Flex-A-Tone
Etymology and Alternative Spellings
Ger. - flexaton; It. - flessatono
Alternative English Spellings:
Flexatone
Flexitone
Construction
Small sheet of spring steel in a frame with wooden strikers mounted on either side.[1]
History
Sticks, Mallets, Beaters
Technique
The player can hold the instrument in one hand and shake the beaters while bending the metal plate in order to bend the pitch.
For more articulate and rhythmic passages one can hold the instrument in one hand while pushing the two beaters away from the metal plate with the fingers. The player can use an articulate mallet in the other hand to strike the metal plate.
Extended Technique
The performer can hold the instrument in one hand and separate the two beaters from the metal plate with the fingers. Using a violin, cello, or bass bow, the performer can bow the metal plate while bending the pitch.
Manufacturers
Retailers
See Also
References
- ↑ John H., Beck. Encyclopedia of Percussion. New York & London: Garland Publishing, Inc., 1995.