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THE VIBRAHARP What is a Vibraharp?
They comprise of two rows, one for sharps and one for naturals. They are placed on the same level and when played with two beaters (soft-ended) in each hand it make it possible to play four-note chords which is very characteristic of this instrument. Taken from the "The New Oxford Companion To Music", edited by Denis Arnold and Written by Anthony Baines. More recently from the United States comes the Electravibe. It works on the same principle as the Vibraharp with an added dimension, whereby the resonators and fans are replaced by a pick-up under each bar to convert the acoustic vibration into electrical impulses for amplification. Vibrato is controlled by a pulsator and some are fitted with optional 'fuzz' and 'wah wah' units. Due to the wonders of technology, Roy has gone one step further. He uses a KAT, which works on the principle of rubber pads rather that aluminium bars, they are connected to micro-chips and a mini computer. This enables him to produce a whole range of sounds, from the vibes, to organ, guitar, trumpet......the list is endless! Further developments in this technology are still being made......whatever next I wonder?
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Vibraphone or vibraharp is a percussion
instrument of tuned bars, constructed in the same general shape as a
xylophone. The bars are made of aluminium alloy of around 12mm in thickness
and suspended on spring-tentioned cords.
