Elegant and luminously transparent, this unique instrument has refined curves and a slim profile. Inspired by the ancient Greek lyre and using new high-tech thermoforming, it is the perfect marriage of old and new. According to some art critics, this instrument is a uniquely beautiful work of art and is beautiful enough to be shown in museums!
Technical Details - The Crystal Lyre has eight pure quartz tubes (99.9% SiO2), including the seven notes and the octave of the C major scale, mounted on a transparent acrylic base. Keys, strings and metal pins create the ideal angles to hold and suspend the tubes. It measures 20.5 inches high (52 cm) and weighs 4.4 pounds (two kilograms). It is permanently in tune, whatever the ambient climatic conditions. Mine Cristal gives a one-year guarantee on this instrument. The Crystal Lyre is handmade, exclusively in Canada, in the Crystal Workshop™ at Mine Cristal, Bonsecours, Quebec.
Patented - This new and unique instrument is protected by an industrial design patent in several countries.
Different ways to play - This instrument is very easy to play for both professional musicians and beginners alike. One can play the Crystal Lyre flat on a table, upright on its stand or held against ones’ chest with one hand. Try waltzing with the instrument or making back-and-forth movements; this produces amazing Doppler effects!
The striker is unique: they are made with specific materials in a specific density to optimize sound. This design prevents unwanted noises when playing, and facilitates the creation of pure, crystalline, powerful and soft sounds. By simply tapping lightly on the tubes and by gliding the striker over several tubes, the musician can easily create a sustained synergy of sound, a “crystal symphony!”
The Crystal Lyre can be used in various contexts: for its acoustic quality, as a musical instrument, for therapy and to facilitate meditation.
Learn More about Mine Cristal Quartzophone Instruments