PVC Instrument

This is a great and fun to play instrument. I will give you simple instructions to follow so that you too can build your own unique instrument. On mine, there are 3 octaves, plus an extra C. If you plan everything right, it can be easy to build. Special thanks to Snubby J who first inspired me to build one. I used ABS pipe even though I called it a PVC instrument.

Here is a demonstration of how it sounds.

 

 

Step 1: Materials Needed

Shown in photo:
-2" ABS/PVC Piping
-2" ABS/PVC Elbows
-2" ABS/PVC Couplings
-Tuner
-Measuring Tape
-Pipe cutter (a hacksaw will work too, but it makes the edges rough)
Not Shown in Photo:
-2x4 and 2x10's
-2 1/2" Bore
-ABS/PVC Cement
-Power tools and screws
-Castor Wheels (Optional)

Comments

[johnman747]

I was wondering how many pvc elbows/couplings you used? Where did you use the bore's? and what did you use the 2x10 for?

[TheVortex]

how did you calculate the tube lengths that were not in snubby j's list? did you use a formula? Thanks for the help

[tallman1996]

I found a formula online from a guy named Nate True. He gives this formula:

Tube Length (in) = (13300/(2*Frequency))+(Tube Diameter/2)

You can get the conversion from note to frequency here:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Piano_key_frequencies

[nszenderski]

how much piping did you have to get total? my friends and i are doing this for a project and we need to know soon if you dont mind. thanks

[hungyhipo 2]

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=215625978450662&set=a.164474316899162.40695.147661245247136&type=1&theater

This chart will show you all the lengths of pipes you need so you dont have to build exactly what you see in the ible.

http://www.seventhstring.com/resources/notefrequencies.html

This link will give you note frequencies so you can calculate pipe lenghts if you want to use different notes that aren't in the table.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Piano_key_frequencies

Id use the google sketchup to see how to get pipe to fit in

[Oimi]

How do you use sketchup for this? I have never used it before. Please help.

[hungyhipo 2]

I don't really know how to help you. Just dive in and try it out

[tallman1996]

If you are going to build an instrument with the same proportions as mine and to compensate for any mistakes you might make, you should expect to buy at least 120 feet of pipe. Many times I accidentally cut a pipe too short and had to cut out a new one. I know it sounds like a lot but it all fits in there. I bought mine in 20 foot lengths and they aren't too expensive.
Let me know if you have any more questions, and how your instrument turns out.
Good luck!

[Oimi]

What type of wood did you use?

[tallman1996]

I just used regular construction grade 2X4's and 2X10's bought from Home Depot. I think it's pine though I'm not really sure.

[mholtke]

You mention that your paddles were purchased online. From where? I have searched and havent been able to fing any yet.

Thanks,

Dean

[tallman1996]

I purchased them from "Snubby J", another person with his own pvc instrument. I had to personally email him and he sold me a pair for about $50. I was able to find his email address on facebook.

[TheVortex]

Amazing instrument, thanks for the instructions!
I just have 2 questions, if you don't mind;
1: What did you use to fine-tune the PVC pipes?
2:where did you get those gorgeous paddles?
Thank you for your time!

[tallman1996]

To fine tune each note, I just used a digital tuner which basically just tells you if you're sharp, flat, or right on. You can get one at pretty much any music store. You can also download a tuner app to an iphone or iPod. As for the paddles, I purchased them from snubbyj. If you have watched PVC instrument videos on youtube, you have probably seen one of his. I just emailed him and asked him about his paddles. If you don't want to buy any, you can make your own too, just experiment with different types of soft materials. Let me know if you have any more questions.

[TheVortex]

Actually, what I was wondering is, when you fine-tuned, did you approximately chop out pieces of tubes, or did you use some kind of sand-paper to be really precise?
Thanks again
P.S. I might have other questions when I actually start building :)

[tallman1996]

I mostly used just the pipe cutter, at the scale of this instrument using sandpaper would not make a big enough difference for even the digital tuner to notice. If you want to make a small change just cut off around a quarter inch.

[mholtke]

I am going to help my son build one of these instruments. Is there any way you could upload some more detailed photos of the wooden frame. Maybe a side view and details showing the center support. Thanks!

[mholtke]

Thanks for the additional photos! That helps a lot. Thanks again for posting your project.

Dean

[tallman1996]

I added some more pictures to step 3. Let me know if this works or if you need more details. Thanks!

[tallman1996]

Thanks for the suggestion, I'll get working on it. I'll let you know when I've added that information.

[William930]

How many octaves are nessesary for playing most songs? I want to build a more portable version of this. Great instructable by the way!

[tallman1996]

My instrument has 3 octaves. So far, that has worked for me in most songs. 2 octaves would be cutting a little close and would limit you. 4 octaves would be ideal but would require a lot more work and money. Unless you have the time and money, I would recommend starting with 3 octaves.

If you choose you may also add extra notes to even things out. My instrument actually has 3 octaves plus 1 note so I have a C as my top and bottom notes.

Let me know if you have any more questions. I also want to know how your instrument turns out.

Good Luck!

[William930]

cool, thanks for your help

[bwells2]

How much did the entire instrument cost to built

[tallman1996]

Mine ended up costing about $200-$300. Because of my lack of money though, it took me about 6 months to build. You can make a simpler a cheaper model though by having less notes and a cheaper base. Where I live, the pipe cost about $6 for ten feet. Lumber costs about $4-$6 depending on what size you get.

[mikeasaurus]

Wow, amazing instrument! Can't wait to see the video and hear you play it!

[tallman1996]

New Video! I've got more songs now!

[mikeasaurus]

sounds great, you're really good!

[tallman1996]

The video is up!

[nof-z]

can you give me a list of the pipe lengths? that would make this so much easier to do.

[tallman1996]

I have made a list of the notes lengths, but it is quite extensive. Calculating your lengths is not difficult though. You will find a formula to plug everything into at this website, http://devices.natetrue.com/pvc/pvcphase1.htm The frequencies of all the notes are found at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Piano_key_frequencies I started at note number 52 as my highest note and went down to note number 16 as my lowest note. If you still want the full list, let me know and I'll PM you.

[nof-z]

ok, thanks, but i would still like those lengths, as long as you don't have to take the ting apart, it looks so nice.

[rimar2000]

It sounds better than I waited! Congratulations.

[rimar2000]

What a big and clever work! It seems a nice instrument. Can you put a MP3?

[tallman1996]

Thanks! I am working on getting a video posted for people to watch.

[rimar2000]

OK, please PM me when done.