Patent Publication Number: US-10777174-B2

Title: Variable pitch idiophone and method of playing same

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/481,459, filed Apr. 4, 2017, which is incorporated in its entirety herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The present inventions relate to the field of musical instruments. The present inventions more specifically relate to the field of percussion, and idiophones that are configured or adapted to produce a variety of tones and/or pitches, and methods for playing same. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , known musical instruments fall into various categories or families. For example, there are four known main categories of musical instruments: aerophones (wind), chordophones (strings), electrophones, and percussion. There are two known categories of percussion musical instruments: idiophones and membranophones. Further, there currently are two known categories of idiophones: pitched idiophones and unpitched idiophones. Known pitched idiophones typically resonate at a specific pitch or tone when caused to vibrate (e.g., by striking, scraping, rubbing or plucking.) As such, known pitched idiophones emit a single tone or pitch and therefore require vibration of a plurality of pitched idiophones simultaneously to achieve a chord or note combination. Musicians hoping to incorporate known pitched idiophones into musical compositions are often limited by the number of idiophones that can be vibrated or caused to vibrate simultaneously. Further, if a player desires to play separate types of idiophonic instruments, individual idiophones are required for each separate type. Typical idiophones have not been configured or adapted to produce a variable tone and/or pitch (e.g., with a single strike, scrape, rub, or pluck.) 
     In music, a glissando or portamento is a glide from one pitch to another. Known idiophones cannot glide continuously from one pitch to another (i.e., without the discrete tones being clearly audible). It is also difficult to bend notes produced by known idiophones. 
     Idiophones sounding in the lower registers (e.g., bass and baritone) are not also currently widely available. This may be due to size and storage requirements and purchasing and maintenance costs. 
     SUMMARY 
     Accordingly, there is a need for a variable pitch and/or tone idiophone. There is also a need for an idiophone that is able to sound in the lower ranges. There is also a need for an idiophone that can glide continuously from one pitch to another (i.e., without the discrete tones being clearly audible). There is also a need for an idiophone that is capable of bending notes. 
     It would be desirable to provide an idiophone or the like of a type disclosed in the present application that includes any one or more of these or other advantageous features: 
     An idiophone that is configured or adapted to play variable pitches and/or tones, or a series of vessels arranged to produce such tones and/or pitches, with a single musical instrument and/or a single strike, scrape, rub or pluck; 
     An idiophone that can sound in the lower registers (e.g., bass and/or baritone), including one that can do so without unreasonable size or storage requirements, or purchasing and maintenance costs; 
     An idiophone that can glide continuously from one pitch to another; and/or 
     An idiophone that is capable of bending notes. 
     Other advantages and/or advantageous features will become apparent to those skilled in the art, once the disclosure has been more fully shown or described. Such outlining of advantageous features is not to be construed as a limitation of applicant&#39;s disclosure but are merely aimed to suggest some of the many benefits that may be realized by the apparatus and method of the present application and with its many embodiments. 
     Accordingly, a variable pitch and/or tone idiophone, and method for playing same are provided. 
     In various examples of embodiments, the variable pitch and/or tone idiophone or instrument comprises: a first vessel having a bottom section coupled to a sidewall to form a liquid receiving receptacle open at an upper end of the sidewall; and a second member provided in the liquid receiving receptacle of the first vessel in a spaced nested relation to the first vessel; whereby the first vessel or the second member make a sound of a first pitch or tone when struck, rubbed or vibrated; whereby the second member is moveable relative to the first vessel to displace and/or replace liquid in the liquid receiving receptacle of the first vessel such that the first vessel or second member makes a sound of a second pitch or tone when struck, rubbed or vibrated as the liquid therein is displaced or replaced by movement of the second member relative to the first vessel. 
     In various example embodiments, the method of playing the instrument comprises: moving a member provided in a liquid retained in a liquid receiving receptacle of a first vessel to displace and/or replace the liquid in the liquid receiving receptacle of the first vessel such that the first vessel makes sounds of different or varying pitches or tones when struck, rubbed or vibrated as the fluid is displaced or replaced in the first vessel. 
     In various example embodiments, the variable pitch and/or tone idiophone or instrument comprises: a first vessel having a bottom section coupled to a sidewall to form a liquid receiving receptacle open at an upper end of the sidewall; and a second member provided in the liquid receiving receptacle of the first vessel in a spaced nested relation to the first vessel; whereby the second member is configured to create one or more electromagnetic fields to displace and/or replace magnetic ferrofluid in the liquid receiving receptacle of the first vessel such that the first vessel makes sounds of different or varying pitches or tones when struck, rubbed or vibrated as the magnetic ferrofluid therein is displaced or replaced. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
       Various examples of embodiments of the systems, devices, and methods according to this invention will be described in detail, with reference to the following figures, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a partial known classification or taxonomy of musical instruments; 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a new classification or taxonomy of percussion-related instruments, including variable pitch and/or tone idiophones of the present disclosure according to various examples of embodiments; 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a more detailed example of a classification or taxonomy of variable pitch and/or tone idiophones, according to one or more examples of embodiments; 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a perspective view of components of a variable pitch and/or tone idiophone, according to various examples of embodiments; 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a perspective view of components of a variable pitch and/or tone idiophone partially filled with a liquid, according to various examples of embodiments; 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a perspective view of components of a variable pitch and/or tone idiophone partially filled with a liquid, according to various examples of embodiments; 
         FIG. 7  illustrates a perspective view of components of a variable pitch and/or tone idiophone partially filled with a liquid, according to various examples of embodiments; 
         FIG. 8  illustrates a side perspective view of a set of vessels utilized in connection a variable pitch and/or tone idiophone, according to one or more examples of embodiments; 
         FIG. 9  illustrates various vessel shapes and characteristics that may be utilized in connection with a variable pitch and/or tone idiophone, according to various examples of embodiments. 
