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Musical Instrument Design:
Practical Information for Instrument Design

by Bart Hopkin
See Sharp Press, Tucson, AZ. 1996
181 pages with illustrations, paperback
$18.95
ISBN 1-884365-08-6

Reviewed by Josh Firebaugh

Whether you want to design a balloon mounted bar gong or a conventional drum, this is the book for you. Bart Hopkin's book explains basic concepts of sound and music as well as describing different types of instrument designs. This book is an invaluable source for both the seasoned, or novice, instrument designer. Anyone with a serious curiosity or interest for the nuances of how musical instruments are created should buy this book. Hopkin's work embraces many instruments which do not require extensive facilities or great experience to construct. The book takes pleasure in explaining instruments of humble origins from around the world. Although the author briefly discusses traditional symphonic instruments such as violins and brass, he focuses on unconventional instruments, many of which are straightforward to construct.

The book begins with a discussion of how one perceives sound and the mechanics of sound vibrations. The next chapter illuminates acoustic principles, followed by an explanation of tuning systems. Chapter 4 is the first in a series of sections which describe various families of instrument types, based on the Sachs-Hombostel System. For beach lovers, here is where you learn how to make a driftwood marimba. Next we explore beaters of all shapes and sizes. The section on Aerophones describes instruments in which wind chambers excite vibration. Hopkin saves chapter seven for drums. The only area of drum design which Hopkins leaves unexplored is the customary way in which animal skins are prepared for drum heads.

Chapter eight delves into resonators and radiators, systems which help to project the sound of instruments. The explanation of how to make a "styro-guitar" shows that, with a little creativity, almost anything can be transformed into a musical instrument. Next, string instruments and materials are illustrated. A detailed explanation of string stopping points and the mathematics of the ratios underlying the points exemplifies the level of detail provided by the author. A chapter dealing with special effects of various types precedes several appendices. The appendices include information on tools and materials, frequency and tuning charts, amplification, microphones, transducers, and wind instruments. A glossary, bibliography, and index are included.

Bart Hopkin explains well how to make a wide variety of instruments, from the simple to the complex. His unique perspective provides a fresh look at instruments particular to certain regions of the world. The author's delightful illustrations enliven the text. Although appropriate for either the beginner or the seasoned instrument maker, the book is designed for those with a serious interest in the instrument making. The text of this book can be fairly dense, in the positive sense of providing a great amount of detail in an organized format. The book offers abundant technical information, and is by no means a superficial summary. An exquisite book for those with a passion for the design of musical instruments.

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