Slapped Pipes

This sculpture consists of a radial configuration of vertical pipes tuned to a 2-octave five-note (pentatonic) scale. When the open ends of the pipes are slapped with paddles or the flat of the hand, percussive tones of the scale are produced. The resonant frequency of the pipes can be heard by listening at the open ends. Each pipe has a different harmonic. The forerunner of this instrument is a series of hollowed-out bamboo tubes in the Solomon Islands of Micronesia. It is also related to the Chinese Sheng, a musical instrument made of bamboo pipes. For over 40 years, artist/musician team, Bill and Mary Buchen, have designed public art installations and interactive sound sculptures for parks, schools, science centers, transit stations, children’s museums and playgrounds around the world. Their artworks invite active play and group participation; whether tapping rhythms on percussion instruments inspired by global music cultures or investigating environmental phenomena. Designed to engage all ages and skill levels in communal music making and sonic explorations, their innovative sound sculptures are available either individually or as an integrated ensemble for any outdoor recreational or educational setting. All are precision fabricated in the USA of powder–coated or stainless steel and designed for ultimate durability, low maintenance and easy bolt-down installation.