The World's Strangest Musical Instrument

[@veritasium]

🌏Get exclusive NordVPN deal here ➵ NordVPN.com/veritasium It’s risk free with Nord’s 30 day money-back guarantee!✌

[@creativerse6447]

Hey

[@creativerse6447]

Like if you're Indian 🇮🇳🇮🇳🐅

[@critin_]

No bro

[@hydo-7653]

Could you do another pure mathematics video, I'm pretty sure it has been a while since you did one. They are my favourite type of your videos!

[@lellius]

Derek, if you insist on referencing the metric system and mispronouncing the word stalactite then at least have the courtesy to do in a silly Australian accent.

[@NoothinkN]

"What instrument do you play?" "Uhh.. Cave.." "What?"

[@JeffBilkins]

It is a kind of rock music

[@lgcisaacb.l.326]

The Lithophone inside a grotto connected to a pinball machine that plays with the keys of a common church organ. The real "Pillars of the Earth"

[@KhanJoltrane]

CAVE

[@matthewboire6843]

Yes cave

[@TheAverageDaniel]

I play da cave.

[@pastaplatoon6184]

This is the where the evil villain goes to write soulful music after every battle.

[@owen6004]

Rob Scallon on Veritasium isn’t something I ever expected, but I love it!!!

[@Psythik]

Who's "Rob Scallion"? Sounds like a chef's name.

[@benisrood]

​@@Psythik An extremely mid musician with very thinning hair. They could have spoken to a proper organist, they chose someone who wanted to play a bit of ambient guitar with it.

[@lucas_m_]

I don't understand the hate for Rob. He's primarily a guitarist, but journalism on interesting instruments is much of his youtube work.

[@hamishwhitehenderson5197]

@@benisroodall the proper organists i’ve met have been incredibly snobby and egotistical, so I get the feeling they would have turned him down. That or they made it all the way down the cave telling anyone who’d listen about how Bach was the single greatest genius who ever lived, how they are a bunch of philistines for liking Toccata and Fugue, and how any music made after 1750 is basically godless dogrell. When they finally get to play the thing they chose, take a guess, JS Bach, or if they are feeling particularly cruel something by one of his sons that no-one has ever heard of. Mercifully they stop after the first variation and tell all the people that worked so hard to make this that at the end of the day it’s a cheap modernist parlour trick with no real musical value.

[@oliverberglas4188]

@@benisrood ? who cares about his musical talent or how his hair looks.... they got a musical journalist who is educated and entertaining, those points are irrelevant.

[@deniswastaken]

That's a great collab Derek! You chose Rob for it, he has already played quite a few unique instruments and he can explain that uniqueness very briefly, such a wonderful collaboration.

[@walrusrobot5483]

Not sure an interview quite counts as a collaboration, but alright!

[@neurosin]

Hell, he already made a vid on this exact instrument

[@lukepowers4749]

As a musician, I loved this!!

[@jack.smith2958]

Posted 5 minutes ago, 4 minute old comment. Checks out.

[@screenoholic]

Then you'll love the Rob Scallon's video on the same topic more.

[@benisrood]

​​@@screenoholic How? How could anyone? I want to see a great organist play it, I want to see a musician from one of the world's great orchestras. I want someone who knows music at an incredibly high level, not some dude with a KZbin channel. He had NOTHING insightful to say whatsoever, it was embarrassing.

[@VarunSarathy]

Not to take away from Tom Scott, but Veritasium has really filled in that gap nicely with so many new videos! We really appreciate it! ❤️

[@MushookieMan]

tom scott is a posh spaz

[@Geeksmithing]

Man, I used to go to these caverns for like every other field trip growing up in Virginia. Thanks for highlighting it!

[@FlyingCIRCU175]

Uncanny to have an 11-minute Veritasium video this year, and about something music-related, no less. But I'm in.

[@verdatum]

Oh hey! About 30 years ago, my organist mom got to play this!

