How to Make Musical Water Glasses
One of Benjamin Franklin's many inventions was the mechanical "glass harmonica" he created in 1761. Franklin's musical apparatus was an elaborate contraption of rotating glasses that is recreated today, but in a simpler version, at dinner tables around the world. Many glasses together can make a musical instrument capable of producing beautiful tones.
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Instructions
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Prepare the Glasses
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1
Line up eight empty water glasses on a table, leaving enough room between them to fit your hands easily around each glass without disturbing the others.
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2
Pour approximately a half-inch of water from the pitcher into the first glass.
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3
Pour approximately one inch of water into the next glass.
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4
Pour water into the next six glasses, adding a half-inch more water in each glass than the previous glass contains.
Playing Music
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5
Steady a glass at its base with one hand.
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6
Wet a finger of the other hand.
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7
Press the wet finger on the rim of the glass and draw it around the entire rim to produce a sound.
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8
Re-wet finger with each new rotation.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Thin glass produces sound easier than thicker glass.
To play an accurate musical scale, use a piano or a chromatic tuner and adjust the water level in the glasses accordingly.
Children that have difficulty producing sound in the manner described can instead use a small spoon to gently strike the sides of the glasses.
References
Resources
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