Have You Seen This? Musical instrument operates using 2K marbles

(Samuel Westergren)


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SWEDEN — I started taking music lessons when I was 5 years old, starting violin with a teacher whom I learned from on and off until I was 18. I have no shame admitting that I wasn't very good for a while and my nickname around my house, unfortunately, became "Screech."

Despite the teasing, I always loved music, especially when I got old enough to play in orchestras and symphonies. It gave me an appreciation for musicians that I may not otherwise have known.

Enter the most amazing instrument invention I've ever seen that utilizes 2,000 marbles and 3,000 moving parts.

Have You Seen This? Musical instrument operates using 2K marbles

The "Marble Machine" made by Swedish group Wintergatan took 14 months to construct and consists of all manner of levers, pulleys, wooden gears and cranks to operate. The marbles work as percussive devices when they fall through chutes and down onto xylophone keys to make a melody.

The instrument also includes a high hat, guitar and snare drum.

Not only is the video fascinating to watch because of the intense mechanisms, the song is actually really, really good.

Now, if you don't mind me, I'll go practice "Go Tell Aunt Rhody" for the hundredth time.

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