{"id":640,"date":"2013-06-12T08:04:09","date_gmt":"2013-06-12T08:04:09","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/leopardshark.com\/music\/?page_id=640"},"modified":"2016-12-06T16:27:19","modified_gmt":"2016-12-06T16:27:19","slug":"amadinda","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"http:\/\/leopardshark.com\/music\/?page_id=640","title":{"rendered":"Amadinda"},"content":{"rendered":"<h1><strong>How to Build an Amadinda<\/strong><\/h1>\n<div id=\"attachment_663\" style=\"width: 410px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"http:\/\/leopardshark.com\/music\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/06\/Amadinda_Fun.m4v\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-663\" class=\"size-full wp-image-663   \" alt=\"Amadinda-play\" src=\"http:\/\/leopardshark.com\/music\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/06\/Amadinda-play.jpg\" width=\"400\" height=\"311\" srcset=\"http:\/\/leopardshark.com\/music\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/06\/Amadinda-play.jpg 400w, http:\/\/leopardshark.com\/music\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/06\/Amadinda-play-300x233.jpg 300w, http:\/\/leopardshark.com\/music\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/06\/Amadinda-play-385x300.jpg 385w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-663\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Paul and Dan playing the Amadinda (yes, we know a key is missing). It was Dan&#8217;s first time seeing an Amadinda. We recruited him to demo a simple duet. Pretty good for his first attempt!<\/p><\/div>\n<p>This page is a simple How-To guide providing instructions for building an Amadinda. Since there are many excellent web pages that describe the history of Amadindas, we focus this page on <em>how<\/em> to build one. \u00a0 We did not set out to write instructions, but after some searching on the Internet, found a lack of do-it-yourself guides for constructing our own. \u00a0So&#8230; here we are. \u00a0As a scientist, I needed to explore the physics and formulae first. \u00a0However, after we cut our first few keys, based on our computations, we realized that important variables such as the speed of sound in our particular 2x4s were difficult to estimate. Our initial spreadsheet provided a useful guide and intuition about the keys, but we determined practical considerations and rules of thumb were sufficient to write up a How-To. \u00a0For those interested in the science behind vibrating bars we recommend these links: [<a title=\"Marimba Basics\" href=\"http:\/\/en.wikibooks.org\/wiki\/Acoustics\/Basic_Acoustics_of_the_Marimba\" target=\"_blank\">1<\/a>], [<a title=\"Physics of vibrating bars\" href=\"http:\/\/www.acs.psu.edu\/drussell\/publications\/rossing-russell-elastic.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">2<\/a>], and [<a title=\"The wonderful La Favre marimba\" href=\"http:\/\/www.lafavre.us\/marimba.htm\" target=\"_blank\">3<\/a>].<\/p>\n<p>One trip to Home Depot and an afternoon of working and we had an Amadinda in our yard. \u00a0It is rough, designed for summer camps, young students, or simple instruction. \u00a0It sounds great.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/leopardshark.com\/music\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/06\/DSC_23091.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-668\" alt=\"DSC_2309\" src=\"http:\/\/leopardshark.com\/music\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/06\/DSC_23091.jpg\" width=\"800\" height=\"531\" srcset=\"http:\/\/leopardshark.com\/music\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/06\/DSC_23091.jpg 800w, http:\/\/leopardshark.com\/music\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/06\/DSC_23091-300x199.jpg 300w, http:\/\/leopardshark.com\/music\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/06\/DSC_23091-451x300.jpg 451w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<h1><strong>Supplies &amp; Tools<\/strong><\/h1>\n<p>The tool list is simple: a power chop saw makes cutting fast, but a hand saw would work too. \u00a0Also needed: a socket wrench for the lag bolts, a hammer, a drill with a variety of bits, and a wood rasp for tuning.<\/p>\n<h1><strong>Supplies:<\/strong><\/h1>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"line-height: 15px;\">Five 8-foot (premium) pine 2x4s. \u00a0Of course, you could also go with a fancier wood, like cedar, spruce, or maple. \u00a0However, I suggest starting with something simple. \u00a0In 2013, the cost of the wood was roughly $13<\/span><\/li>\n<li>Eight 1\/4&#8243; x 3&#8243; Lag Screws (zinc plated)<\/li>\n<li>Eight 1\/4&#8243; washers<\/li>\n<li>A 1lb box of 20D (20 Penny) 4&#8243; long &#8220;bright common&#8221; nails. \u00a0(24 nails are needed)<\/li>\n<li>Felt furniture pads (peel and stick). \u00a0Roughly 25 sq-in, or a roll of felt strip roughly 3ft long.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>All together, about $25 in materials is sufficient for a great Amadinda.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/leopardshark.com\/music\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/06\/DSC_2294.