         FIG. 10  illustrates a side perspective view of a variable pitch and/or tone idiophone, according to one or more examples of embodiments; 
         FIG. 11  illustrates a side perspective view of a variable pitch and/or tone idiophone, according to one or more examples of embodiments; 
         FIG. 12  illustrates a set of vessels that may be utilized in connection with the variable pitch and/or tone idiophone of  FIG. 11 , according to one or more examples of embodiments; 
         FIG. 13  illustrates a side perspective view of a variable pitch and/or tone idiophone, according to one or more examples of embodiments; 
         FIG. 14  illustrates a side perspective view of a vessel component of the variable pitch and/or tone idiophone of  FIG. 13 , according to one or more examples of embodiments; 
         FIG. 15  illustrates a side perspective view of a variable pitch and/or tone idiophone, according to one or more examples of embodiments; 
         FIG. 16  illustrates a side perspective view of a variable pitch and/or tone idiophone, according to one or more examples of embodiments; 
         FIG. 17  illustrates a side perspective view of a variable pitch and/or tone idiophone, according to one or more examples of embodiments; 
         FIG. 18  illustrates a side perspective view of a variable pitch and/or tone idiophone, according to one or more examples of embodiments; 
         FIG. 19  illustrates a side perspective view of a variable pitch and/or tone idiophone, according to various examples of embodiments; 
         FIG. 20  illustrates a side view of a variable pitch and/or tone idiophone, according to various examples of embodiments; 
         FIG. 21  illustrates a side perspective view of a variable pitch and/or tone idiophone, according to one or more examples of embodiments; 
         FIG. 22  illustrates a side perspective view of a variable pitch and/or tone idiophone, according to one or more examples of embodiments; 
         FIG. 23  illustrates a side perspective view of a variable pitch and/or tone idiophone, according to one or more examples of embodiments; 
         FIG. 24  illustrates a side perspective view of a variable pitch and/or idiophone, according to various examples of embodiments; 
         FIG. 25  illustrates a side perspective view of a tuning apparatus of an idiophone, according to various examples of embodiments; 
         FIG. 26  illustrates a side perspective view of a variable pitch and/or tone idiophone, according to various examples of embodiments; 
         FIG. 27  illustrates a side perspective view of an electromagnet apparatus included in a variable pitch and/or tone idiophone utilizing electromagnetic displacement, according to various examples of embodiments; 
         FIGS. 28A-28C  illustrate side perspective views of a vessel of a variable pitch and/or tone idiophone utilizing electromagnetic displacement, according to various examples of embodiments; 
         FIGS. 29A-29C  illustrate side perspective views of a vessel of a variable pitch and/or tone idiophone utilizing electromagnetic displacement in various states of activation, according to various examples of embodiments; 
         FIG. 30  illustrates a side perspective exploded view of an electromagnetic apparatus for a variable pitch and/or tone idiophone utilizing electromagnetic displacement, according to various examples of embodiments; 
         FIG. 31  illustrates a side perspective view of a variable pitch and/or tone idiophone, including damper sleeves and damper connectors, according to various examples of embodiments; 
         FIGS. 32A-32B  illustrate top views of the variable pitch and/or tone idiophone illustrated in  FIG. 31  with dampers in an open and closed state, respectively, in various examples of embodiments; 
         FIG. 33  illustrates a perspective view of a variable pitch and/or tone idiophone including a butterfly valve, according to various examples of embodiments; 
     
    
    
     It should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily to scale. In certain instances, details that are not necessary to the understanding of the invention or render other details difficult to perceive may have been omitted. It should be understood, of course, that the invention is not necessarily limited to the particular embodiments illustrated herein. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Referring to the Figures, a variable pitch and/or tone idiophone, and method for playing same, is provided. 
     Referring to  FIG. 2 , disclosed herein is a new category of idiophone, generally referred to herein as a variable pitch and/or tone idiophone  10 . While variable pitch and/or tone idiophone  10  may take a variety of forms or species, as illustrated in  FIG. 2  such forms include and are sometimes referred to herein as an “Archimedes timpani”  100 , an “electromagnetophone” idiophone  1000 , a “remove/refill” idiophone  1200 , and a “phase change” idiophone  1400 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 3 , the various forms of variable pitch and/or tone idiophones  10 , including Archimedes timpani idiophone  100 , electromagnetophone  1000 , remove/refill idiophone  1200 , and phase change idiophone  1400 , each have their own variations or embodiments. For example, various embodiments of electromagnetophone  1000  include a controlled dip electromagnetophone and an inverted buoy electromagnetophone. 
     Various embodiments of phase change variable tone and/or pitch idiophone  1400  allow for change or variation of pitch and/or tone using phase changes such as sublimation and deposition, vaporization and condensation, and/or freezing and melting. Various embodiments of remove/refill variable pitch and/or tone idiophone  1200  utilize a variety of apparatus and/or methods including, without limitation, pumping, syphoning, suctioning, draining, and/or blow out, to remove and refill fluid in a vessel. 
