i'd been reading some post of James Walker's about marimba and thought about making a xylophone type (what exactly do you call them?) instrument out of metal pipe.
We had something like that back where I did my undergraduate studies. Not a big thing, not even chromatic, something home-made; I think it was called a "tubophone," but don't quote me on that (it has been about fifteen years since the last time I saw it).
now for the questionsL 1) what kind of length interval should i use to have each pipe sound signifigantly different?
I have no clue, other than to suggest experimenting. I'm sure that the pitch will be affected not only by the length, but also the thickness of the pipe, and the material comprising the pipe.
2) how would i attach them to a frame?
If I were doing this...I'd look into resting them on a frame, rather than actually attaching them. Kind of like what I've seen for orchestra bells. Maybe have a hole drilled vertically through the pipe, with a rod (with a rubber or felt gasket) going up from the frame through the pipe, one rod per pipe. Then, on the other side, have a cushion, pad, or maybe crosshatched string/cord for a support. Or, if you're not going to hit it too hard, just let the pipes rest in place - maybe shape the frame so that it cradles each pipe in place.
(I'm working on some sketches - but what I've got so far would confuse more than it would enlighten, so I'll refrain from posting them for the moment.)
3) what should i use for the frame (preferably something light)?
Wood would be my choice, just because it's easier to work with compared to metal (for me, at least). If you want to go nuts with this, contact Dave at
Marcato Percussion and design a carbon fiber rack for it! (I'm only half-kidding, BTW...)
