Rosewood is recommended as an ideal and traditional wood for xylophones. Cedar wood, cardinal wood and purple heartwood are also popular choices. [2] X Research source

9. 875 in (25. 08 cm) 9. 75 in (24. 8 cm) 8. 63 in (21. 9 cm) 8. 31 in (21. 1 cm) 8. 06 in (20. 5 cm) 7. 75 in (19. 7 cm) 7. 43 in (18. 9 cm) 6. 81 in (17. 3 cm) 6. 43 in (16. 3 cm)

Repeat this process with all of your keys. To test the spot that you’re planning to attach the key, hit it with a xylophone mallet while holding it with your fingers in that spot. If your key produces a clear sound, you’ve chosen a good spot.

For a precise cut, measure and draw the line with a protractor.

Cutting an arc in the keys will help their sound resonate more clearly.

4. 63 in (11. 8 cm) by 22. 38 in (56. 8 cm) (2) 4. 63 in (11. 8 cm) by 5. 38 in (13. 7 cm) (1) 4. 63 in (11. 8 cm) by 2. 38 in (6. 0 cm) (1) 22. 38 in (56. 8 cm) with 2. 38 in (6. 0 cm) and 5. 38 in (13. 7 cm) sides, forming a trapezoid (1)

When you’ve finished cutting the wood, sand it down to smooth out rough edges. [10] X Research source If your box has too many gaps between the sides, it will interfere with your xylophone’s resonation.

These will be where you place your xylophone keys.

If you plan to stain or varnish the xylophone box for a glossy finish, do so after driving the nails in.

The rubber bands will keep the xylophone keys from moving out of place.

If you want to stain or varnish the xylophone keys, do so after drilling the holes.

Pipe 1: 11. 25 in (28. 6 cm) Pipe 2: 11 in (28 cm) Pipe 3: 10. 4 in (26 cm) Pipe 4: 10. 125 in (25. 72 cm) Pipe 5: 9. 6 in (24 cm) Pipe 6: 9. 1 in (23 cm) Pipe 7: 8. 75 in (22. 2 cm) Pipe 8: 8. 2 in (21 cm) Pipe 9: 7. 8 in (20 cm) Pipe 10: 7. 25 in (18. 4 cm) Pipe 11: 7. 1 in (18 cm) Pipe 12: 6. 6 in (17 cm) Pipe 13: 6. 2 in (16 cm)

Wear a sturdy pair of work gloves while handling the metal file to avoid injuring yourself.

You can purchase polyurethane foam from most hardware or home improvement stores.

Let the wood glue dry before continuing to build your xylophone. On average wood glue takes about 6-8 hours to dry, but check its packaging for specific details.

Do not touch the tubes until the glue dries. If the tubes shift out of place, their sound may become muffled.

If you want to precisely measure your xylophone’s sound, use an instrument tuner.

Wear a sturdy pair of work gloves while paring the dowels to protect yourself.

Do not use the xylophone mallets until they’ve had time to completely dry.