Blockenspiel is a fully functional, retro-styled glockenspiel crafted with interlocking bricks. It is designed to be a playable musical instrument and a display-worthy centrepiece. Seamlessly blending analog charm with modular creativity, this project invites builders and musicians to experience sound through design.

This musical instrument began as an educational, boomwhacker colour-coded xylophone/glockenspiel. But as the design evolved, so did its aesthetic. Limited colour availability sparked a bold decision: a black-and-white retro palette that elevates the entire instrument to a stylish homage to vintage synthesizers. Adding to the charm are decorative retro controls a panel with buttons, knobs, and a speaker grille evoking the look of 70s and 80s analog synths

The Retro Blockenspiel covers a full one-octave scale from C5 to C6, with each note physically tuned by weighted construction. The 4x6 tile keys produce accurate pitch when struck with the included rubber-tipped mallets - no electronics, just clever engineering and sonic satisfaction.

For a reference on how the instrument sounds, you can find my "Working Lego Xylophone" reviewed by Andrew Huang, with 10 million views.

Key Features:

Fully playable octave music instrument (C5–C6)
Custom-built 4x6 tile keys, balanced by weight for precise tone
Retro synth-inspired panel with tactile control details and a faux speaker grille
Mallet storage, disguised as vintage-style audio ports
Convertible design: with slight modification, it can be expanded from a diatonic to a chromatic scale

Perfect for:

Music classrooms or educational spaces - hands-on and interactive
A unique gift for musicians, designers, or fans of retro tech
Display shelves - a nostalgic conversation piece for any creative collection
Anyone who wants to build something that makes music

Support Blockenspiel and bring this playable instrument to life - where every note you build is a note you can play.