Metalophone

An experimental resonant instrument developed by Bart Bell.

©Regina Pretscher

The Metalophone is a custom built resonant instrument developed by Bart Bell.
Made from metal rods and resonant structures, it produces evolving harmonic textures that can resemble bowed strings, metallic drones or gong-like resonances.

The instrument can be bowed, struck or excited through various objects, creating a wide range of acoustic vibrations that are often extended through amplification and electronic processing.

The Metalophone emerged from an exploration of resonance and listening.
Rather than functioning as a traditional instrument, it acts as a resonant body that reveals hidden vibrations and complex overtones.

Through slow gestures, friction and amplification, the instrument produces immersive sonic textures situated between drone, acoustic noise and evolving harmonic fields.

©Les Films de Poche

The instrument is built from a metal rod mounted on a structure.
It is played using bows, mallets and various objects, and amplified through contact microphones and extended with electronic processing.

The Metalophone is used in:

• solo performances

• collective improvisation sessions

• sound installations

• site specific performances