     Various embodiments of an Archimedes timpani idiophone include a stacked or nested idiophone (as further illustrated in  FIGS. 10-12 ), a mushroom anchor idiophone (as further illustrated in  FIGS. 13-14 , a controlled dip idiophone (as further illustrated in  FIG. 15 , a nesting high hat idiophone (as further illustrated in  FIG. 16 ), a buoy idiophone (as further illustrated in  FIGS. 17-19 ), etc., a glass xylophone idiophone (as further illustrated in  FIG. 20 ), and a playable surface idiophone (as further illustrated in  FIGS. 21-23 ). 
     Similar to how known timpani can and have been used to replace many large membranophone instruments by being tunable, variable pitch and/or tone idiophones  10  including Archimedes timpani  100  may replace or supplement many known idiophones by being able and readily configured to readily change pitch and/or tone (e.g., from a single strike, rub, scrape, or pluck). 
     Archimedes timpani  100  is based on the known Archimedes principle, which is based on the fact that, for practical purposes, liquid is incompressible. The Archimedes principle states that an object will therefore displace an amount of liquid equal to its own volume. In various embodiments, idiophones  10  including Archimedes timpani  100  utilizes displacement (e.g., adjustable displacement of a fluid in a vessel) to produce a variable or adjustable pitch and/or tone. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 4-7 , various embodiments of Archimedes timpani  100  include similar basic components. In various embodiments, idiophone  100  includes a first vessel (or resonant vessel)  110  and a second member or vessel (or resonant vessel)  130 . 
     In various embodiments, first vessel  110  includes a peripheral sidewall  112  and a bottom floor or section  114 . In various embodiments, bottom floor or section  114  is coupled to or formed integral with peripheral sidewall  112  so as to form a liquid receiving receptacle  116  open at an upper end  118  of peripheral sidewall  112 . In various embodiments, upper end  118  of peripheral sidewall  112  terminates in a rim (e.g., annular rim)  120 . 
     In various embodiments, second vessel  130  is configured similarly to first vessel  110 , albeit at a smaller scale at least in width, diameter and/or circumference, so as to be nestable or provided in a nested relation (e.g., a spaced-apart nested relation) with first vessel  110 . In various embodiments, second vessel  130  includes a peripheral sidewall  132  and a bottom floor or section  134 . In various embodiments, bottom section  134  is coupled to or formed integral with peripheral sidewall  132  so as to form a liquid receiving receptacle  136  open at an upper end  138  of peripheral sidewall  132 . In various embodiments, upper end  138  of peripheral sidewall  132  terminates in a rim (e.g., annular rim)  140 . However, it should be appreciated that the second vessel or member need not be similarly configured to first vessel  110 . For example, the second vessel or member may be a closed vessel (e.g., similar to a buoy) and or solid in nature such that it is not configured to retain a liquid. 
     In various embodiments, first vessel  110  and/or second member or vessel  130  are configured to make a pitch and/or tone (and/or range of pitches and/or tones) when vibrated (e.g., by striking, rubbing, scraping, plucking, and/or shaking). First vessel  110  may be configured to product a different pitch and/or tone (or range of pitches and/or tones) than second vessel or member  130  when each are similarly contacted, resonated, or vibrated. In various embodiments, second vessel or member  130  is sized to fit into liquid receiving receptacle  116  of first vessel  110 . In various embodiments, first vessel  110  also retains at least one liquid  122  within receptacle  116 . 
     In various embodiments, idiophone  100  includes a third member or vessel (or resonant vessel)  150 . In various embodiments, third vessel  150  is a closed vessel (e.g., similar to a buoy) and or solid in nature such that it is not configured to retain a liquid. In various examples of embodiments, third vessel  150  is smaller in dimension than second vessel  130  at least in width, diameter and/or circumference, so as to be nestable or provided in a nested relation (e.g., a spaced-apart nested relation) with second vessel  130 . In various embodiments, second vessel  150  includes a peripheral sidewall  152  and a bottom floor or section  154 . However, it should be appreciated that the third vessel or member need not be similarly configured to second vessel  110 . 
     In various other embodiments, bottom section  154  is coupled to or formed integral with peripheral sidewall  152  to form a liquid receiving receptacle  156  open at an upper end  158  of peripheral sidewall  152 . In various embodiments, upper end  158  of peripheral sidewall  152  terminates in a rim (e.g., annular rim)  160 . 
     In operation, and referring more specifically to  FIGS. 5-7 , first vessel  110  and/or second vessel or member  130  are moved relative to each other, such that second vessel or member  130  is moved into or within liquid receiving receptacle  116  defined by first vessel  110  and into liquid  122  retained or held within liquid receiving receptacle  116 . As second vessel or member  130  is moved into or within liquid receiving receptacle  116  of first vessel  110 , and, more particularly, liquid  122  retained by or within first vessel  110 , liquid  122  (or the level of liquid  122 ) in first vessel  110  is displaced further up sidewall  112  of first vessel  110 , and helps raise the relative pitch or tone of first vessel  110  when and/or while it is vibrated or played. 
