RATTLETINE

In this plucked-tine instrument, the tines in the upper row are mounted in such a way that they hammer on an “anvil” as they vibrate. The anvil is a small steel surface located just below each tine. In the version of the instrument in the large photo, the positioning of the anvils are adjustable, allowing a wide variety of sounds (most of them pretty rough and raunchy). The tines in the lower row are unrattled, for a contrasting, clearer tone quality. Rattletine functions well acoustically, but it’s also provided with a pickup.