Why Is My Homemade Pan Flute Not Producing Sound?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers around the challenges faced in constructing a homemade pan flute using plastic straws. The user initially created a flute with 8 straws cut to specific lengths based on wavelengths from a physics resource. Despite achieving the correct notes, the flute failed to produce sound, attributed to the thin diameter of the straws. Recommendations include using larger straws, such as milkshake straws, or alternative materials like copper pipes for improved sound quality and resonance.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of sound waves and frequencies
  • Basic knowledge of acoustics and resonance
  • Familiarity with materials suitable for musical instruments
  • Experience in DIY projects involving crafting and assembly
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the acoustic properties of different straw diameters for wind instruments
  • Learn about the construction techniques for pan flutes using metal pipes
  • Explore the effects of material choice on sound quality in musical instruments
  • Investigate alternative materials for building wind instruments, such as hard plastic tubing
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for physics students, DIY instrument builders, and anyone interested in acoustics and sound production in musical instruments.

Eliowns
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I need to make a pan flute for my physics class, I've already made one but decided that I will be remaking it because it didn't turn out too good. I took 8 straws, got my wavelengths from here: http://www.phy.mtu.edu/~suits/notefreqs.html and divided them by 4 to get the length I need to cut the straws (I started from C5), then I covered the button with plasticine and taped them together. Now my problem is, I can blow and get the notes however it doesn't make any sound. (if that makes any sense). I figured the straws I used were too thin in diameter so I asked my mom to get bigger straws if she can find any. (such as milkshake straws or straws from McDonalds).
Was that my problem? Or am I doing something wrong? People in my class got their flutes to sound really nice so I asked my teacher to do it on monday, even though I'll get some marks deducted.
 
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Can you get hold of some copper pipe? That should make a nice pan flute, and the diameters would be sufficient to allow you to blow across the pipes with better accuracy, so it will sound better. Using plastic straws is a recipe for weak tone and uncertain resonance.

If you don't have access to some scrap metal pipe, perhaps there is hard plastic tubing that could suffice, but metal is probably better in terms of resonance.

Good luck.
 

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