     In various embodiments, when third vessel  150  is also utilized, second vessel  130  is moved relative to first vessel  110  and third vessel  150 . When idiophone  100  includes and/or utilizes third vessel  150 , second vessel  130  retains a liquid  142  in liquid receiving receptacle  136 . In various embodiments, second vessel  130  is moved, and/or third vessel  150  is moved, such that third vessel  150  is provided into and/or within liquid receiving receptacle  136  of second vessel  130 . In various embodiments, third vessel  150  is moved into and/or within liquid  142  retained or provided in second vessel  130 . In various embodiments, when idiophone or instrument  100  includes first vessel  110 , second vessel  130 , and third vessel  150 , with first vessel  110  and second vessel  130  each having, holding or retaining a respective liquid or liquids therein, moving second vessel  130  away from first vessel  110 , and toward third vessel  150 , third vessel or member  150  displaces fluid  142 , and/or increases and/or raises a level of liquid relative to sidewall  132  of second vessel  130  corresponding to the amount of displaced liquid caused by third vessel  150 , and replaces fluid  122 , and/or decreases or lowers a level of liquid  122  in first vessel  110  as second vessel  130  is moved out of liquid  122  in first vessel  110 . As a result, the relative tone and/or pitch that is being and/or may be produced by second vessel  130  is raised, and the tone and/or pitch that is being and/or may be produced by first vessel  110  and third vessel  150  is lowered. 
     In operation, in various embodiments, moving second vessel  130  toward or closer to first vessel  110  and away or farther from third vessel  150  replaces fluid  142  to reduce the liquid level inside second vessel  130  as it moves toward first vessel  110 , and displaces liquid  122  to increase the liquid level inside first vessel  110 . As a result, in various embodiments, the relative pitch and/or tone of second vessel  130  is lowered while relative pitches and/or tones of first and third vessels  110 / 150  are raised. 
     In other words, the pitch and/or tone of a resonant vessel may be changed by displacing the fluid or liquid inside that vessel. In addition, in various embodiments, if an additional resonant vessel is used to displace the fluid or liquid inside the first resonant vessel, the displaced fluid rises around the additional resonant vessel and also varies the pitch and/or tone of the additional resonant vessel. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 8 , in various embodiments, third vessel or member  150  defines an aperture  164  within bottom floor or section  154  of vessel  150 . In various embodiments, bottom floor  154  defines aperture  164 . In various embodiments, a fourth vessel  170  having a bottom base  174  may be provided within liquid receiving receptacle  156  of third vessel  150 . In various embodiments, fourth vessel  170  may extend into or through aperture  164 . In various embodiments, fourth vessel  170  may be provided in liquid receiving receptacle  156  of third vessel  150  and into aperture  164 , such that bottom base  174  of fourth vessel  170  is substantially aligned with aperture  164  of third vessel  150 . In various embodiments, fluctuations or changes in liquid level in second vessel  130  and/or first vessel  110  also varies the pitch and/or tone of vibrating fourth vessel  170 . 
     The vessels may each take a variety of shapes, sizes, and make-ups, for example, as desired to affect resonance and/or playability. For example, as illustrated in  FIG. 9 , one or more of the vessels may be in the shape of and/or have properties of or similar to a mason jar  180 . As also illustrated in  FIG. 8 , one or more of the vessels may be in the shape of and/or have properties of or similar to a snifter glass  185 . In various embodiments, one or more of the vessels may be in the shape of and/or have properties of or similar to a slider stem  190 . Mason jar  180 , slider stem  190 , and snifter  185  each have different shapes, properties and/or characteristics, and these properties and/or characteristics may affect each vessel&#39;s resonance, pitch and/or tone, and how the vessel is vibrated or played (e.g., whether it is struck, scraped, or rubbed). For example, mason jar  180  is typically not configured to audibly vibrate from rubbing because the tops or top edges are too rigid. In contrast, snifter  185  or other stemmed glassware may typically be rubbed to create an audible pitch and/or tone because the material around and/or forming the rim is flexible enough to audibly vibrate in response to rubbing. 
     However, mason jar-like vessel design  180 , with its more rigid and/or thicker neck, tends to be relatively optimal for suspending the vessel from its neck (e.g., with a cable). In contrast, snifter-like vessel  185  suspended in a cable system may be complicated to engineer and relatively more susceptible to damage from playing and pressures from the cable system or activation thereof. In various embodiments, however, slider stem-like design  190  (which may be similar to a slider and a water pipe) has a rigid central rim for support but a rim or top area sufficiently flexible to be audibly vibrated with rubbing, while allowing other vessels and/or objects to be inserted and/or manipulated therein. In various embodiments, the vessels may be constructed of any number of materials or combinations of materials including glass, ceramic, stone, and various metals. In various embodiments, the vessels are watertight or at least substantially watertight, apart from any top opening on each. 
     In various embodiments, one or more vessels of the idiophones of the present disclosure may include textures or notches on the outside of the vessels and/or on a support structure therefor to allow the vessel to produce different pitches or tones or sounds by rubbing a stick or tines along the notches or textures. 
     Further, vessel size can also affect tone or pitch. In general, the larger the vessel, the lower the pitch, and the smaller the vessel, the higher the pitch. In various embodiments, sets of multiple resonant vessels of various sizes are utilized to provide different pitches. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 10-12 , a nested or stacked instrument or idiophone  200  is illustrated, according to various examples of embodiments. In various embodiments, stacked idiophone  200  includes a first resonant vessel  210 , and a second resonant vessel  230 , provided in a stacked, nested, spaced-apart arrangement. In various embodiments, nested or stacked instrument or idiophone  200  also includes a third resonant vessel  250  provided in a nested arrangement with the second resonant vessel  230 . In various embodiments, vessels  210 / 230 / 250  are similar to vessels  110 / 130 / 150  described above. In various embodiments, each vessel  210 / 230  is suspended by its neck or rim, or otherwise suspended to allow vessels  210 / 230  to resonate as desired (e.g., freely, without undesirable vibration, etc.). In various embodiments, first vessel  210  is partially filled with a liquid  212 . In various embodiments, first vessel is relatively stationary, while second vessel  230  is moveable relative to first vessel  210  (e.g., up and down, using a cable and/or mechanism activated by a pedal similar to a timpani pedal system used to move a timpani hoop up and down). 
