About the Tapophone
The Tapophone is a tuned instrument where each note has a thin membrane on top that you tap with your finger. It works on the same principle as a slapaphone, but without paddles. It's very popular on MakerWorld, with thousands of makes. There are C-major, full-scale and two-octave versions, and the designer has a video for each.
Everything depends on the first layer, because the membrane you tap is only one layer thick. Any gaps can spoil the tone. Clean the plate properly (soap and water), and let the print cool before removing it so the first layer doesn't tear. Print in PLA, which is what the designer tested. Some people reported problems with PETG. The note labels are on the back of the membrane, so they look dim. Use colours darker than the face. Labels on the first layer looked brighter but separated at the colour borders over time.
The page includes the notes for 'Ode to Joy' to get you started. The licence isn't Creative Commons, so we show a placeholder instead of the designer's photos.
What you'll need
Printed parts
- The Tapophone (choose the version)
Bought parts
- Nothing
Tools
- A clean build plate
Build overview
Print settings
- Material: PLA
- First layer: Must be flawless (membranes are one layer)
- Plate: Clean with soap and water
- Removal: Let it cool first
Videos
Play video: Tapophone C major: 'Ode to Joy' (loads YouTube)
Play video: Tapophone full scale (loads YouTube)
The videos don't load from YouTube until you press play. Video thumbnails are © their creators.
Tapophone 2 octaves: 'Heart and Soul' (YouTube) by the designer
Photos
The MakerWorld licence (Standard Digital File License) doesn't allow rehosting, so the photos stay on MakerWorld. See them on MakerWorld ↗