In Barbershop singing, the initial pitch (note) is played on a small instrument called a pitch pipe. When performing, if the pitch piper doesn’t have pockets in their costume, the quandary of where to put the pipe after playing the pitch is a problem. Some pitch pipes are made of metal, so a concealed magnet under the clothing can hold onto the instrument, usually placed near the small of the back. Other pitch pipes have a plastic case, which, of course, is not magnetic. I discovered that a magnetic phone ring made for magsafe phones, is the perfect size for the Tombo pitch pipe as well.
Photo description: magnetic ring holder intended for a magsafe phones, but with the included metal sticker placed on the face of a Tombo pitch pipePhoto description: two Tombo E pitch pipes, the one on the left is original, the one on the right has a magnetic adhesive ring attached
The adhesive ring included in the package fits the face of the pipe perfectly. It still allows the label to be seen and doesn’t interfere with the blow holes.
To use, I am going to try attaching the main magnet to a belt that I will wear under my costume.
Photo description: magnetic ring holder clipped onto an elastic no-show belt
My Barbershop chorus has an electric pitch pipe that is quite versatile, and quite large. It doesn’t fit in a pocket very well and although it comes with a stand, it doesn’t have a way to carry it hands free. We did have a lanyard loop stuck on the back with double sided tape for a long time, but then the tape gave out and the pitch pipe fell to the floor. So I came up with a mechanical connection.
Photo description: the back of the pitch pipe removed from the body, and a small hole drilled at the topPhoto description: round head pin inserted through the hole then bent into a loop and the end wrapped back around the stem for securityPhoto description: pitch pipe reassembled and a key chain ring attached to the new wire loop, with a cross-should strap clipped to the ring
The back of this kind of pitch pipe removes with a single screw. Use the smallest drill bit possible to drill the hole through the thick section of the plastic. Head pins are available in the jewelry section of most hobby stores, as are split rings. I used a clip-on strap from a small purse.
I wear the pitch pipe over one shoulder, which puts the device in easy reach of one hand and keeps it off to the side. One of the benefits of this method is that the pitch pipe hangs straight down and easily rotates, which makes dialing in the pitch and pushing the button easier.
The 1895 era American Conservatory bowl back mandolin I purchased a couple months ago finally has new strings.
Photo description: bottom of the bowl of the American Conservatory Mandolin with aged strings and the wrist cover removed
I was nervous about restringing her, but she was quite supportive for the whole procedure. Mandolin strings have a loop at one end of that hooks onto raised metal tabs. I changed out pairs of strings, one set at a time, so that I didn’t move the bridge. I used cheesecloth to wipe away the dust, but did not do a deep clean or try anything aggressive.
Photo description: end of the mandolin with the wrist cover removed, showing the string loops and metal tabs
I am also experimenting with alternative tuning. I tuned to DGBE, as the top four strings of a guitar are tuned. These notes are lower than typical mandolin GDAE tuning and make the strings softer to press. Plus, it might make learning chords transferable to guitar. So far the mandolin is accepting the new tuning, and when all the strings are tuned, she still resonates with my voice. New strings take a long time to settle in and require frequent tuning. I will also keep a close eye on her construction to make sure the new tuning doesn’t cause stress damage.
I played my mandolin for a little while, until my fingers started to hurt. The top strings are thin and feel sharp. To deal with it I need some calluses.
“Calluses develop from repeated friction, rubbing or irritation and pressure on your skin.” (Cleveland Clinic)
Traditionally string players develop calluses from playing their instruments; one recommendation is to play for 10 minutes multiple times per day, rather than one long session. I would love to this, but my schedule doesn’t always allow for that, and I am easily distracted. I started to look for other ways to apply sharp pressure to my finger tips. I tried several home grown things, a block of wood wrapped with old guitar strings, a hand strengthener wrapped with wire, but they did not fit easily in my pocket and so would not be readily available throughout the day. I ended up making a triangular stick.
Photo description: two lengths of flame maple cut with a profile of right triangles, sealed with Howard’s Feed-N-Wax
I squared up a small piece of flame maple to 3/4”, then cut it down the middle to make two triangular shaped sticks. I sanded them to 320 grit and sealed the wood with feed-n-wax. I made two lengths, one to sit by my chair, and the shorter one to go in my pocket.
Photo description: gripping the triangular flame maple stick
To get the edge of the triangle to bite into my fingers, I place my thumb at the wide base and my fingers on the apex.
Photo description: grooves in my fingertips from gripping the wood, which are similar to how my fingers look after playing a string instrument
It takes a month to develop proper calluses, so I will update y’all later on the efficacy of this method. I can say that in the past few days I do pull out the stick (I need a better name) and use it several times a day. Even if calluses don’t develop, it makes a useful fidget.
I’ve been holding back some of my holiday gift money and keeping an eye on the marketplace. I like small instruments and have been eyeballing mandolins. Then one came up that was for sale in the next town over, and looked to be in good condition, so I bought it.
Photo description: face of a American Conservatory bowl back 8 string mandolinPhoto description: bowl back of the American Conservatory mandolin
The seller put me in touch with the previous owner, who had purchased the mandolin from a man who was clearing out his Dad’s house. The instrument had been his grandfather’s and had been sitting in the top of a closet for years. It was made by Lyon & Healey, back when they made more than harps, somewhere around 1890.
I tuned the mandolin, and it keeps pitch well. There are no cracks, and the tuning pegs hold. Absolutely amazing for an instrument that is over 100 years old.
Critters and Craft 