Take a long thick tube of glass such as a large test tube. Half-fill it with water. Insert a straw and affix it to the bottom. By sucking or blowing into the straw, one lowers or raises the level, and striking the side will cause a higher or lower tone. With the correct glass thickness and edge, a moist fingertip drawn around the rim can also produce music.
With markings for notes, this might make an educational and fun instrument for children.-- FarmerJohn, Dec 30 2002 Only sorta related but the idea reminded me of this. http://www.glassarmonica.com/Benjamin Franklin invention [half, Oct 04 2004, last modified Oct 21 2004] [farmer] the UK needs an overflow pipe badly at present. croissant for a lovely new instrument for children. (instrument of torture for parents and teachers, mebbe)-- po, Dec 30 2002 not sewage, just has not stopped raining like for ever.
I was going to post an idea for an over flow pipe and then I thought some smart ass (ahem, UB) would say - rivers.-- po, Dec 30 2002 Where I live a thongophone would be a phone where you talk into a..... never mind.
Nice idea FJ.-- Shz, Dec 30 2002 random, halfbakery