pitched percussion pvc tube measurements?

Question

In an elementary school I recently saw some pvc pipe instruments, which where straight pipes that the kids dropped on the floor to make various notes sound. Does anybody know where I could find some measurements for making these?

Answer 1

I don't have them at my disposal at the moment, but if you don't get any other definitive answers feel free to email me at
[e-mail]
I have an equation for finding the frequency of a chime, but it's in my office and I won't get to it until Monday. You'd have to find the "k" value of the PVC first, and that would definitely depend on whether the PVC was hollow core or not. I don't know if the predominant sound you are producing is due to a chime effect of a vibrating tube or if you are predominantly getting the sound from the resonating air column within. I also have those equations at school also and I can get them on Monday as well.
-Kevin

Answer 2

I'm looking to do this project for my students as well. The closest answer I could find was instructions for making melodic tube drums on a website by Phil Tulga. I'm thinking you wouldn't have to stick the tubes together; you may be able to just use the lengths he specifies to get your desired effect. Here's his website:

http://www.philtulga.com/MelodicTubeDrums.html