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Idea 9

Can ukulele with guitar strings

Medium 3 h

Can instruments were born in the American quilombos, where a kerosene can, a broom handle and wire strings gave rise to complete banjos. The can works because the metal vibrates along with the strings and reflects sound waves, amplifying the sound like a resonating body.

What you need

  • A clean, dry condensed milk can (careful with the cut edge)
  • A firm wooden handle (a hanger, a slat or a broom handle 60 to 70 cm long)
  • Used guitar strings (2 to 4 strings, preferably the thin ones)
  • Small screws with nuts or nails to secure the strings
  • A small piece of hard wood for the bridge (the piece that holds the strings over the can)
  • Barbecue skewers or sticks for the improvised tuning pegs
  • A drill or a nail and hammer to make holes
  • Hot glue or strong glue

How to make it

  1. 1

    Wash and dry the can well, and go over the rim with sandpaper or masking tape so it doesn't cut your fingers — a cut edge vibrates poorly and hurts.

  2. 2

    Pierce the bottom of the can in the center and fix one end of the wooden handle there, very firmly: it's what transmits the strings' vibration and resists the tension.

  3. 3

    Attach the strings to the other end of the handle (tuning pegs improvised with sticks or screws let you adjust the tension, which is what defines the tuning).

  4. 4

    Stretch the strings over the open mouth of the can and secure them on the opposite side, passing over a small wooden bridge that holds the strings a few millimeters above the rim.

  5. 5

    Loosen or tighten each string until you reach a pleasant sound — tighter strings sound higher-pitched, because they vibrate faster.

  6. 6

    Play with a pick or your fingers and adjust the bridge until the sound is clean.

Finishing touches

Tune by ear, comparing with a tuning app or another instrument. A preserve jar lid fitted over the can changes the timbre and protects your fingers.

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