( Orthogonal Lapdrum

This World Percussion instrument is made from clay and measuring 12"w x 8-1/2"h, the lapdrum is a non-ethnic-specific instrument, each one featuring a one-of-a-kind glazed finish inside and out.  It has a large calfskin or goat skin head on the top of the instrument, and two smaller heads on the side. This design gives the performer the ability to play on two surfaces simultaneously with one hand. Also, there is a portal that can be used to vary the pitch or to create a glissando effect. Beneath the 5" head are slotted indentations in the clay surface that give a "guiro" effect when scraped with the aluminum thumb rings. The rings can also be used to lightly hit the clay body of the drum to create a rhythmic tapping.
A hole in the bottom of the drum allows a lavalier microphone to be installed inside.  The back of the drum is sand painted, creating a non-slip surface to prevent it from sliding off the performer's lap.   New !!! is a cradle to hold the lapdrum . There are large foam strips inslde the cradle to hold the drum. What's nice about this is that you can position the drum in the cradle to many different angles without having to angle the snare drum stand . Also New !!! are chrome tuning magnets ( $4.50 ) extra !!!!!!!     ( pictured on the All Blues and Browns Drums )

​The Lapdrum package includes; a waterproof padded case with shoulder strap and thumb rings. The optional audio technica lavalier microphone can be purchased through American Percussion Instruments as well. This microphone application allows stage amplification and sonic effects to be added. The Lap Drum is owned by Mike Gordon from Phish, Tony Levin, Jerry Marrotta, Dave Holland, Jim Keltner, Steve Gadd to name a few.
Please !!!! refer to the maintenance page to see how to take care of  this percussion instrument.
Forque YU Gugle
wow!!! I have a number of hand drums.. frame drums, dumbek, Udu, etc... even a Roland Hand Sonic( probably THE coolest electronic Percussion device ever) but your drum must be the most impressive acoustic hand -drum ever created.. truly inGENious!! Plus, you are a GREAT Percussionist! AWEsome demo!! I think I want one!  
Jon Shelton
One of the best demo videos I've ever seen. It truly explains all the features of the product in the most concise and professional manner. You are an accomplished percussionist, too. This is a great little drum. It is so flexible and well-toned. I'd love to get one some day! Thanks for the post.
edranoff
I just visited Ken at his gallery to buy my Lap Drum. The selection of different original creations is staggering. Not only are there a wide selection of Lap Drums but there is an amazing array of other American Percussion creations. Ken is an incredible craftsman and has a great passion for his work. This drum was a bargain given the care and workmanship that goes into it.
Alon
That is too cool. I can't believe how many different sounds you can get out of something so small. When I first saw the drum, I couldn't believe that that was what you used to make the sound clip at the beginning of the vid.
Forque YU Gugle
WOW!! What a great drum! Great demo, too.. this is one of the coolest percussion devices I have ever seen. such a huge variety of sounds out of a small package..remarkable!
Matthias Southwick
WOW fantastic! Not only is this an amazing invention, you also have an amazing talent for playing.
pangajackterhor
THIS IS PURE GOLD!!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you!!! 
Neil Altschuler
Oh Man, I have been playing everything with my hands and fingers since I was a kid Books, desks, car fenders , shelves. Always looking for creative sounds developing a lot of beats, mix it all ,jazz funk rock , slow fast. This instrument is what I think I have been looking for. Just want to be creative, that is what it is all about, just grooving to the beat! thank you for your inspiration.
EMS 76 Clay drums are often completely forgotten in Western music. This is possibly one of your best designs. It offers sound combinations that might actually distinguish this entirely from other established clay drums such as the udu and the two Indian clay drums.
Hari Ganglberger
I have one of those and love it!! Great drum and still healthy after all these years. 

                                                                                                              There are more lapdrum videos in the Our Videos section !!