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-649\" alt=\"DSC_2294\" src=\"http:\/\/leopardshark.com\/music\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/06\/DSC_2294.jpg\" width=\"552\" height=\"600\" srcset=\"http:\/\/leopardshark.com\/music\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/06\/DSC_2294.jpg 552w, http:\/\/leopardshark.com\/music\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/06\/DSC_2294-276x300.jpg 276w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 552px) 100vw, 552px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<h1><strong>Planning<\/strong><\/h1>\n<p>Don&#8217;t cut anything yet. \u00a0These notes are to give you a feel for basic dimensions. \u00a0You will have to follow the guide below to actually lay out the keys and determine their size. \u00a0Our Amadinda has 11 keys. The largest key is roughly 32&#8243; long, while the smallest is 1\/2 that, or 16&#8243;. \u00a0For our particular type of pine, we tuned from B3 up to B5 (two octaves plus the top note). \u00a0You could tune starting from a different note or tune things differently if you like. Amadindas are traditionally tuned on a pentatonic scale (5 notes per octave). \u00a0We built this: B3, D3, E3, F#3, A3, B4, D4, E4, F#4, A4, and B5. \u00a0The two cross members to connect the rails are approximately 18&#8243; and 6&#8243; long. Use these rough dimensions to help plan your cuts and minimize wasted lumber.<\/p>\n<h1><strong>Step 1: Cut the first key<\/strong><\/h1>\n<p>Because the properties of the wood are so difficult to guess, we can&#8217;t give you an exact list of cuts and dimensions. \u00a0Instead, we can explain the <em>process<\/em> for cutting and tuning keys. \u00a0Remember, our Amadinda keys ranged from 32&#8243; to 16&#8243;. \u00a0We will start in middle, and add a generous fudge that can be trimmed down to hit your target note. \u00a0Our middle note, B4, was about 24&#8243; long. \u00a0So cut your first key at 26&#8243; long. \u00a0Keys are tuned by laying them on a thin strips of wood that resemble the rails that will eventually support them. \u00a0The rails should support the key at the &#8220;nodes&#8221; which are the points where the keys vibrate the least. \u00a0The nodes will be about 1\/4 of the length of the bar from each end. \u00a0Once the bar is in place, you can begin tuning.\u00a0\u00a0Of course, since your wood might be more or less dense than ours, you may end up targeting a note different from B4. \u00a0Maybe your note ends up being a perfect candidate for B5 or D3. \u00a0You will have to work that part out. \u00a0Just remember this is simply a starting point. \u00a0As you trim wood off the end, the bar will rise in pitch, so this first key could be moved up to any note above it&#8217;s initial tone that you like.<\/p>\n<h1><strong>Step 2: Tuning<\/strong><\/h1>\n<p>Tuning may sound difficult, but it really is straightforward and learned quickly. \u00a0With the key resting on two rails (see picture below), strike the top corner of one end sharply with the thick end of a drum stick or a 1&#8243; dowel. \u00a0You will hear a clear tone.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_651\" style=\"width: 610px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"http:\/\/leopardshark.com\/music\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/06\/DSC_2261.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-651\" class=\"size-full wp-image-651\" alt=\"Strike the end sharply while tuning\" src=\"http:\/\/leopardshark.com\/music\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/06\/DSC_2261.jpg\" width=\"600\" height=\"789\" srcset=\"http:\/\/leopardshark.com\/music\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/06\/DSC_2261.jpg 600w, http:\/\/leopardshark.com\/music\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/06\/DSC_2261-228x300.jpg 228w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-651\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Strike the end sharply while balanced on two rails<\/p><\/div>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_653\" style=\"width: 610px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"http:\/\/leopardshark.com\/music\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/06\/DSC_2263.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-653\" class=\"size-full wp-image-653\" alt=\"Using an iPad for tuning\" src=\"http:\/\/leopardshark.com\/music\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/06\/DSC_2263.jpg\" width=\"600\" height=\"583\" srcset=\"http:\/\/leopardshark.com\/music\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/06\/DSC_2263.jpg 600w, http:\/\/leopardshark.com\/music\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/06\/DSC_2263-300x291.jpg 300w, http:\/\/leopardshark.com\/music\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/06\/DSC_2263-308x300.jpg 308w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-653\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Using an iPad for tuning<\/p><\/div>\n<p>We used a simple iPad piano application for our tuning. \u00a0Find the scale, and start searching for the closest note. \u00a0You should tune toward a note ABOVE the current tone. \u00a0Trimming the bar shorter raises the pitch. \u00a0<strong>Go slow!