Thumb Piano
Thumb Piano

 

Code Number: 3D40.19

Demo Title: Thumb Piano

Condition: Excellent

Principle: Resonance in Strips

Area of Study: Oscillations & Acoustics

Equipment: 

Various thumb pianos.

Procedure:

Pick the desired thumb piano and pluck the desired length strip with the thumb.  A rubber tip to go onto your finger is available if needed.  You can also strike the desired strip with the small hammer that is available.  One of the thumb piano's has the strips marked with the note designations which can be used with the music book that is available in the box.

References:

  • Thomas B. Greenslade, Jr., "Marloye's Harp and the Thumb Piano", TPT, Vol. 39, #5, May 2001, p. 310.
  • Henry Levinstein, "The Physics of Toys", TPT, Vol. 20, #6, Sept. 1982, p. 358, also a Potpourri of Physics Teaching Ideas - Toys, p. 269.
3D40.19 - University of Maryland QOTW Question #324 Part 1
3D40.19 - University of Maryland QOTW Question #324 Part 2
3D40.19 - University of Maryland QOTW Answer #324 Part 1
3D40.19 - University of Maryland QOTW Answer #324 Part 2
3D40.19 - Thumb Piano