Floppy Disk Percussion

Intro: Floppy Disk Percussion

This is a modern version of a traditional Japanese instrument called the kokiriko or bin zasara. It's often sold with the generic name of "Latin percussion instrument." Instead of rope and wood, I'm using paracord and floppy disks. The sound isn't quite the same, but it's still fun to play with and put to use a pile of floppies we had lying around the office. Check out the video for an example of how it looks and sounds in action.

STEP 1: Supplies

For this I used:

• 34 floppy disks
• 200 washers
• 2 bolts
• 4 nuts
• 4 feet of paracord

STEP 2: Drill the Holes

Drill two holes in all of the floppies near the corners. These are where the paracord will be going through.

For two of the disks, also drill out a larger hole in the middle for the bolt to go through.

STEP 3: Tying Them Together

Feed the paracord through the holes in one of the end floppies and then use 3 small washers. Repeat over and over again with the regular floppies until you run out of floppies and/or washers.

STEP 4: Use End Pieces and Tie Off

For the last piece, add one of the disks with the hole in the middle and tie a knot in the paracord.

Not shown: tighten it up and tie off the paracord on the other side as well.

STEP 5: Add the Handles

Using a bolt, a washer and a couple nuts, combine them all together to form the handles.

STEP 6: You're Done!

And that's it. You can now start playing with your floppy disk kokiriko! Make some noise or just play with making some cool shapes.

Comments

[skreutz2]

I made this exactly like the instructions with different colored floppy discs and those big screw handles. But it put too much stress on the end discs and it broke after like 2 or 3 playings. So I modified it and put two wood blocks on the ends with drawer knobs screwed into the ends with lock tight and they have held up well. It needs the added reinforcement of the wooden ends. I preform in children's comedy music and magic shows. I love this instrument. It is so colorful with the different colored floppy disks.

[redsoxdrummer]

cool......i think ill use sumother stuff lying round the hous..........bring it to skool so we dont hav 4 or 5 peepol playin on the same drum!

[vomajeff]

Finally!  A good use for floppy's.  Nice instructable, I'll have to give it a try!!

[HotPinkBulb]

 There is something very aesthetically pleasing about a stack of floppy disks. I think I may make a version that turns the floppys into a melodeon of sorts.

[lemonie]

Neat. Nice addition to the contest.

L

[fungus amungus]

It was originally planned for the dead computer contest, but I wasn't going to win anyway and didn't rush it.

[lemonie]

It fits this contest better I think. I agree on not rushing things.

L

[HotPinkBulb]

 I think I originally started my vintage mac for a laser cutter contest.. or something along those lines!

[zascecs]

 Very cool.

Now, if only you could add a small microphone and an amp to it...

[zascecs]

By the way, congratulations on your 101st Instructable! 

[fungus amungus]

Thanks! But since that number also includes guides I still have a little ways to go before I crack 100. This puts me at 88.

[zascecs]

I see... 

[Chromatica]

Awesome.

[kcls]

Cool! I will vote for this!