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.

*New Video*

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

[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

[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!

[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.