     In various embodiments, third resonant vessel  250  is also suspended by its neck or rim, or otherwise suspended to allow it to resonate as desired (e.g., freely, without undesirable vibration, etc.). In various embodiments, second vessel  230  is partially filled with a liquid  232 . In various embodiments, third vessel  250  is stationary relative to first vessel  210  while second vessel  230  is movable relative to first vessel  210  and third vessel  250 . It should be appreciated, however, that the first vessel and/or the third vessel may also be moveable relative to the second vessel. 
     In operation, in various embodiments, a musician or a performer may play the stacked idiophone  200  by striking, scraping, bowing, and/or rubbing one or more of the vessels to cause one or more of the vessels to vibrate and/or resonate, and moving second vessel  230  relative to first vessel  210  and/or third vessel  250 . In various embodiments, as second vessel  230  is moved (e.g., up and down and/or back and forth) relative to adjoining first and/or third vessels  210 / 250 , liquid  232  is displaced and/or replaced in second vessel  230  and/or liquid  212  is displaced and/or replaced in first vessel  210  thereby changing the liquid level relative to the sidewalls of those vessels and the corresponding pitches and/or tones those vessels produce while vibrating or resonating. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 13 and 14 , a “mushroom anchor” instrument or idiophone  300  is illustrated. In various embodiments, idiophone  300  includes first and second mushroom anchor-shaped vessels  310  and  330 . In various embodiments, idiophone  300  also includes a third mushroom anchor-shaped vessel  350 . 
     In various embodiments, second vessel  330  includes a shaped portion  332  helping define a liquid receiving reservoir  334  for retaining or holding a liquid, and a stem or bell clapper  336  having a head  338 , wherein head  338  and stem  336  define a hollow shaft or channel  340 . In various embodiments, head  338  includes a distributed crown  342 . 
     In various embodiments, vessels  310  and  350  are similar in design to vessel  330 . Vessels  310  and  350  each includes a respective shaped portion  312 / 352 , each helping define a respective liquid receiving reservoir  314 / 354  for retaining or holding a liquid, and a respective stem or bell clapper  316 / 356 , defining a respective head  318 / 358 , wherein head  318 / 358  and stem  316 / 356  each defines a respective hollow shaft or channel  320 / 360 . In various embodiments, head  318 / 358  includes a respective distributed crown  322 / 362 . The main difference between vessels  310 ,  330 , and  350  is that various components of the vessels including the liquid reservoir, stem or bell clapper, hollow shaft, etc. are sized and shaped to allow the vessels to be provided in a spaced nested or nestable arrangement. 
     In various embodiments, vessels  310  and  330  (and any vessel  350 ) are provided along and around a central shaft  370  running through channels  320 / 340  defined by stems  316 / 336  and heads  318 / 338 . In various embodiments, central shaft  370  also runs through channel  360 . In various embodiments, vessels  310 / 330  (and, in various embodiments, vessel  350 ) are each retained relative to central shaft  370  and each other (e.g., using one or more hanging cables  380  or cable assemblies coupled to their respective crowns). In various embodiments, cables  380  help retain first vessel  310  relative to shaft  370  and any third vessel, while allowing second vessel  330  to move or be moved along shaft  370  relative to the one or more other vessels to displace the liquid retained in first vessel  310  and/or second vessel  330  and change the vibrating or resonating tone and/or pitch of one or more vessels  310 / 330 / 350  and/or the instrument  300 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 15 , a “controlled dip” idiophone or instrument  400  is illustrated. In various embodiments, instrument  400  includes a first vessel  410 , including a peripheral sidewall  412  and a bottom floor or section  414 . In various embodiments, bottom floor or section  414  is coupled to or formed integral with sidewall  412  so as to form a liquid receiving receptacle  416  open at an upper end  418  of peripheral sidewall  412 . In various embodiments, a liquid is also provided in liquid receiving receptacle  416 . 
     In various embodiments, at least one second vessel  430  is suspended or otherwise provided in liquid receiving receptacle  416 . In various embodiments, each second vessel  430  is tubular with opposing ends, at least one of which opposing ends is closed. However, the second vessel may be open at one or both opposing ends. In various examples of embodiments, multiple second vessels  430  are each shaped differently. For example, as shown in  FIG. 15 , second vessels  430  may have different or staggered lengths. In other examples of embodiments, the second vessels may have different widths, volumes, etc. In various examples of embodiments, the second vessels are sized and arranged in a seven and five arrangement (i.e., seven sharps and five flats arrangement). 
