Designing a
Musical Instrument
Project timeline: 3 Weeks
Internship Project
Firm: FoleyDesigns
Client: Indian Music Experience
Location: Banglore, India
Brief
The objective behind this project was to develop a music or sound-oriented product that could cater to the needs of individuals within the age range of 8 to 25 years old. The target audience comprises music enthusiasts who are inclined towards buying souvenirs or gifts on impulse. The primary focus of the product development process was sustainability, and efforts were made to incorporate eco-friendly materials and practices wherever possible.
The intended audience of this product is expected to have a strong affinity towards music and sound, with a keen interest in exploring new and innovative ways of incorporating music into their daily lives. The product is aimed at providing a unique and enjoyable musical experience, either as a personal accessory or as a gift for friends and family.
Chosen Instrument
Castanets are percussion instruments consisting of two small concave shells made of wood, ivory, or fiberglass, held together by a string. They are played by striking them together with the fingers to produce a clicking sound. Castanets are commonly used in flamenco and other types of Spanish music.
The kalimba, also known as the thumb piano, is a musical instrument that originated in Africa. It consists of a wooden or metal soundboard with attached metal tines of varying lengths, which are plucked with the thumbs or fingers. The kalimba produces a unique, resonant sound and is played in a wide variety of musical genres.
A musical instrument is a device or tool used to produce musical sounds or tones. These can be created through various methods, such as vibrating strings, blowing air through a tube, striking surfaces, or pressing keys. Musical instruments come in many shapes and sizes, and are used in a wide range of musical styles and genres.
Castanets are percussion instruments consisting of two small concave shells made of wood, ivory, or fiberglass, held together by a string. They are played by striking them together with the fingers to produce a clicking sound. Castanets are commonly used in flamenco and other types of Spanish music.
Redesigned - Castanets
Redesigned - Musical Spoon
Redesigned - Kalimba
prototyping
The goal was to investigate the coconut shell’s properties and unique shape and sound to develop an alternative to wood for the kalimba.
The prototype we created is a preliminary design and not the finished product.
Different materials were examined as possible substitutes for the handle, such as PVC sheet, cork, and bamboo. The picture above shows a handle made from rubber wood that has a curved shape, and bamboo strips have been attached to it.
A simple bamboo handle was made to give the necessary curve for elastic nylon string to pull the castanet and open and close it easily.