<\/strong>\u00a0 Start by trimming just a 1\/4&#8243; or less off the key and then put it back on the rails and strike it again. \u00a0Remember that the smaller the key, the less wood you need to remove to adjust the pitch. \u00a0As we got closer to our target note, we were shaving off mere saw blade widths. If you go to far, and your key is <strong><em>sharp<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0of the your target note, you have two choices. \u00a0A) If significantly sharp of your target (so you will need to <em><strong>lower<\/strong><\/em> the key), you may consider just tuning to a higher note in your scale and backfilling the missing key. Otherwise, you can B) rasp the underside, creating a small, gentle arch. \u00a0This will <em><strong>lower<\/strong><\/em> the tone of the key.\u00a0 It is difficult work to lower a key with a rasp, so the further you want to lower the tone of your key, the harder it will be. \u00a0Of course, if you lower the key too much, you can raise it back up a little by trimming the ends.<\/p>\n<p>So, just to reiterate. trim the ends of the bar slowly to<em><strong> raise<\/strong><\/em> the pitch of the key. \u00a0With a rasp, remove wood from the bottom, forming an arch in order to slightly\u00a0<em><strong>lower<\/strong><\/em> the tone of the key.<\/p>\n<p>The fastest and simplest method for tuning is just to go slow when trimming keys and raising their pitch (no rasping). \u00a0However, if you must rasp, the pictures below demonstrate lowering the method.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_655\" style=\"width: 810px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"http:\/\/leopardshark.com\/music\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/06\/DSC_2277.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-655\" class=\"size-full wp-image-655\" alt=\"Lowering the key with a bit of arch\" src=\"http:\/\/leopardshark.com\/music\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/06\/DSC_2277.jpg\" width=\"800\" height=\"646\" srcset=\"http:\/\/leopardshark.com\/music\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/06\/DSC_2277.jpg 800w, http:\/\/leopardshark.com\/music\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/06\/DSC_2277-300x242.jpg 300w, http:\/\/leopardshark.com\/music\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/06\/DSC_2277-371x300.jpg 371w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-655\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Lowering the key with a bit of arch<\/p><\/div>\n<div id=\"attachment_654\" style=\"width: 810px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"http:\/\/leopardshark.com\/music\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/06\/DSC_2279.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-654\" class=\"size-full wp-image-654\" alt=\"Taking a bit off the underside\" src=\"http:\/\/leopardshark.com\/music\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/06\/DSC_2279.jpg\" width=\"800\" height=\"435\" srcset=\"http:\/\/leopardshark.com\/music\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/06\/DSC_2279.jpg 800w, http:\/\/leopardshark.com\/music\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/06\/DSC_2279-300x163.jpg 300w, http:\/\/leopardshark.com\/music\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/06\/DSC_2279-500x271.jpg 500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-654\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Taking a bit off the underside<\/p><\/div>\n<h1><strong>\u00a0Step 3: Cut and Tune the Remaining Keys<\/strong><\/h1>\n<p>Ok. \u00a0At this point, you should have one tuned key. Next, you want to move slowly up and down the scale from the middle key you just fashioned. \u00a0The key rule of thumb to remember is that as notes get lower, the size grows rapidly, and as you move up the scale, \u00a0the keys differ less and less, with each key a similar size. \u00a0Start by going up the scale, it&#8217;s easier. \u00a0Cut the next key the same size as the one you have just tuned, and then start trimming until you raise it up to your target note (see step 2). \u00a0In reality, if you want to save wood, you could make each successively higher key a bit smaller, but it&#8217;s best if you play it safe until you get a feel for things. \u00a0Going down the scale, you must length each key. \u00a0Near the bottom of the scale each key could be 2 to 4 inches longer than the last.<\/p>\n<h1><strong>Step 4: Find the Nodes<\/strong><\/h1>\n<p>Congrats. \u00a0At this point you should be able to lay the 11 keys across some scraps of wood or the remainders of your 2x4s and play the entire 2 octave pentatonic scale. \u00a0It will sound great! \u00a0However, your Amadinda will sound best if the keys are mounted exactly on their &#8220;nodes&#8221;, the points that don&#8217;t move when the bars resonate. \u00a0By mounting at the node points, you won&#8217;t lose any volume (dampen) the key when it is struck. If you don&#8217;t properly mount the keys, they will have weak tones and little resonance.