Friction Harp

This is my second Friction Harp. Made with solid aluminum rods, mounted horizontally it was much easier to play than my first instrument, seen in the gallery below. It’s played by rubbing the rods, which are coated with powdered rosin. The friction creates a longitudinal vibration, rather than a transverse one. The sustain of the note can last over two mintes, so it’s necessary to mute the notes as I play. This instrument has 12 tones, the lowest note is the “G” at the top of the treble clef, and that rod is nearly 12 feet long. Despite its size, it is very much a soprano instrument, in the same range that most people can whistle.

You can read the full story of this instrument here.