Description
For the musical band unit, we were tasked with the project of creating three instruments - strings, chimes, and wind. These instruments had to be able to play the entire concert scale (C, D, E, F, G, A, and B). After completing this, we were to explain how we had designed these instruments to make each note and the wavelengths, frequencies, and ratios associated with our instruments. In addition, we should have written a song to perform but due to time limits we did not have time for that.
String Instrument
For our string instrument we created a guitar-like thingy. First, we got a wooden board about three feet long. Then, we attached a glass jar to it by wrapping fishing wire around it and screwing it into the wood. After that, we ran two strings down the length of the board and attached those. We then glued on frets at the appropriate intervals so the strings would vibrate at the frequency necessary to produce the desired note. The strings ran over the top of the jar so the jar would resonate with the strings and produce a louder sound.
Chimes Instrument
To make our chimes instrument, we first made a wooden frame. Then, we ran strings through the copper tubes and secured the strings to the wooden frame. When we cut the tubes, we used ratios found online. Unfortunately, due to the materials we used, the ratio did not work out as well as planned and the notes were off-pitch.
Ratios: 94% (of the original length)
89.5%
86.6%
81.7%
77.5%
73%
Ratios: 94% (of the original length)
89.5%
86.6%
81.7%
77.5%
73%
Wind Instrument
For our wind instrument, we made a PVC trumpet/flute hybrid. We used ratios found online to find out where to drill the holes in the pipe. This was to change the wavelength to the appropriate length to change the pitch. If you cover all the holes the wavelength is longer and produces a longer note(C4), than if you leave all holes uncovered(B5).
Reflection
Thinking back on this project, there were some things I could have improved on. Two pits were time management and focus, and I will continue to improve upon. Two peaks were playing with music and physics, two of my favorite things! Overall, this was a great project and I enjoyed it.