     In operation, in various embodiments, a foot pedal  440  is utilized to activate a mechanism useable to move first vessel  410  (e.g., by adjusting a support or framework on which the first vessel is provided) and/or second vessel(s)  430  (e.g., using one or more cables coupled to tubular vessels  430 ) relative to each other to displace or replace liquid relative to the sidewalls of first vessel  410  and/or second vessels  430 . In various embodiments, one or more second vessels  430  are moved (either together, in various groups, or individually) relative to the liquid in liquid receiving receptacle to change and/or vary a pitch and/or tone produced by the second vessel(s) when struck, rubbed or otherwise vibrated. In operation in other various embodiments, the first vessel and the liquid therein is moved relative to the tubular vessel(s) to change and/or vary a pitch and/or tone produced by the second vessel(s) when struck, rubbed or otherwise vibrated. The pitch and/or tone of first vessel when struck, rubbed or otherwise vibrated may also be changed and/or varied as the first vessel and/or the second vessel(s) are moved relative to each other. In various embodiments, each second vessel  430  is used as a sounding or vibrating surface and changes tone and/or pitch as it is moved within the liquid retained in first vessel  410 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 16 , a “hi hat” idiophone or instrument  500  is illustrated. In various embodiments, instrument  500  includes a first vessel or member  510 , including a peripheral sidewall  512  and a bottom floor or section  514 . In various embodiments, bottom floor or section  514  is coupled to or formed integral with sidewall  512  so as to form a liquid receiving receptacle  516  open at an upper end  518  of peripheral sidewall  512 . In various embodiments, a liquid  522  is also provided in liquid receiving receptacle  516 . 
     In various embodiments, a second member or vessel  530  is suspended or provided in liquid receiving receptacle  416 . In various examples of embodiments, second member or vessel  530  is slidably or moveably retained in a hi hat clutch  535  on a hi hat stand  537  such that the second member or vessel may be moved in and out or within liquid  522  in first vessel  510 . 
     In operation, in various embodiments, a foot pedal  540  is utilized to move second member  530  relative to first vessel  510  (e.g., similar to how a top hi hat cymbal is moved relative to a bottom hi hat cymbal) to displace or replace liquid  522  relative to the sidewalls of first vessel  510  and/or second vessel  530  and change and/or vary a pitch and/or tone produced by the first vessel  510  and/or second vessel  530  when or while either or both vessels are struck, rubbed or otherwise vibrated. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 17-19 , various examples of a “buoy” instrument or idiophone  600  are illustrated. In various embodiments, instrument  600  includes a first vessel  610 , including a peripheral sidewall  612  and a bottom floor or section  614 . In various embodiments, bottom floor or section  614  is coupled to or formed integral with sidewall  612  so as to form a liquid receiving receptacle  616  open at an upper end  618  of peripheral sidewall  612 . In various embodiments, a second vessel  630  is provided in liquid receiving receptacle  616 . In various embodiments, second vessel  630  is a buoy. In various embodiments, a liquid  622  is also provided in liquid receiving receptacle  616 . 
     In various embodiments, a foot pedal  640  may be utilized to activate a mechanism useable to move second vessel  630  (e.g., using a cable coupled to second vessel  630 ) relative to (e.g., up and down within) first vessel  610  to displace or replace liquid  622  retained therein. As shown in the figures, first vessel  610  and/or second vessel  630  may each take a variety of shapes. As illustrated, first vessel  610  may be held and/or suspended (e.g., within a frame or framework  650 , as illustrated in  FIGS. 17 and 18 ), and/or be provided on a pedestal  660  as illustrated in  FIG. 19  (e.g., to help limit sound interferences and/or optimize sound predictability). 
     In various embodiments, second vessel  630  is also used as a sounding or vibrating surface and, like first vessel  610  in which it is provided, also changes tone and/or pitch as it is moved within liquid  622  retained in first vessel  610 . It should be appreciated, however, that the second vessel may also be an unpitched idiophone, such as a water drum or membranophone. In various embodiments, the second vessel utilized in connection with idiophones of the present disclosure may be replaceable or exchangeable with other vessels, buoys or buoy inserts having a variety of sonic properties. 
     Referring more specifically to  FIG. 19 , in various embodiments, idiophone  600  also includes a member  670  (e.g., as shown, a member in the shape of a hurricane glass) provided between first vessel  610  and second vessel  630 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 20 , a glass xylophone or bottle xylophone  700 , according to various embodiments, is illustrated. In various embodiments, instrument  700  includes multiple first vessels  710 , including a peripheral sidewall  712  and a bottom floor or section  714 . In various embodiments, bottom floor or section  714  is coupled to or formed integral with sidewall  712  so as to form a liquid receiving receptacle  716 . In various embodiments, a second vessel  730  is provided in liquid receiving receptacle  716  of each first vessel  710 . In various embodiments, a liquid  722  is also provided in liquid receiving receptacle  716  of each first vessel  710 . 
     The first vessels and/or the second vessels may each take a variety of shapes. As illustrated, first vessels  710  may be held and/or suspended (e.g., within a frame or framework  750 . In various examples of embodiments, first vessels  730  are sized and arranged in a seven and five arrangement (i.e., seven sharps and five flats arrangement). 
