Upcycling Musical Instrument: Inquiring and Analysing
SG CIS TK DESIGN: We are now using junk or useless materials and turning them into something totally different- musical instrument!!!
In this phase, I will define the word "upcycling" which is one part of what we're doing. Then, I will explore some musical instrument someone made (upcycling) and then choose one (with a reason). At last, I'll ask some questions to myself to guide myself through this project.
In this phase, I will define the word "upcycling" which is one part of what we're doing. Then, I will explore some musical instrument someone made (upcycling) and then choose one (with a reason). At last, I'll ask some questions to myself to guide myself through this project.
What is upcycling?
Upcycling definition and examples:
“Upcycling” means to reuse something by turning it from useless (rubbish/ junk) into something useful (case/ instrument/ decorations).
For example: Turning an empty cookie can into a DIY drum; Using empty bottles to make model cars; cutting and decorating an empty can and make it into a pencil container.
Pencil container (this one is a more complicated and beautiful pencil container):
Collect some long cans like the above pictures. If there’s a top, use a cutter to cut off the top and then use some stickers or drawings or colour papers or glitters to make it beautiful. This is an example of upcycling because we’re turning an empty, useless can that was going to be in the bin into a beautiful and useful pencil container.
This is basically collecting a plastic bottle and cutting the sides of the bottle as the wing. And then cutting out the shape of a bee and draw and colour the body parts and patterns of a bee. This is upcycling because the bottle is useless, it’s something that is used already and we’re having fun turning it into a creative and beautiful decoration.
What's already out there?
Hyperlinks
Possibilities
I choose Drum set, PVC tube trumpet, Cigar box guitar, One string music stick
Drum Set:
I choose Drum set because I think this will be very comprehensive as it covers the whole drum set.
PVC Tube Trumpet:
I choose PVC tube trumpet because I like the sound of it and I really sounds like a proper trumpet. It’s also very durable.
Cigar Box Guitar:
I choose Cigar box guitar because I think it is challenging
One String Music Stick/guitar:
I choose one sting music stick because it is something new and cool to me, it is durable and it’s easy to play and it can make different pitches.
Final Choice and Justification
I am going to make a one string music stick/diddley bow.
I decided to make a one string music stick/diddley bow because it is something new to me and I watch some videos about someone playing with it, it was really really cool and interesting, I've never seen that before. It is upcycling. It is easy to learn, it's durable. I think it will be a neat instrument to make.
I looked at the steps of the cigar box guitar and it is too beyond my ability. Also, I want to make something I can play but I don't know how to play a guitar.The PVC tube trumpet is too much like buying the tubes and putting them together.
The drum set is hard to find all the materials needed and a lot may be spent, and fitting them together is hard.
Guiding Questions
Should I make it tunable?
Should I put a box or can at the end of it?
What should the tone be when someone play it without pressing the string?
What tone should it be able to play?
How should the stick part be?
What string should I use?
Where can I get my materials?
Where can I get my materials?