[@MikesToolShed]

been going there for years, never gets old

[@blfabela]

if the organ stretches that far, could you play a note that was far away, and then have the sound arrive at the same time as another note that was closer? I wonder if that would mess up the rythym

[@pilotman012]

I went there in 1980 as a child. It impressed me then and it impressed me still today. Looking forward to going back for a visit.

[@pmishraofficial]

It’s interesting how KZbin never fails to show me the new Veritasium video as the first item in the feed minutes after it’s uploaded.

[@elanzankman4399]

That's not interesting at all. The algorithm knows you're gonna click on it, which obviously you did.

[@WastedDad]

His uncle is the CAT at KZbin and he pushes veritasium video in front of everyone who uses the platform

[@sandirunthanthanee3826]

Same!!!

[@fakedevdutt]

we are blessed brother!

[@NITIN-l9y3q]

I watched your video just 40 seconds after you uploaded it. Isn't that amazing.😄

[@sneakypeachaugustine]

Cool to see a place I visited as a kid on Veritasium.

[@brendan981]

I really love that Veritasium has been able to expand while still feeling like Veritasium.

[@AlfaOxTrot.]

1:47 those who known 💀💀💀

[@Alu99099]

Still water 💀💀💦💧💧

[@TDFLM]

Beautiful! So very beautiful! One question, though, will the vibrations of the organ playing break or crack the stalagtites?

[@55Ramius]

That was my first thought when the video started. Nothing like 600 pound pointy limestone falling on you , or even 1 pound.

[@Handsomelad7]

1:45 still water

[@chandlerwilburn1537]

"Primitive, cave-dwelling man was far more intellegent than we ever knew" -Archeologists on the history channel in 4024

[@goosenotmaverick1156]

"They were actually aliens" feels like a more appropriate statement for them to make on History that far out. 😂

[@pmishraofficial]

Wow! So good to see Rob on this channel.

[@hayeonkim7838]

Thanks for so interesting and valuable video as always ❤❤❤

[@glennpearson9348]

Live in Northern Virginia. I've been to Luray a number of times and, like Carlsbad Caverns in New Mexico, I always spot something new when I return. The video doesn't do the immensity of the organ room justice. It's an amazing sight. Highly recommend it to anyone looking for a unique adventure. When you're done with the cave, you can drive a couple hours over into the Blue Ridge Mountains for a day hike, or even roam the Appalachian Trail. State motto: "Virginia is for Lovers!"

[@Olivia_Daoudi]

Feels illegal to be this early to a veritasium video

[@منهمنهمنه-و4ظ]

Me

[@منهمنهمنه-و4ظ]

Mee

[@soiiiooikkii.2]

Mee

[@soiiiooikkii.2]

Me

[@rubar_mohammad]

Under 3 minutes

[@danielalba4797]

I actually play this instrument every day I have a cave in my backyard

[@mozzerellaman]

I've been here several times and heard the organ. It's absolutely beautiful! I highly recommend a tour for anyone traveling near or through the area.

[@Mo-the-cat-the]

Is it just me or will veritasium soon be uploading daily at this rate?

[@lemondeepfried]

6:28 to hear it

[@joshuakahky6891]

Great video, but something that bugged me was the stabilization used on the shots inside the cavern. Is there a way to remove that from future videos? I imagine it's something to do with the software in the camera itself, but it made me dizzy for much of the video :)

[@sethsanders8799]

I’ve lived in Virginia over a decade now and have had the privilege of going to luray a handful of times, love to see my state shown off in a video, thanks Derek!

[@gnoccialpesto]

Beethoven's "lament to going deaf" (sonata 14) seems particularly apposite.

[@justrecentlyi5444]

Loved Rob Scallon's video about this cave, excited to see how you cover this!

[@skyecinnie]

I love how you explained the hammers visually, sound is really hard to capture and explain in video, Rob was a great choice, he's one of those guys that could explain how the world works in 60 words or less, great collab!

[@lackdejuranez7084]

The consistency of your uploads has significantly increased and I LOVE IT!!

[@CardinalTreehouse]

I'm very torn between how cool this project is and what Sprinkle had to do to make it happen., it feels similar to making handholds in a cliff face for climbing. Altering something that takes that long to form is not something I would think would be allowed to happen today.

[@natecousins6264]

but we take billions of barrels of oil and mine for unimaginable tons of ores and minerals. come on now. selective care?

[@omarllama]

You talking about Oil?

[@LordDragox412]

At least it's not Mount Rushmore...

[@benisrood]

Hand wringers get nothing done.

[@PrabhasPatil]

Consistent veritasium uploads is heavenly 😌

[@K.The.J]

Finally, a video short enough to not waste time on, but still long enough to pique my interest. Good job Derek

[@techpixler]

What Instrument do you Play? Rob Scallon; Cave.

[@Vanhassen24]

videos before Christmas, how exiting! ❤

[@KinaOfficiaI]

bro peter is just traveling the world looking at the coolest things lol

[@hydo-7653]

I just gotta say, i am a huge fan of you, it is always a great day when you upload! love and support from the 8th graders!

[@june9914]

Lurray cavern organ is seriously 1 of those things that needs two be seen two believed. That instrument is enthralling

[@pneumaofficial9581]

Loving seeing more of Peter travelling, he really seems like he enjoys the places hes visiting

[@Kishan18]

I'm loving how consistently you are dropping content now. We get to learn more and more.

[@Jwdude123]

Do you think the narrator will ever come out of the closet?

[@matteomoser6945]

Yeeessss finally not a year old vid that i found just now

[@ashokkumar-zw8vi]

After a few days holding on not watching the Strandbeest video,just finished watching and found out there is another video lol. Love this.

[@Adventurealliancekerala]

This instrument doesn’t just make music; it makes history.

[@bhargavpandya9189]

this channel never ceases to amaze me!

[@Adventurealliancekerala]

Proof that the best instruments don’t come from factories but from the Earth itself.

[@CourtneyVarner]

Luray Caverns is right near my hometown and went there all the time as a kid.

[@guarami1]

I've been to Luray Caverns, its amazeballs! There is an underground boat tour they didn't mention... but the organ is properly described in the title.

[@hamishwhitehenderson5197]

I remener they asked about this on the british comedy panel show QI as the question “what is the largest organ on earth?” No one could get it right, they all assumed it would be in a church or opera house. Upon finding out how it worked, comedian and musician Bill Bailey said “if you’d asked me about the world’s largest Xylophone…”

[@afon_s]

I will always remember the first version of preview😌

[@Jossie-Blind]

always makes my day when i see a new video of veritasium!!

[@akiroraiden5788]

eeey :D always love to see Rob showing up on another channel. anyone who doesn't know Rob and enjoys music should definitely go look up his channel

[@PigglyWigglyDeluxe]

Yooooooooo Rob on Veritasium let’s goooooooooo

[@QuestHuntersGaming]

me : sad veritasium : new video me : back to happy

[@observethemfdynamic]

Any instrument made of stones would be called a lithophone (mallet instruments like stone marimbas, all the various “musical steps”) so this definitely isn’t the only one. I’ve never seen one modeled like an organ besides this one though. I’ve been to this, and it’s a really nice cavern, but I think they could take better advantage of the novelty of this instrument.

[@Causegamr1]

I love Luray caverns

[@quiteintresting1916]

Bro vids are a delight to watch

[@robertwilcox9566]

Ohhhh great now I gotta go watch Rob Scallon play One on one guitar with two other guys for the thousandth time

[@prabalrana5981]

Quality 100% Knowledge 100%

[@PreciousBoop]

2025 Grammy's in the Organ Cave is gunna be lit!

[@SirVerdyh]

The lake inside the cavern looks so sick!

[@shahaansahni]

Derek's (and the team's) content is just...EXQUISITE

[@qilinger4685]

Dude, Veritasium always posts about things I learn from the english articles of the ACT test a few months ago. What is this black magic?