     In operation in various embodiments, one or more foot pedals are utilized to activate one or more mechanisms useable to move one or more second vessels  730  (e.g., using one or more wires or cables (e.g., snaked through the frame or framework  750  or attached to the outside of it) coupled to each second vessel  730 ) relative to (e.g., up and down within) the first vessel  710  to displace or replace liquid  722  retained therein. In various embodiments, one or more second vessels  730  are moved (either together, in various groups, or individually) relative to and within liquid  722  in each corresponding liquid receiving receptacle  716  to change and/or vary a pitch and/or tone produced by first vessel(s)  710  when struck, rubbed or otherwise vibrated. In various embodiments, each first vessel  710  is used as a sounding or vibrating surface and changes tone and/or pitch as each second vessel therein is moved within liquid  722  retained in each first vessel  710 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 21-23 , a playable surface instrument or idiophone  800  is illustrated. In various embodiments, idiophone  800  includes a first vessel  810  including a peripheral sidewall  812  coupled to or integrally formed with a bottom section  814  so as to form a liquid receiving receptacle  816 , having an upper end  818  terminating in a rim  820 . In various embodiments, first vessel  810  and/or liquid receiving receptacle  816  are at least partially enclosed around rim  820  by a playable surface  830 . In various embodiments, an aperture or opening  840  is defined in or by playable surface  830  to allow liquid and one or more second vessels and/or displacement devices  860  (e.g., a buoy) to be provided into and moved within liquid receiving receptacle  816  of first vessel  810 . In various embodiments, playable surface  830  is contacted or vibrated to create sound. First vessel  810  may also be vibrated or played on its sidewall. In addition, displacement device  860  may also be vibrated or otherwise played. Additionally, as illustrated in  FIGS. 21-22 , first vessel  810  may be suspended or otherwise provided in a frame or framework  870  to help it to resonate more freely than it may otherwise if not suspended. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 24-25 , a tunable idiophone  900  (e.g., a tunable Archimedes timpani) according to various examples of embodiments is illustrated. In various embodiments, idiophone  900  includes a first vessel  910  including a sidewall  912 , and a bottom section  914  coupled to or formed integrally with sidewall  912  to form a liquid receiving receptacle  916  open at an upper end  918  of sidewall  912 . In various embodiments, a liquid  922  is provided in liquid receiving receptacle  916 . In various embodiments, siphons and pumps controlled for example with foot pedals move liquid  922  in and out of first vessel  910 . The liquid level in first vessel may also be altered by diversion of flowing water into and out of the first vessel. 
     In various embodiments, idiophone  900  includes a tuning gauge  950 . Referring more specifically to  FIG. 25 , in various embodiments, tuning gauge  950  includes a tube  960  open at its opposing ends. In various embodiments, one opposing end  965  of tube  960  is provided into first fluid  922  (e.g., water) at least temporarily received by first vessel  910  such that first fluid  922  enters tube  960 . In various embodiments, a layer of a second fluid  970  (e.g., oil) that is less dense than first fluid  922  (e.g., water) is provided on top of first fluid in tube  960 . Density sorting prevents second fluid  970  from mixing with first fluid  922 , and, in various embodiments, second fluid  970  floats on top of first fluid  922 . In various embodiments, tuning gauge  950  may include one or more lines or other indicators  980  thereon (e.g., like those on a graduated cylinder or thermometer) or another mechanism (e.g., like that on a standard timpani) to help a performer or user tune idiophone  900  (e.g., by using a foot pedal to match a second fluid level with indicator  980 ). 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 26-30 , various embodiments of an “electromagnetophone” or idiophone utilizing electromagnetic displacement  1000  and components thereof are illustrated. In various embodiments, idiophone  1000 , which utilizes electromagnetic displacement to provide variable pitch and/or tone, includes a first vessel  1010  including a sidewall or peripheral sidewall  1012  and a bottom section  1014 . In various embodiments, sidewall  1012  and bottom section  1014  form a fluid receiving receptacle  1016 . While the figures show first vessel  1010  open at an upper end of sidewall  1012 , the upper end may be closed. In various embodiments, fluid receiving receptacle  1016  retains or holds a magnetic ferrofluid  1022  and an electromagnet apparatus  1050  provided into magnetic ferrofluid  1022 . In various embodiments, electromagnet apparatus  1050  is electrically coupled to an electrical power source or supply and ground and/or grounded outlet. 
     In various embodiments, and referring more specifically to  FIGS. 27 and 30 , electromagnetic apparatus  1050  includes an electromagnet  1060 , which may be sheathed in a nonconductive layer  1070  to help protect a user or performer from electrocution and related or other harm, while allowing electromagnetic forces to pass through to attract and repel magnetic ferrofluid  1022  and/or other objects such as resin-embedded objects. In various embodiments, electromagnetic apparatus is coupled to power through a ground fault circuit interrupter. 
     In various embodiments, vessel  1010  is nonconductive. In various embodiments, the vessel may also be coupled and/or suspended within or by to a frame, which may be grounded. In various embodiments, electromagnet  1050  is actuated (e.g., magnetized and/or demagnetized, e.g., using electricity) and/or controlled using a foot pedal (e.g., a wah wah pedal)  1080 . 
     Referring more specifically to  FIGS. 28A-28C and 29A-29C , in operation, electromagnet apparatus  1050  may be actuated into an attraction or magnetic state (e.g., by the foot pedal). In an attraction or magnetic state, as illustrated in  FIGS. 28A and 29A , electromagnet apparatus  1050  attracts magnetic ferrofluid  1022  or resin-embedded objects retained in vessel  1010 , causing the amount or level of ferrofluid  1022  or resin-embedded objects in contact with electromagnet apparatus  1050  to increase while causing the amount or level of ferrofluid  1022  and/or resin-embedded objects in contact with sidewall  1012  of vessel  1010  to decrease. In such a magnetic state, the pitch and/or tone of sounding vessel  1010  or idiophone  1000  is relatively lower when resonated and/or vibrated (e.g., rubbed, struck, scraped, or otherwise played) than when electromagnet apparatus  1050  is in a magnetically neutral state as illustrated in  FIGS. 28B and 29B , and/or in a magnetically repulsive state as illustrated in  FIGS. 28C and 29C . 
