The hydraulophone water instrument is probably one of the most innovative, if not coolest, instruments I’ve seen or heard in a long time. It's a tonal acoustic instrument that is played by having direct physical contact with hydraulic fluid, usually water. A sound or ‘tone’ is produced by the water. It makes for a beautiful but wet symphonic experience.
Invented by the quirky and brilliant Steve Mann, his hydraulophone water instrument works on the same principles as a piano or wind instrument. It comes in a variety of colours and shapes, like blue caterpillars and pink whales! See FUNtain.ca, or check out the studio on Dundas St. W, across from the Art Gallery of Ontario. (in Toronto.)
Water Instruments
The Hydraulophone Uses Fluids to Make Music
Trend Themes
1. Fluid-based Musical Instruments - The innovation of hydraulophones opens up opportunities for creating new types of fluid-based musical instruments.
2. Direct Physical Interaction with Sound Production - The hydraulophone's unique method of sound production through direct physical contact with hydraulic fluid presents potential for disruptive innovation in interactive music technology.
3. Integration of Art and Music - The visually appealing and customizable designs of hydraulophones allow for the integration of art and music, providing opportunities for disruptive innovation in the intersection of these two industries.
Industry Implications
1. Musical Instruments - The hydraulophone's invention introduces innovation potentials in the field of musical instruments and the exploration of new sound production techniques.
2. Interactive Music Technology - The hydraulophone's unique method of sound production through direct physical interaction opens up possibilities for disruptive innovation in the interactive music technology industry.
3. Art-music Crossover - The visually appealing and customizable designs of hydraulophones create disruptive opportunities at the intersection of art and music industries, enabling the emergence of new artistic expressions.