I’m not sure when we’ll run out of ideas for things we can make with PVC, but I hope it’s not any time soon. I’ve already decided to use a 3D printed PVC connector to create a series of flood-proof living room furnishings and now, with the contribution of a 3D printed mouth and end piece for a PVC flute, I’ll be able to play music while relaxing in my waterproof living room.
Clearly, it was not originally made of PVC but rather was traditionally carved from bamboo but these days it’s much easier to find 3/4″ PVC piping at your local hardware store than it is to get your hands on a length of bamboo. At least for most of us. The instrument is tuned to a minor pentatonic scale, has five holes, and provides a significant amount of user control over the tone and pitch. Holes can be covered partly or fully and the angle at which air is introduced into the flute can be altered changing the coloring of the notes as well as modifying the pitch produced.
The set of pieces required to turn an ordinary length of 3/4″ PVC into a meditative musical instruments retail for $49.99 on Bissell’s Shapeways store or he can be commissioned to create a set of professionally tuned flutes to suit the user’s needs. And you don’t have to sacrifice style when ordering as the pieces come in a variety of colors that can really make your PVC pipe pop.
After all, it looks like he is relaxed and maybe a little meditation music could help do the same for you.
Let us know if you might go zen in your home with this piece in the 3D Printed & PVC Flute forum thread over at 3DPB.com.