24/03/2021
Glass Armonica
Derived from the Greek word ἁρμονία (harmony), the harmonica is a well-known instrument. However, few people have seen or heard of a glass armonica. Invented by Benjamin Franklin in 1761, the glass armonica works in a similar way to sound produced from tuned bottles and glasses. For its construction, glass bowls are lined in a row and continuously spun on a long rod. While the glass keeps spinning, the player taps the edges of different bowls for each note. The sound resonates clearly, creating an angelic aura. In a generous spirit, Franklin refused to patent it, like the rest of his inventions.