Twenty Thousand Hertz

The Waterphone: Hollywood’s spookiest sound effect

Apr 13, 2022
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ANECDOTE

Creation of the Waterphone

  • Richard Waters invented the waterphone in 1968 in his backyard welding shed.
  • His creative, unconcerned attitude led to a unique, eerie instrument with lasting influence in sound design.
ANECDOTE

Ama Richards Spurs Waterphone Fame

  • Ama Richards, a renowned percussionist, discovered the waterphone and embraced its unique sound.
  • He introduced it to Hollywood composers, popularizing it in many movie scores.
ANECDOTE

Waterphone’s Early and Broad Use

  • The waterphone debuted in the 1971 documentary The Helstrom Chronicle, featuring bug sounds.
  • From there, it spread to many famous movies and TV shows, becoming synonymous with eerie atmospheres.
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