One of the most amazing drums I have ever seen is one that my mom came across somewhere -- she still has it-- it's a square wooden frame with clear packing tape stretched very tightly all across it. It's got a great sound for such a small drum, very boomy and resonant.

I have a feeling this might not work on a metal can, however, because pulling the packing tape so tight might cause the metal to collapse. Not to mention that the packing tape probably needs a bigger resonating chamber.

But I thought it was an incredibly clever material to use.