As a final lab project for the term you will construct an instrument based on some of the physics principles that we have addressed in this course. The objective is to have a playable instrument by the last week of classes. The next six class periods and lab period are devoted to this to help provide the time needed. Here are some possible choices:
A better flute! I have some (a limited number) of wooden flute blanks are available. This will take about 10 hours to complete.
Chimes - you can build off of what we did in the lab. A low cost choice would be steel electrical conduit (3/4 EMT) available at most hardware stores. Aluminum would be more expensive but might sound better.
Simple Major Scale Marimba (this could take a while but is doable if you are ambitious and have the time!)
Simple acoustic tubes/percussion (like boom-whackers!). 2" PVC tubing would work well
More sophist aced stringed instruments (extending what we did with the monochord lab project)
Design your own! Combine elements of different instruments! (no bag pipes PLEASE!!)
I have provided a few links but you can find lots of ideas just by searching on the web.
How Your Project Will be Graded:
Originality
Some projects are more "original" than others - building from a kit, though valid is clearly not as original as a "DIY from scratch". Each will be graded accordingly.
/10
Quality of work
Neatness counts! What does the instrument look/feel like? As well, how complex is your instrument - this too needs to be considered.
/20
Relevant Exploration of Underlying Science
Written explanation of the underlying physical principles - applying the physics that you have learned.
Please include relevant waveforms, FFTs and discussions of the main components of the instruments as well as their function. Also note any problems that you encountered as well as what you did to remedy them.
/40
Playability!
The instrument should be capable of producing an accurate musical scale and be playable. Note: you do not necessarily need to play the instrument but is should - in principle - be playable by a performer with necessary skill!