The $5.00 Clarinet
Here's a simple project that requires very little hand work, only a
handful of tools, and some patience. You'll be rewarded with a cool sounding,
easy to play woodwind(plasticwind?) musical instrument. And if you
manage to break it, your parents won't have a conniption for the cost of
replacing it.
What you'll need:
-
One 11 3/8" length of 3/4" Schedule 40 PVC pipe. This will become
the body of the instrument.
-
One length of 1/2" Schedule 40 PVC pipe--at least 7" long. This
will be used to make your mouthpiece and to form the mouthpiece reciever.
-
One tenor sax reed. I know, I know. This is supposed to be a CLARINET.
Believe me, a tenor sax reed will work better here.
-
A rubber band.
That's all you need. Well, not really. Go raid your dad's toolshed, cuz
you'll need a few tools, too.
-
A drill. Hand powered or electric...I don't care.
-
A bunch of different sized drill bits ranging from 5/32" to 13/32" and
everything in between. The more different sizes you've got, the better.
-
A hacksaw.
-
A 3/4" diameter dowel...20" long. This'll help you pop out the mouthpiece
should it get stuck.
-
A small triangular file. Grind or sharpen all three sides on the end until
they almost make a point. I call this a scraper. Use it to remove burrs,
enlarge holes, etc. A classier setup can use reamers to enlarge holes.
-
A sheet of 320 grit wet/dry sandpaper.
-
One sheet of 120 grit drywall & plaster sanding screen -OR- 120 grit
wet/dry sandpaper.
-
A pot of boiling water.
Now, let's make a clarinet.--->
Back to: FolkUrban Music