Glockenspiel
I constructed this glockenspiel in late 2024. The bars are aluminium and the frame is tallowwood (Eucalyptus microcorys).
I tuned the bars by drilling into them.
The harmonics are not tuned.
The posts are 3d-printed from TPU, a flexible filament:
The bars are embedded in the posts at the rear, while the front is just suspended on cord.
With this suspension system, the rear post hole can be drilled exactly at the node, which is the optimal placement to maximise sustain. The post holes need to line up with the rails, which are straight lines. If we needed to drill a post hole at the front as well, we could not place both post holes exactly at the nodes, as this would require curved rails. With the front suspended on cord, the placement of the front rail is more forgiving than with a post.
Here it is in action: