-
Rebuilding My Piezo Signal Path for Accurate Acoustic Analysis
After tracing brittle transients and missing bass to piezo impedance mismatch, I researched buffering solutions and mapped my signal path. This field note documents the investigation, measurements, and hardware choices behind pursuing accurate steel tongue drum analysis—before the new preamp even arrives. Read More
-
Hopwell Steel Tongue Drum (15 note, Key of D)
A deep dive into a 15-note D-major steel tongue drum used as a rain-activated idiophone. Measured tuning accuracy, harmonic behavior, sustain, lacquer acoustics, and psychoacoustics reveal a thoughtfully engineered instrument that bridges ambient sound sculpture, melodic percussion, and experimental recording. Read More
-
Randon Piezo Contact Pickup (MP20)
A quick experiment with piezo pickups turns a Pringles can into a resonant microphone, exploring how vibration becomes sound. From pre-wired transducers to permanent installs, I test portable electrification for kalimba, ukulele, and rain drum—then look ahead to noise boxes. Read More
-
Boao Tingsha
A pair of Tibetan tingsha cymbals acquired for playful curiosity and pocket-sized performance, explored through ritual meaning, acoustic analysis, and clown mischief. This entry blends meditation bells, spectral frequencies, knot-tying mishaps, and everyday experimentation into a living sound artifact. Read More
-
Blue Kazoo
An anodized aluminum tubular mirliton with replaceable membranes, acquired in 2026 for durable pocket-sized music making. Used for playful experimentation, nose-based resonance, and novelty performance, demonstrating how voice-activated membrane instruments transform human vibration into comic, buzzy sound. Read More
-
Remo Thunder Tube
A compact spring drum used to create rolling thunder and lightning-like effects through a vibrating metal spring attached to a membrane. This thunder tube is explored as a tactile sound-design tool, blending physical motion, rumble, and playful experimental percussion. Read More
-
Coconut Kalimba
A $5 coconut-shell kalimba from a Samuels Library fundraiser, valued for its deep, earthy tones and handmade character despite tuning challenges. It now serves as a bassy, experimental companion to a more practical 17-key kalimba. Read More
-
Irish Tin Whistles
A pair of Irish tin whistles became my pocket-sized clown instrument, inspired by Celtic melodies and Lord of the Rings. Durable enough for life with Gwinn, they introduced me to octave-shifting breath control and playful, wandering tunes. Read More
-
Dog Whistle
A five-pack of colorful dog whistles doubles as both canine communication and an unusual aerophone in my instrument collection. Stocked in my dog-themed Little Free Library, they explore ultrasonic sound while reliably catching my dogs’ attention. Read More
-
Kalimba: 17 Keys
A simple kalimba became a portable soundscape, replacing a paper music box with something more alive. Played in quiet parks beside wandering dogs and flowing water, its gentle tones turned small moments into meditative, wandering melodies. Read More