A PERCUSSION INSTRUMENT -- using found objects

"The Phoenix" is percussion instrument that recycles found objects. The objects are organized in space on a frame made of PVC pipe and standard pipe fittings. They are mounted to the base using heat-formed PVC connecting units, pop rivets, nuts and bolts, hose clamps, or other means.

It is unlikely that any two collections of found objects will be the same, so the finished instruments will also be different and involve user creativity to solve unique mounting problems that may arise. Some collections may use legs and sit on the floor. Some may be mounted to a wall, or hang from a ceiling, or involve any combination of the above.

The objects are mounted in space so that they do not touch, and will vibrate independently of each other to avoid buzzing or rattling sounds. Only available materials limit size and the variety of sounds that can be produced. "The Phoenix" can be played with drumsticks of metal or wood.

Step 1: THE BASE

The base for mounting the found objects is made of PVC pipe and standard pipe fittings. Once the objects are organized, I use PVC cement to join the connections in the base so that the base will not fall apart under heavy use. I do not cement the pipes of the found object connecting units into the base sockets. That way I can remove them later for tinkering or transportation purposes.

This particular base is half attached to a table edge and half suspended by wires from overhead in order to adapt to its unique location in my house. PVC pipe legs could be used instead to make it a free-standing instrument.

Comments

[Overbuilder]

This is marvelous, especially the manipulation of the PVC.  Great collection of objects, and your recording is intriguing.  Jamie Muir would be proud.  [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JgRZtofq5Mo].  Nicely posted.

[Thinkenstein]

Glad you liked my instrument.  Thanks for the cool link.  Very unusual music.  King Crimson is new to me. 

[korn581]

Did you use your hands free recorder for this recording?

[Thinkenstein]

Yes. A Radio Shack dictation recorder. About $50 if I recall correctly.

[cowscankill]

I like the sound! Very original. And where do you live, might I ask? It seems all of your instructables have old, worn things in them.

[Thinkenstein]

Glad you like. I live in backwoods Puerto Rico. I do a lot of recycling. Check out my web site -- listed on profile page.

[davebrown]

the octopus parts look awesome good job do you stand up as you play this instrument or can you reach everything from a seat?

[Thinkenstein]

Thanks. I play it standing up. The idea is to organize things compactly, so that you can move between them quickly. Since you can locate things anywhere in the space around you, you could organize it for playing sitting down.

[thepelton]

Reminds me of the group called "Stomp".

[the_crikster]

Neat! Reminds me of the percussion Skeleton Key uses along side a regular drum kit.

[ChrysN]

Cool, do you have any audio of how this would sound?

[Thinkenstein]

Not yet. Is there any way to tack an audio file onto the instructable?

[ChrysN]

I think you can upload it as you would an image file, and it will appear as a clickable object in your instructable.

[Thinkenstein]

Thanks for the idea, ChrysN. I just added on an MP3 audio file and it seems to work. It's a fun way to finish the instructable.

[ChrysN]

That sounds amazing!

[Thinkenstein]

Thanks.