<\/p>\n<p>Lay a candidate key across two drum sticks or thin scraps, positioning it over the area where the node might be. \u00a0Sprinkle some salt over the bar end. \u00a0Then, start striking each end of the bar in turn. \u00a0Repeat over and over. \u00a0The salt will dance. \u00a0It will move <em><strong>off<\/strong> <\/em>the sections of the bar moving most, and <em>settle on the areas where the wood does not move<\/em> (the node). \u00a0See the images below. \u00a0If you reposition the drum sticks under the salt piles (the nodes) and repeat, you will improve accuracy. \u00a0Mark the node with a pencil line. \u00a0Repeat \u00a0for all the keys.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_683\" style=\"width: 810px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"http:\/\/leopardshark.com\/music\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/06\/DSC_2287.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-683\" class=\"size-full wp-image-683\" alt=\"Finding the node\" src=\"http:\/\/leopardshark.com\/music\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/06\/DSC_2287.jpg\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" srcset=\"http:\/\/leopardshark.com\/music\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/06\/DSC_2287.jpg 800w, http:\/\/leopardshark.com\/music\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/06\/DSC_2287-300x200.jpg 300w, http:\/\/leopardshark.com\/music\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/06\/DSC_2287-449x300.jpg 449w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-683\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Finding the node<\/p><\/div>\n<div id=\"attachment_658\" style=\"width: 610px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"http:\/\/leopardshark.com\/music\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/06\/DSC_2288.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-658\" class=\"size-full wp-image-658\" alt=\"Marking the Node\" src=\"http:\/\/leopardshark.com\/music\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/06\/DSC_2288.jpg\" width=\"600\" height=\"624\" srcset=\"http:\/\/leopardshark.com\/music\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/06\/DSC_2288.jpg 600w, http:\/\/leopardshark.com\/music\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/06\/DSC_2288-288x300.jpg 288w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-658\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Marking the Node<\/p><\/div>\n<h1><strong>Step 5: Drill the Holes for Each Key<\/strong><\/h1>\n<p>Start by laying out the Amadinda, attempting to line up the node marks you just finished. \u00a0We put 1\/2 in gap between each key. \u00a0The keys won&#8217;t all line up perfectly, you will have to push and pull the bars into the best alignment you can get. \u00a0Make it look good. \u00a0Then draw a heavy (perfectly straight) line averaging all your previous node marks. \u00a0This will be the line used to drill the holes. \u00a0Directly under this line will be the supporting rail.<\/p>\n<p>Find a drill bit that is slightly <em><strong>larger<\/strong><\/em> than the diameter of your 20 penny nails. \u00a0When the keys are mounted, they should be free to move, and bounce up and down a bit. \u00a0So drill a hole about 1\/8&#8243; larger in diameter than your nail. \u00a0The two holes should go through the middle of the key at each node. \u00a0See the pictures above if you are wondering where the holes must be drilled. \u00a0With 11 keys and a hole at each end you will have 22 holes total.<\/p>\n<h1><strong>Step 6: Build the Frame<\/strong><\/h1>\n<p>Finally, a easy carpenter&#8217;s job. \u00a0Lay the keys back out with a 1\/2&#8243; gap between them. \u00a0Add about 1.5&#8243; to each end and measure the size of your rail. \u00a0Ours was about 48&#8243;. \u00a0Cut the two 2&#215;4 rails. \u00a0Then measure the distance <em>between<\/em> the rails at each end, and cut the pieces of wood. These will be the pieces connecting the rails (cross members). \u00a0If you want to be precise (and I recommend that), these cross members cannot be cut at 90 degrees. \u00a0Because of the angles of the rails, you will need to miter the ends of the cross members. \u00a0For ours, it was about 6 or 7 degrees. \u00a0There is some good geometry that you can use to <a href=\"http:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Inverse_trigonometric_functions#Application:_finding_the_angle_of_a_right_triangle\">calculate the angle precisely<\/a> if you like. \u00a0Experiment with your setup, making the cross member snug.<\/p>\n<p>Lay out the cross members. \u00a0Drill two holes in each rail for the lag screws and into the cross members. \u00a0The diameter of the holes should be the diameter of the screws without the threads. \u00a0Use a socket set and put in each lag screw with a washer. \u00a0In the picture below, I&#8217;m attaching the cross member to the small end of the Amadinda.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_659\" style=\"width: 810px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"http:\/\/leopardshark.com\/music\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/06\/DSC_2297.