Musical Instruments Homemade


Musical Instruments Homemade

(This Page Was Updated Or Reviewed On: 12-25-14)

(HOMEPAGE - Robin Maynes - Comprehensive Musician)

*Hint: Click the thumbnail to enlarge image

 

1_blue_wc.jpg (40548 bytes) When moved by the wind, these wind chimes sing an improvised melody using the pitches from a "C sixth/ninth" chord.
2_redgreen_wc.jpg (59462 bytes)

When moved by the wind, these wind chimes sing an improvised melody using the pitches from a "C sixth chord with an 

augmented fourth".

3_silverblack_wc.jpg (43948 bytes)

When moved by the wind, these silver & gold wind chimes sing an improvised melody using the pitches from an "E sixth/

ninth chord" with no root (E). The black wind chimes sing an improvised melody using the pitches from an "F sixth chord" 

with no 5th. The gold wind chimes sing a melody using the pitches from a half-diminished B chord.

4_timbale_sticks.jpg (43231 bytes)

These sets of timbale sticks are make of oak, 3/8" in diameter and 15" long. I use these with students Kindergarten 

through 2nd grades.

5_TrashCan_Rockers.jpg (52049 bytes)

These large sticks were made from an old broomstick I found in the alley. They represent what I used when learning 

percussion while growing up. I used them to pound out rhythms on metal trash cans; hence, Trash Can Rockers.

6_Timbale_and_Drum_sticks.jpg (98674 bytes)

These oak and hickory timbale sticks (and oak drumsticks) represent some of the tools I create for professional 

percussionists. I make them to their specifications and in a variety of lengths, thickness and styles.

7_Shakuhachi.jpg (46816 bytes)

These two Shakuhachi Flutes are made to specifications to blow a "D prime" set of limited pitches. They took many

hours to construct but play beautifully. They are made of pvc plastic pipe. 

8_NativeAmerican_Type_SideBlown_Flutes.jpg (44284 bytes)

These two Native American type side-blown Flutes are made to specifications to blow a "D prime" and "G prime" 

respectively and are made with pvc plastic pipe and shoelace that I found. They produce a beautiful tone.

9_Gourd_Rattles.jpg (50521 bytes)

After growing / drying my gourds, I cut this gourd at the small of the neck, shook out the seeds and scraped out the 

debris inside. The handles are mulberry. I saved the seeds for the next crop to make more Gourd Rattles.

10_Orchestral_Whip.jpg (57462 bytes)

Using found materials (and two 30 cent handles) I created a manual Orchestra Whip. It works very well and has 

been used in school performances by some of my students. 

11_Jingle_Bells.jpg (62444 bytes)

This set of Jingle Bells cost me around $6 to make. I incorporated a light stick inside of it -- which has 7 different 

settings. It has been used in numerous Christmas Concerts by my many students. 

12_DogSticks.jpg (52582 bytes)

These two Dog Sticks cost me nothing to make. But they do -- indirectly -- create music. I take one or the other with 

me while I'm jogging. If I'm approached by a vicious dog, I slap it down; creating a haunting song difficult to duplicate.

SPRATTLE.jpg (201144 bytes)

I created this "SPRATTLE" (seed pod rattle) to accompany an orchestral piece I composed entitled "Apache Spring". It cost 

about $1 to make but took many hours to create. I used twines and seed pods from my bottle tree. 

 


(HOMEPAGE - Robin Maynes - Comprehensive Musician)