My First Attempt at Making a 12-string Monochord (DIY Instrument)

I've always wanted a monochord so I decided to make one. Instead of zither pins, I used machine tuners. The only thing I had to buy for this project was the guitar strings. I used wood scraps I had on hand for the rest of it.

See more Musical DIY Projects here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwIixlr7C6KUbPfAgFP6Sn4D46L0i0CQD

Views: 53

Comment

You need to be a member of Cigar Box Nation to add comments!

Join Cigar Box Nation

Comment by Poorness Studios on Friday

Thanks John. I really appreciate that.

Comment by Uncle John on May 25, 2023 at 7:56am

Good. Thanks on the weather stripping.  Hmm.  It might be good where the dog bowl reso goes into the box on the banjo I am building.  I think you have come a long way Kale.  In musicianship, craftsmanship and showmanship.  Good ship all around!  Keep it up. 

Comment by Poorness Studios on May 25, 2023 at 7:21am

Those Pony clamps are great. The weatherstripping is there because I didn't want to glue the bottom on (in case I need to do more feedback prevention later) but the board wasn't perfectly flat, so I wanted to make sure it had a good seal. You know the old adage... if the air gets out the sound gets out.

Comment by Uncle John on May 25, 2023 at 7:18am

First off.  I got to get me a Pony Clamp.  What is the idea with the weather stripping?  Hmm.  Interesting.   You must have quite the collection.

Comment by Poorness Studios on May 25, 2023 at 2:00am

Yeah, you got it AD, I think it would make a good drone for a background. So cool to hear all those string vibrating in unison.

Comment by A.D.EKER on May 25, 2023 at 1:33am

Maybee a Drone Tuning ?

Comment by A.D.EKER on May 25, 2023 at 1:32am

I expected some sitar hammers ,it lets you play rhythmic on the Monochord, but you must be more use to your hands ,playing the Bong and all the other metal rhythm cones you have, it does not play like a harp verry well i think? but the sound is nice whit a bit of reverb.

Comment by Poorness Studios on May 25, 2023 at 1:19am

That might be a challenge. I suppose it could be a background drone.

Comment by Doug Thorsvik on May 24, 2023 at 3:12pm

Very interesting build Kale!

How about a Sunday Song with this? Could be tricky!

Comment by Poorness Studios on May 24, 2023 at 11:32am

Yeah. I had no clue how to tune it so I just picked a random scale and string gauge and it tunes up really nice to a C# (no rattles and not too tight). You could probably go with a heavier string and get a B or even an A. I think it'd be really cool to have a couple strings tuned in a higher octave.

The Essential Pages

New to Cigar Box Nation? How to Play Cigar Box GuitarsFree Plans & How to Build Cigar Box GuitarsCigar Box Guitar Building Basics

Site Sponsor

Recommended Links & Resources


Forum

Look what I picked up

Started by John B Treutlein in Performances, How to Play, Lessons, Concerts. Last reply by John B Treutlein yesterday. 9 Replies

Guitar string frets?

Started by Jeff Shewmake in Building Secrets, Tips, Advice, Discussion. Last reply by Jeff Shewmake on Friday. 5 Replies

Build this Wooden Kick Drum Pedal

Started by Rose Ericson in Feature Articles. Last reply by Rose Ericson Apr 15. 44 Replies

Guitar Pick-ups

Started by Benny - W5TYZ in Building Secrets, Tips, Advice, Discussion. Last reply by Benny - W5TYZ Apr 7. 7 Replies

Handy adhesive

Started by John B Treutlein in Building Secrets, Tips, Advice, Discussion. Last reply by John B Treutlein Mar 31. 12 Replies

Latest Activity

Doug Thorsvik commented on Poorness Studios's video
Thumbnail

More About My Makeshift Monochord (DIY 12-string Instrument)

"Interesting, very interesting Kale! I’m waiting to see how you incorporate it into a song.…"
18 minutes ago
Doug Thorsvik commented on A.D.EKER's photo
Thumbnail

BCB Fresh CORONA

"Lookin’ good A.D.!"
28 minutes ago
Doug Thorsvik commented on A.D.EKER's photo
Thumbnail

Home made new Bridge

"Interesting design!"
29 minutes ago
Doug Thorsvik commented on Kevin Perlic's photo
Thumbnail

The Plumber Strummer

"Wow!!! Way cooler than a plain old shovel Kevin!"
32 minutes ago
Doug Thorsvik commented on Ghostbuttons's photo
Thumbnail

Better the second time

"I hear you Warren! Fretboard is a great edition to a very cool build. I want to se you play this…"
34 minutes ago
Doug Thorsvik commented on Ghostbuttons's photo
Thumbnail

This is a Mickey Mouse operation

"That is fun Warren! Oh Boy!"
36 minutes ago
Doug Thorsvik commented on Doug Thorsvik's video
Thumbnail

500 Miles: 2-String 3D Printed Saw Blade Guitar

"Thanks for noticing A.D.! The flourocarbon fishing line strings seem to be more musical and have…"
1 hour ago
Fabian Blanco commented on Gary O'slide's video
3 hours ago
Taffy Evans commented on Taffy Evans's video
Thumbnail

Old Build Solid Body. Stormy Monday

"Hi everyone, thanks for the kind comments. For those interested in the guitar I've posted…"
3 hours ago
Taffy Evans posted a discussion

Evans solid body guitar.

Hi, The guitar that was played over in the video section is this one. Just to give those interested…See More
3 hours ago
Fabian Blanco commented on Gary O'slide's video
4 hours ago
Fabian Blanco liked Gary O'slide's video
4 hours ago

Music

© 2023   Created by Ben "C. B. Gitty" Baker.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service

\uastyle>\ud/** Scrollup **/\ud.scrollup {\ud background: url("https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/963882636?profile=original") no-repeat scroll 0 0 transparent;\ud bottom: 25px;\ud display: inline !important;\ud height: 40px;\ud opacity: 0.3 !important;\ud position: fixed;\ud right: 30px;\ud text-indent: -9999px;\ud width: 40px;\ud z-index: 999;\ud}\ud.scrollup:hover {\ud opacity:0.99!important;\ud}\ud \uascript type="text/javascript">\ud x$(document).ready(function(){\ud x$(window).scroll(function(){\ud if (x$(this).scrollTop() > 100) {\ud x$('.scrollup').fadeIn();\ud } else {\ud x$('.scrollup').fadeOut();\ud }\ud });\ud x$('.scrollup').click(function(){\ud x$("html, body").animate({ scrollTop: 0 }, 600);\ud return false;\ud });\ud });\ud \ua!-- End Scroll Up -->