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-659\" class=\"size-full wp-image-659\" alt=\"Constructing the Frame\" src=\"http:\/\/leopardshark.com\/music\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/06\/DSC_2297.jpg\" width=\"800\" height=\"401\" srcset=\"http:\/\/leopardshark.com\/music\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/06\/DSC_2297.jpg 800w, http:\/\/leopardshark.com\/music\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/06\/DSC_2297-300x150.jpg 300w, http:\/\/leopardshark.com\/music\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/06\/DSC_2297-500x250.jpg 500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-659\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Constructing the Frame<\/p><\/div>\n<p>Repeat for the other, larger end of the frame. \u00a0You can now lay the bars out across your completed frame.<\/p>\n<h1><strong>Step 7: Mounting the Keys<\/strong><\/h1>\n<p>Congratulations, you are ready for the last step. \u00a0Do not simply hammer in those monster nails through the keys and into the rail, it will split. \u00a0Instead, we need to drill a hole to accept the nail. \u00a0Using a drill bit <em><strong>slightly smaller<\/strong><\/em> than the diameter of nail, use the key as a guide hole and drill through the guide hole and into the rail. \u00a0Add a bit of the felt strip to the rail on each side of the hole you just drilled (see picture below). \u00a0This will suspend the rail on the felt pads and prevent buzzing and improve the quality of the sound.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_660\" style=\"width: 810px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"http:\/\/leopardshark.com\/music\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/06\/DSC_2303.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-660\" class=\"size-full wp-image-660\" alt=\"Adding the felt before nailing in the key\" src=\"http:\/\/leopardshark.com\/music\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/06\/DSC_2303.jpg\" width=\"800\" height=\"531\" srcset=\"http:\/\/leopardshark.com\/music\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/06\/DSC_2303.jpg 800w, http:\/\/leopardshark.com\/music\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/06\/DSC_2303-300x199.jpg 300w, http:\/\/leopardshark.com\/music\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/06\/DSC_2303-451x300.jpg 451w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-660\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Adding the felt before nailing in the key<\/p><\/div>\n<p>Gently pound in the nails, leaving about 1\/4&#8243; of the nail protruding. \u00a0When you are done, the key should have some play &#8212; it should be easy to wiggle. \u00a0If it is tight, see what you can do to loosen things up one way or another.<\/p>\n<h1><strong>Step 8: \u00a0Play your Amadinda!<\/strong><\/h1>\n<p>We were short on wood when we took our pictures, so our Amadinda sports a missing key. \u00a0It was installed after the pictures. \u00a0Let us know if you use our instructions to build an Amadinda, and if you have suggestions, let us know.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_661\" style=\"width: 810px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"http:\/\/leopardshark.com\/music\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/06\/DSC_2305.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-661\" class=\"size-full wp-image-661\" alt=\"The (nearly) finished Amadinda\" src=\"http:\/\/leopardshark.com\/music\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/06\/DSC_2305.jpg\" width=\"800\" height=\"808\" srcset=\"http:\/\/leopardshark.com\/music\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/06\/DSC_2305.jpg 800w, http:\/\/leopardshark.com\/music\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/06\/DSC_2305-297x300.jpg 297w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-661\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The (nearly) finished Amadinda<\/p><\/div>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>How to Build an Amadinda This page is a simple How-To guide providing instructions for building an Amadinda. Since there are many excellent web pages that describe the history of Amadindas, we focus this page on how to build one. &hellip; <a href=\"http:\/\/leopardshark.com\/music\/?page_id=640\">Continue reading <span class=\"meta-nav\">&rarr;<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-640","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/leopardshark.com\/music\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/640","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/leopardshark.com\/music\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/leopardshark.com\/music\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/leopardshark.com\/music\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/leopardshark.com\/music\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=640"}],"version-history":[{"count":26,"href":"http:\/\/leopardshark.com\/music\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/640\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":675,"href":"http:\/\/leopardshark.com\/music\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/640\/revisions\/675"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/leopardshark.com\/music\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=640"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}