Can Musical Instruments Be Played Underwater?

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SUMMARY

Musical instruments designed for underwater use are limited, primarily due to the physical properties of water affecting sound production. Traditional wind instruments are ineffective underwater, as they rely on air for sound propagation. Some instruments, like certain gongs or bells, can be adapted for underwater play by manipulating their position in the water to create unique pitch effects. The SOSNO instrument, which is primarily electronic, represents a modern approach to underwater music creation.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of sound propagation in different mediums
  • Familiarity with musical instrument mechanics
  • Knowledge of electronic music instruments
  • Basic principles of acoustics
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the physics of sound in water
  • Explore adaptations of traditional instruments for underwater use
  • Investigate the SOSNO instrument and its applications
  • Learn about underwater acoustics and their effects on music
USEFUL FOR

Musicians, sound engineers, acoustic researchers, and anyone interested in the intersection of music and aquatic environments.

tiny-tim
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i was pondering why no fish have ever become famous musicians :confused: when it occurred to me …

are there any musical instruments designed to be played underwater?
 
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Do whales count?
 
magpies said:
Do whales count?

I don't know any whales who are famous musicians :blushing:

but they certainly aren't fish. :wink:
 
Ok so like would you listen to it underwater or from above? It would have to be really loud to make it from underwater to above I think.
 
tiny-tim said:
i was pondering why no fish have ever become famous musicians :confused: when it occurred to me …

are there any musical instruments designed to be played underwater?

I've heard of types of gong or bell which are lowered into water or raised up as they are played to create interesting pitch effects.

Wind instruments rely on air. Most other instruments rely on forms of vibration that would be significantly damped (!) by water as well as being completely changed in pitch.

However, see http://danielharrismusic.com/Underwater_Music_I.html" which I just found with a Google search, and in particular the SOSNO instrument, which is mostly electronic (cheating really).
 
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