Q&A for How to Make a Xylophone

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What kind of wood is the base of a xylophone?

Community Answer

Birch, oak, or pine.

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Question

How do the keys vibrate if they're screwed down?

Community Answer

The holes of the nodes are slightly bigger than the nails or screws, so the keys will be able to resonate properly.

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Question

How does the xylophone change notes?

Community Answer

The larger the bar, the lower the note. This is because a larger bar/key creates a larger wavelength, creating a lower pitch.

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Question

What do I look for when buying a tuner? Is there a specific type?

Community Answer

You'll want an electric tuner. You can easily find them online.

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Question

What is a good thickness for the keys?

Community Answer

That depends on whether you are using metal or wood keys. Metal keys are fine to go even if they are as thin as 1 cm. However, wood keys need to be thicker to produce sound.

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Question

Do I need to add an electric tuner or is that optional?

Community Answer

You do not need to use an electric tuner. If you have the ability to ear-tune the xylophone, you can do so. However, a tuner would be the safest bet. In general, any smartphone will be capable of downloading a tuner app.

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Question

Would it be fine to paint the keys with paint? And if yes, what paint would I use?

Community Answer

The sound the wood makes would be changed by how the mallet hits the key. It would be more muffled if you used a thick coat of rubbery acrylic or clear coat. Something that dries like house paint wouldn't hold up very well. Your best bet is some sort of wood stain. Don't soak the wood too much. If it expands, it's likely to resonate differently.

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Question

Is it possible to make a xylophone by alternating the width of the bars instead of the length?

Community Answer

Somewhat. It would, however, be near unplayable and near certainly useless. Lowering the width of the bar makes it harder to strike and produce less noise. Screw holes would also be very small.

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Question

What scale is the wooden xylophone supposed to be able to play?

Community Answer

The C scale (no sharps or flats) will be able to be played with this xylophone.

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Question

Is it okay to make a 2 octave xylophone?

Community Answer

Yes, xylophones in a professional setting are a little over 2 octaves, so this will be fine.

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Question

Can I use wooden bars to make a xylophone instead of metal?

Community Answer

Yes, you sure can. It will just sound a bit different, but the purpose of the xylophone will be the same.

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Question

How do I adjust the tuning if a xylophone is flat or sharp?

Community Answer

To lower the note, sand some wood off of the end. To raise the note slightly, sand the inside of the cutout underneath.

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Question

What do I do if my xylophone won't cover the box?

Community Answer

Change either the size of the xylophone or the box. Altering the box will most likely be the easier of the two.

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