instruments Archives

200 Bouncy Balls Create a Mesmerizing Musical Display

Steven White

Steve White is a multi-media artist from Walter's Falls, Ontario, Canada.

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February 6th, 2018February 9th, 2018

This sculptural machine uses 200 bouncy balls to play the Hank drum all on its own. It’s both musical and mesmerizing!

Impressive Archive of Free DIY Musical Instrument Plans

Gareth Branwyn is a freelance writer and the former Editorial Director of Maker Media. He is the author or editor of over a dozen books on technology, DIY, and geek culture. He is currently a contributor to Boing Boing, Wink Books, and Wink Fun. His free weekly-ish maker tips newsletter can be found at garstipsandtools.com.

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@garethb2

December 10th, 2016December 10th, 2016

Find a homemade instrument project and get building with the revamped plans archive at Cigar Box Nation.

Mechanical Music Boxes Mix MIDI with Marbles

By Lisa Martin

Lisa Martin

A typical day for Lisa includes: getting up to see the sunrise, bicycling, interning at Make:, reading and writing short stories, and listening to audiobooks and podcasts for hours while working on projects or chores.

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October 31st, 2016October 31st, 2016

Anatole and Yan wanted to create something special for their electronic Music workshops, they created these totally unique MIDI/Mechanical instruments.

The Hovalin Is a 3D Printed Violin That Blends STEM and Music Education

By Sophia Smith

Sophia Smith

Sophia is the managing editor of the Make: blog. When she’s not greasing editorial gears, she likes to run, ride, climb, and lift things, and make lo-tech goods like zines, desserts, and altered clothing. @sophiuhcamille

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April 26th, 2016April 25th, 2016

Matt and Kaitlyn Hova went down the 3D printing rabbit hole and came out with a 3D printed violin (aka the Hovalin).

Listen to This Musician Scratch Cassette Tapes Like Vinyl

By Sophia Smith

Sophia Smith

Sophia is the managing editor of the Make: blog. When she’s not greasing editorial gears, she likes to run, ride, climb, and lift things, and make lo-tech goods like zines, desserts, and altered clothing. @sophiuhcamille

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January 25th, 2016January 25th, 2016

You’ve never heard cassette tapes play music like this before.

Bringing a Guitar Back to Life with Lasers

By Sophia Smith

Sophia Smith

Sophia is the managing editor of the Make: blog. When she’s not greasing editorial gears, she likes to run, ride, climb, and lift things, and make lo-tech goods like zines, desserts, and altered clothing. @sophiuhcamille

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January 16th, 2016January 19th, 2016

Jozef Karpiel discovered that his guitar’s polyester finish had cracked, so he used the power of lasers to restore it.