How to Make a Nail Rasp
A nail rasp is as simple an instrument to make as it is to play. A finished nail rasp will create a soft, beautiful, bell-like sound. It only takes a few minutes to make a nail rasp, but it can be played for a lifetime.
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Things You'll Need
- 1 10-by-2-by-2-inch block of wood
- Pencil
- At least 16 nails of different sized
- 1 large nail for strumming
- Paint or markers (optional)
- Hammer
Instructions
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1
Draw a line with a pencil in the center of the wood block, beginning at one end and drawing the line the entire length of the wood.
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2
Measure and mark where to place the nails, spacing evenly. The nails will be grouped according to their sizes, beginning with the longest and ending with the shortest.
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3
Decorate your nail rasp with paint or markers, or even carve designs into the wood block. Have fun decorating your new instrument. If you will be covering the center line with paint or decoration, use a hammer and nail to begin a small hole in each mark, so you don't lose your place.
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4
Hammer the nails into the places you have marked along the center line. Be gentle as not to split the wood.
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5
Play the nail rasp by rhythmically running the large nail down the row of nails. The different lengths of nails will make a variety of bell-like sounds. You can experiment with different nail sizes and grouping to create new sounds.
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Tips & Warnings
Remember to cut the wood block so that the grain is going across rather than lengthwise. This will help prevent the wood from splitting when you are hammering in the nails.
Try placing two nails along the short edges of the nail rasp and attaching a guitar strap to place the instrument around your neck.
