Play It Again, Ben!

1. Play It Again, Ben!

2. Benjamin Franklin invented the glass armonica in 1761. He got the idea from listening to musicians play water glasses filled to different levels to make musical sounds.

3. Franklin turned the glasses on their side, put smaller glasses inside bigger ones, and turned them by using a foot pedal.

4. When he turned the glasses, he put wet fingers on the edge to make the musical sounds. The larger the glass, the lower the sound.

5. Listen carefully as Benjamin Franklin plays the glass armonica.

6. People liked to listen to the glass armonica. It was one of Benjamin Franklin’s favorite inventions. Some people still play the glass armonica today!

7. William Zeitler is a musician that still plays the glass armonica. He travels with his instrument and performs for audiences around the world.

8. Click on Mr. Zeitler’s name to watch and listen to him play the glass armonica.

9. The glass armonica is a very interesting instrument that Benjamin Franklin invented. He was very proud of it. Click on his signature and play it for yourself!