     In various embodiments, electromagnet apparatus  1050  may be placed in the magnetically neutral state or otherwise inactivated (see  FIGS. 28B and 29B ) to help allow or induce magnetic ferrofluid  1022  and/or resin-embedded objects in vessel  1010  to return to a more neutral or level surface state. 
     In various embodiments, electromagnet apparatus  1050  may be activated into a repulsion state (see  FIGS. 28C and 29C ) to repel magnetic ferrofluid  1022  and/or resin-embedded objects from electromagnet apparatus  1050  and reduce the amount of ferrofluid  1030  and/or number of resin-embedded objects in contact with electromagnet apparatus  1050 . In various embodiments, the repulsion state of electromagnet apparatus  1050  helps also cause magnetic ferrofluid  1022  and/or resin-embedded objects to be displaced and contact relatively more of sidewall  1012  of sounding vessel  1010 . In various embodiments, such repulsion state also changes the relative pitch and/or tone of idiophone  1000  or vessel  1010  compared to a neutral or attraction state. In various embodiments, the repulsion state results in or gives vessel  1010  or idiophone  1000  a higher pitch or tone when vibrated, relative to a neutral or attraction state. 
     Variable pitch and/or variable tone idiophone  100 / 1000 / 1200 / 1400  may include other features, apparatus, or attachments. For example, and referring now to  FIGS. 31 and 32A-32B , in various embodiments, idiophone  100 / 1000 / 1200 / 1400  includes one or more damper sleeves  1500  provided on one or more damper connectors  1510 . In various embodiments, damper sleeves  1500  may be a felt-like or felt material provided between damper connectors  1510  and/or suspension brackets  1520  that may be pressed or squeezed against a vessel (e.g., using a pedal or damper pedal  1530 ) as desired to help dampen the sound coming from vessel of idiophones  100 / 1000 / 1200 / 1400 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 33 , in various embodiments, such as an idiophone  800 , top playable surface  830  has an aperture  840  and a butterfly valve  870  defined in playable surface  830 . Aperture  840  allows liquid or fluid to be provided in vessel  810 , and/or any second vessel or buoy  860  therein to be adjusted or moved. In various embodiments, valve  870  is rotatable to create a wavering or a tremolo effect on sound omitted from vessel  810 . While valve  870  may be rotated in a variety of ways, in various examples of embodiments, the valve is coupled to a battery-operative mechanism useable to rotate the valve. A switch (e.g., provided near the buoy mechanism) may be used by a performer or player to power the mechanism on and off. 
     In various embodiments, the idiophone also includes a tilting mechanism. In various embodiments, the tilting mechanism can help tilt the idiophone to alter or vary the pitch and/or tone emitted from the one or more vessels included in the idiophone. 
     In various embodiments, the idiophone of the present disclosure may also include a pick-up device that may be used to capture since the sound or mechanical vibrations produced by the idiophone and convert them to an electrical signal that may be amplified to produce musical sounds through a loudspeaker, or recorded directly. 
     In various embodiments, idiophones of the present disclosure may also include a bubble mechanism and/or a blowing arm. For example, a bubble mechanism or blowing arm may be provided through an aperture defined in a hollowed out arm that helps move the second member relative to the first member. The idiophone may include an apparatus for introducing bubbles into the fluid retained therein. Such an apparatus may be used to produce a sound. It may also be used to help oxygenate the liquid, depending on the liquid being used (e.g., to prevent it from becoming stagnant). 
     As another example, the idiophone may include an apparatus to drop objects, additional fluid(s), etc., from above the fluid level to also produce a sound. Such idiophone(s) may also include an apparatus of mechanism for adjusting the fluid level to change and/or tune the sound produced by those bubbles, object(s) or fluid(s). 
     As utilized herein, the terms “approximately,” “about,” “substantially,” and similar terms are intended to have a broad meaning in harmony with the common and accepted usage by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter of this disclosure pertains. It should be understood by those of skill in the art who review this disclosure that these terms are intended to allow a description of certain features described and claimed without restricting the scope of these features to the precise numerical ranges provided. Accordingly, these terms should be interpreted as indicating that insubstantial or inconsequential modifications or alterations of the subject matter described and claimed are considered to be within the scope of the invention as recited in the appended claims. 
     It should be noted that references to relative positions (e.g., “top” and “bottom”) in this description are merely used to identify various elements as are oriented in the Figures. It should be recognized that the orientation of particular components may vary greatly depending on the application in which they are used. 
     For the purpose of this disclosure, the term “coupled” means the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary in nature or moveable in nature. Such joining may be achieved with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being attached to one another. Such joining may be permanent in nature or may be removable or releasable in nature. 
     It is also important to note that the construction and arrangement of the system, methods, and devices as shown in the various examples of embodiments is illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements show as multiple parts may be integrally formed, the operation of the interfaces may be reversed or otherwise varied, the length or width of the structures and/or members or connector or other elements of the system may be varied, the nature or number of adjustment positions provided between the elements may be varied (e.g. by variations in the number of engagement slots or size of the engagement slots or type of engagement). The order or sequence of any process or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the various examples of embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the present inventions. 
     While this invention has been described in conjunction with the examples of embodiments outlined above, various alternatives, modifications, variations, improvements and/or substantial equivalents, whether known or that are or may be presently foreseen, may become apparent to those having at least ordinary skill in the art. Accordingly, the examples of embodiments of the invention, as set forth above, are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Various changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Therefore, the invention is intended to embrace all known or earlier developed alternatives, modifications, variations, improvements and/or substantial equivalents.