Waterphone

The Waterphone is a distinctive musical instrument known for its ethereal and mysterious sound, often heard in film scores, soundtracks, and live performances. It consists of a stainless steel resonator bowl or pan with a cylindrical neck, surrounded by bronze rods of varying lengths and diameters. Invented by Richard Waters in 1975, the Waterphone incorporates a small amount of water inside the resonator, which creates its unique sound. When the rods are bowed, struck, or otherwise vibrated, the movement of the water alters the resonance, adding depth and variation to the instrument’s tones.

History

The Waterphone was invented by Richard Waters in the 1960s and patented in 1975. Waters’ inspiration came from a blend of traditional instruments, including the kalimba, nail violin, and the Tibetan water drum. This fusion of ideas led to a unique sound that blends the inharmonic qualities of an idiophone with the rich textures of a bowed instrument. The Waterphone’s vibrational and dynamic sound has made it popular among film composers, classical musicians, and experimental artists alike, appearing in both orchestral settings and avant-garde performances.

Design & Structure

The Waterphone features a stainless steel bowl, sometimes described as a resonator, which is connected to a cylindrical neck. This structure is surrounded by bronze rods, also called tonal rods, arranged in a circular pattern. The rods are tuned to a mix of microtonal and diatonic intervals, creating its characteristic inharmonic sound. The resonator bowl can hold a small amount of water, which can be tilted and moved to create a range of auditory effects. When the rods are bowed, the water inside shifts, subtly altering the pitch and timbre of the instrument, resulting in a sound that is constantly evolving.

Playing Techniques

The Waterphone can be played in a variety of ways:

• Bowing: A bow is drawn across the rods, producing long, haunting tones. The player’s movements and the position of the water can create glissandi and wavering effects.
• Striking: The rods or resonator can be struck with mallets, including superball mallets, to create a percussive sound that ranges from gentle chimes to deep, resonant booms.
• Friction: By moving the water inside the bowl while playing, musicians can manipulate the instrument’s timbre and resonance, adding a dynamic, undulating quality to the sound.

Variations and Innovations

Hyperstellar Sailophone

The Hyperstellar Sailophone, developed by Sławek Janus in 2018, is a variation of the Waterphone. It features bent rods, which give it a deeper and more resonant timbre. The longest rod measures about 70 cm, which is a significant increase compared to traditional waterphones. The bent rods allow for greater control over harmonics and the creation of lower frequency modulations.

Evelyn Glennie Hyperstellar Waterphone

The Evelyn Glennie Hyperstellar Waterphone is the first double-chambered waterphone, co-designed by Sławek Janus and renowned percussionist Evelyn Glennie. It features two connected sound chambers, each with its own set of rods. This innovative design allows for a deeper bass sound and an extended reverberation time, making it ideal for dramatic and immersive performances.

Use in Music and Media

The Waterphone has been widely used in film scores, especially for creating eerie and suspenseful atmospheres. Its ability to produce otherworldly and mysterious sounds has made it a staple in the soundtracks of horror and science fiction movies. Musicians such as Tom Waits and Mickey Hart have used the Waterphone in their work, while classical composers have integrated its unique timbre into orchestral compositions. It has also been featured in experimental music and modern classical performances, offering a sound that bridges the gap between traditional and avant-garde music.

Instrument Sizes

The Waterphone is available in four main sizes, each offering a different range of tones:

• Standard: 7″ diameter, suitable for general use and easily portable.
• Whaler: 12″ diameter, offering a fuller sound for a broader tonal range.
• Bass: 14″ diameter, providing deeper resonant tones.
• MegaBass: 16″ diameter, the largest model with the richest and lowest bass sound.