bonfire making an offering and chanting, what kind of instruments do you find to be most spiritually conducive. Drums obviously...does it matter what kind of drum? What is the price and where does a person get one?

 

[lovesong]

I agree, drums. They seem to always be god-awful expensive though. You could try making one, if you have the time, and the skill. I prefer to scour thrift stores, yard sales, and flea markets looking for them. I'm on such a tight budget that the best I've got are two sets of bongos, one mini set and one less mini lap-sized set. They aren't the best for the job, but it's what I've got so far. I make due well enough.

 

[lovesong]

Another thought; tambarines. Half drum, half rattle, mobile for use while dancing, and cheap.

 

[sojourner]

So, if I'm at a bonfire making an offering and chanting, what kind of instruments do you find to be most spiritually conducive. Drums obviously...does it matter what kind of drum? What is the price and where does a person get one?

In case you’re still interested, from what I’ve learned, North American spirits respond best to the drum, although you could use a rattle. I just found a 14” hand drum through Musicians Friend for about $55 or so. It’s called a “Comfort Sound Buffalo Drum” by Remo. Comes with a cheap beater. It’s a nice drum with a nice sound. Remo also makes Buffalo Drums in 8, 10, 12, 16 and I think a 22” size. I found the 14” to have the best resonant sound for my ear.

 

[DanishCrow]

A rattle is indispensable for any spirit work, and is easily made: Purchase or grow a gourd of some kind, hollow and dry it out, throw in some gravel, stones, beads or even buckshot, fashion or find a handle, and glue the gourd so it the hole fits tightly to the handle. Anything goes, though: My first teachers favorite rattle was a kids musician rattle she bought at a yard sale.

I personally love my home-made drums, but there are a lot of good drum makers out there. As always, ask around and use your gut feeling.

 

[sojourner]

A rattle is indispensable for any spirit work, and is easily made: Purchase or grow a gourd of some kind, hollow and dry it out, throw in some gravel, stones, beads or even buckshot, fashion or find a handle, and glue the gourd so it the hole fits tightly to the handle. Anything goes, though: My first teachers favorite rattle was a kids musician rattle she bought at a yard sale.

I personally love my home-made drums, but there are a lot of good drum makers out there. As always, ask around and use your gut feeling.

Well, yes, because the rattle breaks up hoocha.