Mechanical components of the performing process when playing the vibraphone

Today vibraphone performing is developing rapidly. An extensive guidance and artistic material is created, a number of brilliant performers appeared, but the theoretical framework necessary for the most complete understanding of this movement remains understudied. In this regard, it is necessary, first of all, to analyze the function of the mechanical components in vibraphone performing in close relationship with the music theory and performance practice. Modern vibraphone is a set of metal bars arranged in two rows (like a piano keyboard). Each bar is paired with a resonator. In the upper part of a resonator, inside it, there is a thin metal bar. All these are rigidly fixed to two special discs, which can be rotated by an electric motor. Under the bars of the vibraphone there is a damper controlled by the pedal. The construction of the instrument is fully consistent with the basic provisions of the theory of N. Garbuzov, according to which every musical instrument consists of a sounding body, a vibration generator and a volume amplifier. The vibraphone bar (sounding body) after a stroke with a mallet is divided by two nodes into three sections. The central portion is approximately 5/9 of the length, and the two ends are 2/9 of the entire length of the bar each. To maximize the freedom of vibration of a bar, its points of support (fixing cords) are arranged at positions corresponding to nodes of vibrations, which has a considerable influence on the localization of the point of the stroke when performing. Mallets directly affect three qualities: volume, timber and duration of the sound, their choice depends on the nature, dynamics, features of the work and performance modes. Leading manufacturers of pitch percussion instruments offer a great variety of mallets for the vibraphone. They differ in weight, length, material and configuration of the head. Nevertheless, this variety of structures falls into three types, according to the degree of head rigidity (soft, medium, hard). Mallets affect the change of quality characteristics of the instrument. Resonators are applied in the vibraphone (volume amplifiers), which are tuned to the same frequency with the bar. They are used primarily to enhance the desired sound and voice. The construction of the damper and the pedal mechanism basically allows using it in the form of a "direct" pedal. It has two main functions: connection and dynamics. The use of mechanical vibrato on the vibraphone contributes a significant enrichment of sound quality.

Keywords

Authors

References