A PERCUSSION INSTRUMENT -- Using Found Objects
by Thinkenstein in Outside > Launchers
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A PERCUSSION INSTRUMENT -- Using Found Objects
"The Phoenix" is percussion instrument that recycles found objects. The objects are organized in space on a frame made of PVC pipe and standard pipe fittings. They are mounted to the base using heat-formed PVC connecting units, pop rivets, nuts and bolts, hose clamps, or other means.
It is unlikely that any two collections of found objects will be the same, so the finished instruments will also be different and involve user creativity to solve unique mounting problems that may arise. Some collections may use legs and sit on the floor. Some may be mounted to a wall, or hang from a ceiling, or involve any combination of the above.
The objects are mounted in space so that they do not touch, and will vibrate independently of each other to avoid buzzing or rattling sounds. Only available materials limit size and the variety of sounds that can be produced. "The Phoenix" can be played with drumsticks of metal or wood.
It is unlikely that any two collections of found objects will be the same, so the finished instruments will also be different and involve user creativity to solve unique mounting problems that may arise. Some collections may use legs and sit on the floor. Some may be mounted to a wall, or hang from a ceiling, or involve any combination of the above.
The objects are mounted in space so that they do not touch, and will vibrate independently of each other to avoid buzzing or rattling sounds. Only available materials limit size and the variety of sounds that can be produced. "The Phoenix" can be played with drumsticks of metal or wood.
THE BASE
The base for mounting the found objects is made of PVC pipe and standard pipe fittings. Once the objects are organized, I use PVC cement to join the connections in the base so that the base will not fall apart under heavy use. I do not cement the pipes of the found object connecting units into the base sockets. That way I can remove them later for tinkering or transportation purposes.
This particular base is half attached to a table edge and half suspended by wires from overhead in order to adapt to its unique location in my house. PVC pipe legs could be used instead to make it a free-standing instrument.
This particular base is half attached to a table edge and half suspended by wires from overhead in order to adapt to its unique location in my house. PVC pipe legs could be used instead to make it a free-standing instrument.
HEAT FORMING
PVC (polyvinyl chloride) is a thermoplastic. It softens with heat and holds its shape when it cools. It can be sawed, drilled, filed, and scraped with common workshop tools. It can be heated over a gas stove to soften large areas. A propane torch can be used for heating smaller areas.
Because it can be so flexibly formed, it is an ideal material for holding the found objects at any location in space. It can conform itself to irregular shapes, and can be attached to them with pop rivets, nuts and bolts, hose clamps or by other means.
Objects that are struck will sound differently if they are held in different locations. If a bell object is held at the base it will ring clearly. If it is held at the lip, the sound will be deadened. Each object has to be experimented with to find the best place to hold it.
Because it can be so flexibly formed, it is an ideal material for holding the found objects at any location in space. It can conform itself to irregular shapes, and can be attached to them with pop rivets, nuts and bolts, hose clamps or by other means.
Objects that are struck will sound differently if they are held in different locations. If a bell object is held at the base it will ring clearly. If it is held at the lip, the sound will be deadened. Each object has to be experimented with to find the best place to hold it.
MOUNTING THE FOUND OBJECTS
Most of the found objects are attached to one end of customized PVC connecting pieces, usually with pop rivets or bolts. The other end of the connecting pieces fits into sockets in the base fittings.
Unique problems are met with unique solutions and the result is a unique instrument.
Unique problems are met with unique solutions and the result is a unique instrument.
THIS IS HOW IT SOUNDS
I hope this works for you. Try clicking on the MP3 file in the image window. With luck, you can download the audio file and hear how THE PHOENIX sounds.
As an added bonus you get to hear some of the local frogs in the background.
Enjoy!
As an added bonus you get to hear some of the local frogs in the background.
Enjoy!