Building a Nail Violin (and plugging it into a modular synth)

I recently discovered nail violins. I decided to try to build one out of a cigar box. After testing it out, I wanted to try plugging it into my modular synthesizer just for kicks. It works!
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#diyinstrument

[@TheSTEEBOS]

That's a pretty cool instrument. Never seen one before.

[@musicalmiscellany]

I hadn't heard of it either. I just decided to build one after finding out about it.

[@MusicalMollyKhan]

Oh this is fascinating!! I absolutely love this instrument (something I'd never seen before!) and I love the synth too. Thanks so much for sharing 😊

[@musicalmiscellany]

I think there's probably a science to it as far as what kinds of nails to use and how thick the box lid should be, etc. I couldn't really find much info though so I went with it. LOL.

[@stevesstrings5243]

Now that is different! The sound coming from the box was reminiscent of whales!

[@musicalmiscellany]

It does sound a bit like whales. I agree. Thanks Steve.

[@NicoleFoti]

Omg that is so cool!!! I used to play violin sans nails haha

[@musicalmiscellany]

Thanks. I'm sure your violin sounded much better than this one though. :-)

[@S10ChevyKeith]

Just a thought, but if you add a handle, on the side of the box, then your hand win't be interfering with the sound, or muffling it. sounds goo though.

[@musicalmiscellany]

That's an excellent suggestion. I thought about putting a handle on the bottom but then you'd never be able to play it on a flat surface. I like your idea better.

[@jamesbtex]

It would go good in a horror movie, dark woods, smoke, ghostly lights, bats, bushes shaking.

[@musicalmiscellany]

I thought that as well. It's kinda dissonant and uneasy feeling. Perfect for that tension. Thanks for checking it out.

[@brycehayashi]

Dope

[@musicalmiscellany]

Thanks man. It was a crazy experiment but I ended up with some cool tones.

[@bearshield7138]

yes there is a science to the size of the nails
copper of brass rod works better

[@musicalmiscellany]

Ah. That's a good point. I could imagine brass rods producing a lot more vibration.

[@bearshield7138]

@@musicalmiscellany Thin carbon steel or even flat carbon steel like rake tines works well too

[@davidwittie4177]

Do you have any rosin for your bow? Try it

[@musicalmiscellany]

Yes. I used rosin on both the bow and the nails. Unfortunately, these synthetic bow don't take the rosin all that well (or maybe the rosin I have doesn't take to the bow). I'm guessing a decent quality bow would sound a lot better, but yes... rosin in a must.