iNTRO- HOW TO MAKE A MINIATURE INSTRUMENT PLAYED LIKE A PIANO.

This Instructable illustrates the steps in making a stringed instrument to which piano keys are added and played like a piano over 2 octaves. This Instructable is based on my earlier Instructable on making a mini-zither {posted Aug.5, 2009. but adds keys.

aKMiniPiano9-30-09 019.MOV
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Step 1: MATERIALS-Preliminary Instructions

This step will describe the device . I initially made a stringed instrument I called a zither in my earlier Instructable titled "how to make a mini-zither of 2 octaves" Please refer to it for basics of using elastic poly-string materials and tuning. However, I included another resonating box construction that is of a smaller dimension for this piano project. After making the assembly, stringing, tuning, etc. the final step is to add piano-like keys which I have outlined in my Lab-Book pages here for ease of assembly.
A little input here is required. A true piano has keys that strike the wire strings. I have deviated from this mechanism by inventing a different method of sounding the string note. It entails a novel method of grabbing the string with an adhesive pad that then pulls the string up , releases it to sound a note.The adhesive I have chosen is Uglu (r) by Mactac {www.ugluit.com} .Packages for a dollar are available from craft stores.
Packages contain enough adhesive strips for several instruments. Other adhesive tapes (two-sided) can be used as Scotch[R] mounting adhesive or Foam- tapes for mounting pictures on a wall.
      Lifting arm- Use coffee-stirring sticks of wood.See details in note book.
      Tubing - again I found stir sticks of plastic would work that a coat-hanger wire would feed in-to. Wire is used as an axle for the keys to rotate on.
       Gluing the wood sticks to the tubes is done with paste type adhesives as two part epoxy. {Eclectic Products Super-mend epoxy.}
       Keys- Use vertically mounted wood sticks glue to end.
       Weights- used for application of downward force to the glue tipped wood sticks onto the strings.I found Plumbers solder to be easily formed to correct weight. I experimented with wire springs and found them hard to set correct down pressure.
       Overall covering- any plastic and cardboard to locate the keys as in a piano.

Step 2: SOUNDING BOX

USED A CIGAR BOX AS A RESONATOR.IT GAVE A LOUD ,CLEAR NOTE SOUNDING.

A hole was drilled in one side about 1 inch diameter. With this I could place a wireless Mike and get a very loud musical sound. I used a Hanna Montana mike for $6.00 .
To repair- Remove the wire axle carefully from one end and lift off the key that needs repair.

Step 3: ASSEMBLY OF KEYS

Assembly of keys and adhesive tapes.

1-layout of sticks for each note.
Apply a square of tape to ends of all sticks
lay sticks side-by-side so they are spaced 1/2 inch apart , with one end with adhesive touches a string. Apply a strip of scotch clear tape over the sticks on the arrangment outlined.Carfully remove the assembly of sticks and lay on a flat surface.Dont let the adhesive stick tips touch anything.
2- Assembly of sticks to the plastic tubing- lay tubing across sticks and apply glue under each stick and over the tubing .
3-sepparting sticks- Use Exacto blade and cut beteen each stick. Run the coat-hanger wire through the tubes after the assembly is placed into mounting rsonator.
4-Weights are added-Cut to length and fold 3 times and glue to ends of sticks.
5- Keys. cut some sticks and mount sideways with Goop adhesives.

Step 4: COMPLETION

Complete the assembly- This box design uses cross bars that support the the wire axle.
Test the sticks and adhesion to the strings.It should be a sharp release note that sounds for 2 seconds until the key is released and is now non-vibrating state. Use a block of Poly foam[urethane] to stop the down word travel of the keys. see note book pages and pictures..
Add a piece of card board above the keys and mark the sharps notes locations.

THIS COMPLETES THE PIANO ASSEMBLY-- HAVE FUN PLAYING. [Let me know of any problems.