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Q&A for How to Make a Xylophone
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QuestionWhat kind of wood is the base of a xylophone?Community AnswerBirch, oak, or pine.
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QuestionHow do the keys vibrate if they're screwed down?Community AnswerThe 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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QuestionHow does the xylophone change notes?Community AnswerThe 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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QuestionWhat do I look for when buying a tuner? Is there a specific type?Community AnswerYou'll want an electric tuner. You can easily find them online.
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QuestionWhat is a good thickness for the keys?Community AnswerThat 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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QuestionDo I need to add an electric tuner or is that optional?Community AnswerYou 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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QuestionWould it be fine to paint the keys with paint? And if yes, what paint would I use?Community AnswerThe 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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QuestionIs it possible to make a xylophone by alternating the width of the bars instead of the length?Community AnswerSomewhat. 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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QuestionCould a xylophone make a similar sound to a marimba?Community AnswerIt's is technically similar to a marimba. However, the pitch of the sound may differ.
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QuestionWhat scale is the wooden xylophone supposed to be able to play?Community AnswerThe C scale (no sharps or flats) will be able to be played with this xylophone.
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QuestionIs it okay to make a 2 octave xylophone?Community AnswerYes, xylophones in a professional setting are a little over 2 octaves, so this will be fine.
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QuestionCan I use wooden bars to make a xylophone instead of metal?Community AnswerYes, you sure can. It will just sound a bit different, but the purpose of the xylophone will be the same.
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QuestionHow do I adjust the tuning if a xylophone is flat or sharp?Community AnswerTo 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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QuestionWhat do I do if my xylophone won't cover the box?Community AnswerChange 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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