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I built one out of fiberglass a few years back. I scaled it off of photos of one being played for overall dimensions. Then in turn scaled a close up of one it off of a website photo for the hole placement etc. I made a form out of electrical wire and ducktape (no kidding!) for shape and covered it in fiberglass. I cut it down one side to remove the form and reglassed it together. Later ground/sanded the glass down and drilled the holes. I have yet to put together the mouth pipe. Anyway, just a thought as I had looked for plans etc without sucess. I may have some photos of the form I made and some measurements if you think it may help. The tough part was to make the bore smooth and gradual, much of this was done with my advanced duck-taping techniques - also available on a 4 dvd set.

Regards,
Bonde

Once upon a time, there was a photo of a serpent made from the PVC fittings available at yer local big-box homne improvement store. Lots of reducers and 45° elbows to get the taper and shape approximately right.

I wish I could find the thing again. I almost made one.

duckskiff wrote:

Bondejohnson wrote: I may have some photos of the form I made and some measurements if you think it may help.

I think that close up photos would help a bunch. The hole placement is what makes me nervous. I'd hate to go through all that work and then booger up the holes. What diameter holes did you drill?

Pete

The holes are in the place where your fingers can reach them, not in any place where accoustics would like them, so I wouldn't worry about that too much.
I think most builders who went to the trouble to accurately measure a historical instrument would guard their secrets closely, but maybe you can directly contact one and see what they have for you.

Hello again re: this thread.
I'm looking for old photos still- sorry, my camera needs a recharge so I'LL post new photos tommorrow. Anywho, The length from mouthpipe insert ( body only) to the "bell" is 6' 4". The Mouthpipe insert end is 1 1/2" the bell end is 4 3/4" The Finger holes are 7/16" Some of this will be clearer with photos.

Regards
Bonde

Here is a photo gallery of several instruments including the PVC one.

http://www.serpentwebsite.com/CBS_gallery.htm

Roger

How do I insert photos? Keep in mind I am technologically challenged!

Regards
Bonde[/img]

The PVC serpent that I remember was a bass serpent and quite a bit better looking than the PVC+ABS contrabass one pictured.

This is not working, I need the "elephants" computer guy pounding himself into a pulp....Maybe I can just email them to you?[/img][/url]