Vibraphone
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The vibraphone, also known as vibraharp or vibes is an instrument constructed in the United States in 1922 that has metallic bars arranged over metal resonators. A damper pedal allows for notes to be sustained and subsequently muted. The instrument also contains a motorized propeller which has the ability to affect the amount of vibrato that can be implemented.
Etymology and Alternative Spellings
Fr: le vibraphone; Ger: das Vibraphon; It: il vibrafono
Construction
Bars
The standard width of the bars on a professional model vibraphone are graduated from 2 inches to 1 1/2 inches. Traditionally, bars are made from a tempered aluminum alloy[1]. There are numerous finishes available for the bars: natural polished aluminum, clear anodized, gold anodized, and brass plate and lacquer[2].
Resonators
Damper Mechanism
Motor
Frame
History
Sticks, Mallets, Beaters
Technique
Grips
Two Mallet Technique
Four Mallet Technique
Extended Techniques
- Pitch Bending
- Bowing
- Harmonics
Stroke Style/Type
Manufacturers
Retailers
See Also
References