This is build day 1. I’m building a tiny piano. You know, like one of those little pianos they make for kids? Or Taylor Swift.

I’m making a tiny piano, but I have a vision. My goal is to elevate the tiny piano — from a toy to a real, intriguing instrument. The plan is to use unique materials — to begin with, steel. I will also focus on the resonating element — the actual music producing part. I want to experiment with different resonators to achieve beautiful and unique sounds.

Mbira — African thumb piano

This brings us up to speed with build day 1 — resonator prototyping. My first vision is to build the piano resonators out of steel. The original inspiration comes from the Mbira, or African thumb piano. This is a beautiful instrument that has long inspired me with its deep smooth tone and mix of metal and wood elements. If you’ve never heard one before, check on the song linked below.

Mbira music master piece Live

Thus, step one is to cut out some resonators. I purchased a 4ft x 8ft sheet of 1/16in thick steel and took it to The Manufactory — our local makerspace.

I’ve created a 2D modeling framework written in Apple’s Swift programming language that I call NormanScript. In short, it allows me to write code that generated a 2D drawing. Check out some code here:

let comb = Polypath(corners: corners)

let HoleDiameter = 0.25

let leftY = baseY — BaseWidth.third

let rightY = baseY — BaseWidth.third

let hole1 = Circle(diameter: HoleDiameter, center: p(x*0.8, leftY))

let hole2 = Circle(diameter: HoleDiameter, center: p(x*0.2, rightY))

My NormanScript code then outputs an SVG file that looks like this:

Awesome, now I just need something that can cut a drawing out of metal. Well kind sir, I’m glad you asked because the makerspace has an awesome plasma cutting CNC table that is read to use. Boom:

30 seconds later, and I give you the first resonator prototypes. I’m experimenting with different sizes and configurations to see what works.

Piano Resonator Prototypes

That wraps it up for Day 1. Next up is to test and revise.

Day 2 — Building the resonator.

Wish me luck!