Prototype Bagpipe Tenor Drone
An experiment into resonance and bagpipes.
Scott McGimpsey Designs
Project Details
A functional replacement of a musical instrument component, designed with reverse engineering and mathematical modeling.Prototype Bagpipe Tenor Drone
Created for testing and alteration of traditional instrument.
Wes Simonson, a professional Scottish Bagpiper, wanted to experiment with the effect of different materials on the resonance, sound quality, and tone for his bagpipe. We collaborated across states to identify the measurements to draft the prototype body. Using a wood infused thermoplastic filament and a fused filament fabrication 3d printer, I created a 1:1 scale solid body based on the design, and shipped it to Wes. He was able to install the part into his existing bagpipes, and recorded audio of both the original and the 3d printed component. With an audio spectrum analyzer, I reviewed the audio from each, and was able to prove that we had created a functional replica of the part. Now we are on to subsequent testing with new materials and geometries using mathematical modeling and additional tests.
- Date : 03.17.2017
- Client : Wes Simonson
- Skills :CAD, 3D Design
- Location : Broomfield, CO
Client Review.
Scott came through admirably when working on my project. The amount of research that went into finding the right material, appropriate dimensions and overall construction for a bagpipe tenor drone cannot be overstated. The comparison of sound is almost identical. The result of this will lead to a more affordable instrument to help people get into the type of music I love to play.