Cymatics Devices: Four Models That Work

by Jodina Meehan on February 8, 2013

cymatics imageRecently a reader wrote in to ask what the difference is between a cymatics device that uses a membrane and a cymatics device that uses metal. There is also sometimes confusion about whether to use a speaker or another type of sound source with metal, etc. Here is a definitive answer.

Below are photos of 4 different DIY cymatics devices that you can build at home, and a description of how they work, including 2 acoustic and 2 electronic models.

Keep in mind that all of these models use sand or salt (powders) to create the cymatics images; there are other cymatics devices that are used to make cymatics images in water.

cymatics DIYThe first type of DIY cymatics device pictured here is what I call a “Cymatic Sounder,” otherwise known as a tonascope. It is built using pvc, a balloon or other latex material, and uses the voice for making cymatics images. You can find plans to make this device here.

cymatics DIYThe second type of cymatics device you can see here is a cymatics plate on a stand. It uses a violin bow to create the sound, and the cymatics images are created when the plate vibrates to the stroking of the bow. You can find video plans to make this type of cymatics plate here.

cymatics imageThe third type of DIY cymatics device you can make is an electronic device that uses what is called a “wave driver.” This is a more complicated cymatics device and the most expensive of the three; you must get a wave driver and amp from a scientific outlet, alter the plates, and hook the wires up yourself. The advantage is you can play your voice, music, or frequencies through the plate to get images. I did not design this setup but I have recreated it in my studio as you can see in this photo of a demonstration held this summer. There are no current plans for this device but you can see the wave driver and how to get one here.

cymatics DIYThe fourth type of cymatics device shown here is the most recent of my designs. The advantage to this device is that it is electronic and allows you to play your voice, music or frequencies through it using a mic or computer, yet it is not as complicated to build (and is inexpensive). I have just completed full video instructions for this cymatic voicebox including step-by-step printable plans. This is probably the best device to start with if you are a musician or would like to see your voice in complex patterns. It would also work as a kid’s project (with adult help). Click here to see a video of the voicebox being played.

Let me know in the comments below which device you are most excited about trying out for yourself.

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Marilyn February 23, 2013 at 5:13 am

Jodina,

Thank you so much for being so generous and sharing with us.
I would love to see the plans for the voice box.
You have been GREAT!
Be Well,
Marilyn

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Victoria Moore February 23, 2013 at 11:38 am

Hi,Jodina, I would like plans of the diy cymatics voicebox when it is ready,thanks.!

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Arthur Cataldo February 23, 2013 at 2:10 pm

Thank you, Jodi, for all you do for the science of Cymatics. I would definitely like to see the plans for your Cymatics Voicebox.

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Nancy Fimbres May 6, 2019 at 2:55 am

Thank you so much for breaking this complicated science into do-able tiny chunks that are informative and a Godsend for the garage scientist and hobbyist!!

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