This could possibly be a multiple class activity, but I'm still thinking keep it basic:
- one nylon string
- 15" scale,
- limited frets (diatonic, chromatic, or pentatonic)
- eyebolt tuners
- pre-drilled necks
- pre-drilled boxes.
And maybe...
- copper pipe fitting slides
- formica sample picks
Does this sound like the right level of approach? Does anyone else have some pearls of wisdom from running a similar workshop? Am I bringing down too simplistic, or not simple enough? Also, any pointers to simple one string melody material (other than Smoke on the Water :) would be appreciated.
Thanks!
- Jon
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One String Canjo
J-Hob said:
here
That would require 1 string, 1 open gear tuner, 1 box and a broom stick for the neck, 4 hose clamp.
will need to drill 7 holes, so if you prepare the work before the classroom, the kids will only have to use a screwdriver ! Choose the size of the broom stick depending on age of the kids.
Building steps:
1. in the broom stick at top drill 1 hole for the tuner, and another hole 3cm away for the string
2. then drill a 3rd hole at the bottom
3. in the box drill 4 holes for the hose clamps
4. place the broom stick in the 2 hose clamps at top of the box
5. place a hose clamp at bottom of the broom stick and make it close to the box and point it to the sky so it will serve as a bridge
6. make a hose clamp at top of the broom stick just below the string hole and point it to the sky so it will serve as a nut
7. Mesure exact distance from bridge to nut and go to online fret software so you can have exact frets positions to mark on your neck ( see http://www.stewmac.com/FretCalculator and choose DULCIMER if you want a diatonic scale)
8. Mark frets positions with a pencil
9. place the tuner REVERSED so it points to the ground ; don't forget to have the little wheel at bottom too. (see detail in my photo albums here if needed, there many pictures with details)
10. place a string, something like the D or G string of a regular string guitar set ; you may need a small wash to keep string in place at bottom of guitar ; then at top of guitar the string goes after the nut into the little hole then into the tuner, that will ensure good tension on your string and no problem when tuning.
Have fun :-)
I can take another picture for you if that would help. PapaSimone said:
Thanks!
If you want to take it really simple you could go for one-string diddley bows with a broom handle neck, cigar box body, jubilee (hose) clip nut and bolt bridge. No frets - play them with a slide! It would be straight forward enough for you to pre-drill the cigar boxes with the necessary holes and they would be cheap and easy to make.
You could then give each student a kit of parts that they assemble themselves, and possibly decorate too if they wished.
If you wanted a bit of variety you could also have some students making bass versions.
I've made a couple of diddley bows now to this design and they have a good acoustic sound to them.
I'm not really sure what your typical 8 year old would be capable of but I would guess that the simpler the better.