Chopi Style Mbila with Tubular Resonators
This instrument is made in imitation of the mbila marimbas of the
Chopi people of Mozambique. Timbila (plural of "mbila") are played
in orchestras of instruments of several differnt sizes: soprano, alto, tenor,
bass, and contra-bass. This instrument is patterned after the tenor mbila.
The keys are made of 1/4 inch (6 mm) padauk (also called vermillion).
The resonators are made of 3 inch (7.62 cm) wide PVC plumbing pipe.
Figures given are to the nearest Hz and/or millimeter.
| Key # |
Pitch |
Frequency |
Bar Length |
Resonator Length |
| 3 |
D# -40c |
152 Hz |
|
54.1 |
| 4 |
E +33 |
168 |
|
48.7 |
| 5 |
F# -9 |
184 |
|
44.2 |
| 6 |
G# -31 |
204 |
|
39.6 |
| 7 |
A# -38 |
228 |
|
35.7 |
| 1 |
B +35 |
252 |
|
31.6 |
| 2 |
C# -7 |
276 |
|
28.6 |
| 3 |
D# -40 |
304 |
|
25.8 |
| 4 |
E +33 |
336 |
|
23.1 |
| 5 |
F# -9 |
368 |
|
20.8 |
| 6 |
G# -31 |
408 |
|
18.6 |
| 7 |
A# -38 |
456 |
|
16.3 |
|
|
|
|
|