Category: H2O Instruments

An Odd Instrument: Saltwater and aluminum »

nitro2k01 from Gameboy Genius has a theory:
The cupper and aluminum works as a battery, much like the lemon battery taught in physics class. However because of the Al2O3 surface on the aluminum, which is released in an opscillating manner, you get spikes of voltage. This is what creates the sound. Compare it to the bubbles [...]

The bazaar sounds of snow »

Jamie Drouin and Lance Olsen have recorded themselves thoughtfully interacting with a plot of snow. Their 2 CD set is entitled “Snow:Field.” CD 1 features the recordings and CD 2 features the “remixes.” The music (if you should call it that) is interesting enough. I’ve had track 07 on loop for about [...]

High speed glass harp player! »

This guy is an incredible wine glass player. Watch the video and be amazed:

About the glass harp:
The glass harp was first discovered by the Irish inventor Richard Pockrich in 1741. “[Richard Pockrich's] instrument consisted of 26 goblets. It is played by running moistened or chalked fingers around the rim of the glasses. Each glass [...]

Water wind sculptures »

These are magical garden sculptures. Each one is designed to have water pumped through the trunk and out along the leaves.

An Odd Instrument: Xylem »

Xylem is a very odd instrument. Xylem is a type of plant tissue which is responsible for the transportation of water and mineral nutrients throughout a plant. When water is absorbed by xylem, the cells cavitate, producing a clicking sound. Who knew you could listen in on a tree drinking?

Tree-listeners hear trees drinking »

Alex Metcalf’s “Tree Listening Installation“:

Taken directly from Alex’s website:
As you approach the installation you will see 9 sets of headphones suspended from the branches of a very large and impressive Sessile Oak tree, and a beautiful Chestnut Leaved Oak. From these headphones the public is given the opportunity to listen to the sound of the [...]