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How to Make a Xylophone for Kids

A xylophone for kids can be made from glasses, bottles and metal cans. Wood, however, usually works best, as it is the safest for children and it creates a deeper and more resonant sound.

Things You'll Need

1 wood slab measuring approximately 11 by 7 by 1 inches
6 to 7 pieces of wood approximately 1-inch thick and of different lengths
A piece of thick cloth, carpet or towel
2 sticks
Staple gun or strong glue
2 to 3 feet of thin rope or twine
A pencil or pen

Instructions

- 1
  Place the wood pieces according to size 2 to 3 centimeters apart. Hit them with the sticks to see if they vibrate properly and make the right sound. If the spacing is too close, the vibration will not allow a clear sound. Once the clarity of the sound is achieved, mark the spaces for the wooden pieces.
- 2
  Staple the cloth to the wood base slab or glue it so that it is completely stable. This reduces the vibrations and allows for better sound.
- 3
  Place the wooden pieces as per size in exactly the same position as previously marked. If the exact position is not achieved, the sound may vary.
- 4
  Take the rope or twine and lay it across the wood bars. Use the staple gun or glue to fix it in place on each bar. Staple the rope or twine to the opposite side of the bar and go back and forth until the it is back where it was started. The purpose for this is to make sure the instrument does not bounce.
- 5
  Take the two ends of the rope or twine and tie them together. The xylophone should be stable and fixed. Use the sticks to play the xylophone with the kids.

Wooden Toys