Vibraphone

Vibraphone range

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Lionel Hampton, Aquarium, New York, ca. June 1946 (William P. Gottlieb 03841)

Vibraphone overhead with mallets

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Vibraphone bar

Vibraphone motor

Vibraphone

The vibraphone, also known as the vibraharp or simply the vibes, is a musical instrument in the percussion family. It is a type of idiophone which produces sound through vibrating metal bars struck by mallets. Each bar is paired with a resonator tube that has a motor-driven butterfly valve at the top, creating a vibrato effect as the valve spins. The vibraphone is characterized by its soft, mellow tones, which have made it a favorite in jazz music, though it is also used in classical music and other genres.

History

The vibraphone was invented in the early 20th century, with the first commercial model being introduced by the Leedy Manufacturing Company in 1921. Its creation was part of a wave of innovation in the percussion world, seeking new sounds and instruments. The instrument's ability to produce a sustained vibrato through motorized fans in its resonators was a novel feature that distinguished it from earlier metallophones such as the glockenspiel.

Design and Function

A standard vibraphone has metal bars laid out in the fashion of a piano keyboard, with the lower notes to the player's left and higher notes to the right. The bars are made from aluminum alloy, contributing to the instrument's distinctive sound. Underneath each bar is a resonator tube, which amplifies the sound produced when the bar is struck. The motorized fans at the top of these tubes can be opened or closed via a pedal, allowing the player to control the amount of vibrato.

Players use mallets made from various materials to strike the bars. The choice of mallet can significantly affect the instrument's tone, with harder mallets producing a brighter sound and softer mallets yielding a more mellow tone.

Technique

Vibraphone players, or vibraphonists, employ a range of techniques to produce music. These include striking the bars with different intensities, using the motor to create vibrato, and manipulating the pedal to control the sustain of the notes. Advanced techniques include the use of four mallets by a single player, allowing for more complex chords and faster note sequences.

Repertoire and Usage

The vibraphone has a rich repertoire that spans several musical genres. In jazz, it became prominent in the 1930s and 1940s with players like Lionel Hampton and Milt Jackson. It is often used in jazz for both melody and accompaniment, capable of playing rapid runs and complex chords. In classical music, composers have written pieces specifically for the vibraphone, as well as using it in orchestral and ensemble works. Beyond these genres, the vibraphone finds its place in pop music, film scores, and world music.

Notable Players

Several vibraphonists have made significant contributions to music through their mastery of the instrument. Lionel Hampton, Milt Jackson, Gary Burton, and Bobby Hutcherson are among the most influential, each bringing their unique style and advancing the technique and repertoire of the vibraphone.

See Also

• Marimba
• Xylophone
• Glockenspiel
• Percussion instrument
• Jazz