We build unique hand crafted wooden instruments.
Our hand crafted wooden instruments are very unique because most of the wood we use is harvested, milled, and tuned right on our farm in Van Etten, NY. The keys and posts are milled from the very rot-resistant Black Locust and fastened using industrial strength stainless steel fixtures for maximum durability.
All of our instruments are hand tuned to 440 hz and can be customized to any scale or combination of notes. We typically tune the amadindas and marimbas to pentatonic scale so their are no wrong notes, perfect for young or inexperienced players who can concentrate on rhythm. The all-locust amadinda is designed for long-lasting outdoor play in a permanent installation. The smaller marimbas are perfect for a more portable option. All instruments are finished with a non-toxic coating of boiled linseed oil and mineral spirits. Outdoor instruments may require an annual light sanding and re-oiling to maintain the original luster or simply allow it to age gracefully and check occasionally for splinters. Black locust is known as a powerhouse plant in sustainable agriculture because it grows quickly, regenerates easily, and fixes nitrogen in the soil as it grows, making vital nutrients available to other plants growing nearby. Locust is traditionally used for fence posts or foundation piers, and according to local old timers it lasts 3 years longer than stone in the ground. We hope to broaden the scope of the uses for this beautiful renewable resource by sharing the fantastic tonal qualities that are possible with Black Locust.