[@bahamutbbob]

Before even watching the video, just the title and thumbnail, it's Luray Caverns. My childhood was filled with advertisements on TV and occasionally billboards. I finally went in 2016, and it was neat, but underwhelming. The commercials all made it look soooo much bigger inside. I did not know about the organ until I visited in 2016. Edit: My main complaint, and the reason I was underwhelmed, is because everything looks so much larger on camera, but it doesn't feel huge when you're standing in it. The "lake" is only about 4 feet below the stalactites above it.

[@Blinkerd00d]

I was maybe 9 when I went and it felt massive to me lol I should go back as an adult and revisit it.

[@Nova32x]

You have no joy nor whimsy, I went this past summer and it was quite incredible. The scale was immense and the formations beautiful, sounds to me like your mind is spoiled by man-made wonders

[@thehyperscientist1961]

Even with everything we have today, the imagination and creations of people from the last century were just so wacky and amazing. I give my hats off to Sprinkler, you can just see his face glowing with pride in the clilps. P.S. Now I just really want to hear someone play Infinite Amethyst on that thing. That'd be the most genuine "cave music" ever!

[@BrownieX001]

I like the recent upload schedule. Even if it means shorter videos. As long as the ideas are interesting.

[@TeddySpaghetty]

Yay for a Rob Scallon cameo!!!

[@nodusink-ink]

Ready to fight Ganondorf in there 😂

[@TheChrisSimpson]

I've heard it in person, it's really cool. BTW the "lake", is a bit of a stretch, its like a little pool that's elevated about waist/chest height from the walking path, only a few inches deep but the reflection is cool with the lighting.

[@thatsthefact5817]

I would like Hans Zimmer to play No Time For Caution in there.

[@ellieallen115]

This is the freshest Veritasium I’ve ever had

[@ZenonLite]

Yo, this rocks

[@juanvillagar2958]

rob and veritasium coming together is the ultima collaboration for me

[@MrSunamo]

It'd be a dream to get a chance to play this cave organ. Thanks for the video.

[@mattyoh1358]

I was gonna make a joke comment about how Rob Scallon made a video about this already, so you got Scallon'd, but it seems you already know about that! Really cool to see him on this channel

[@shornoMALONEY]

Look Mum No Computer should get involved in these subterranean shenanigans, he'd be going wild with excitement down there!

[@owenschulz9504]

When I was growing up I’d go every couple of years I love that place

[@elainebenes7971]

The irony is no one would be allowed to build this instrument today

[@walrusrobot5483]

IS that irony?

[@solusmaximus2566]

You don't know what irony is

[@JustMarq]

I actually had a lithophone reading passage on my finals 😂

[@JohnGodwin777]

I was there last summer. It sounded completely out of tune to me. They had it play a song every so often and the melody was unintelligible, just sounded like random wind chimes. Being down there is unreal though, like my brain couldn’t comprehend what it was seeing. It’s so huge, pictures can’t do it justice. I highly recommend a visit.

[@pipecleanermaster]

I’ve been there many times and it’s ALWAYS been amazing to visit

[@SympathyM]

These uploads...dammm!!! Bro found his content archive drive...!!!

[@23snowy23]

But will it Djent?

[@nanokotb2437]

Vsauce,kurzgesagt and veritasium on my birthday It’s like a dream

[@MzeeMoja1]

We have not forgotten the other parts of a series as you put it. I’m talking about thermite sir. Kindly remember.

[@dakkonfury]

Oh good ol' Luray, a regular field-trip destination growing up and fun place to take family visiting from out of town, if you're not claustrophobic!

[@VictorGFlores]

Someone needs to make a sample library of this

[@zwingler]

"you couldnt get away with it nowadays" yeah no, some megacorp would buy the cave and turn it into an office space somehow.

[@critin_]

Feels illegal to be this early to a Veritasium Video!

[@Vanhassen24]

Spot on time!

[@Avodude85]

Veritasium stepping in Tom Scott's shoes.

[@YourDailyDoseofJillish]

Love Luray Caverns! I live nearby and have my whole life.

[@AtasagirogluOfficial]

The feeling of regret when the entire cave collapses on you and turns into a sinkhole...

[@Irvs94]

Veritasium, PLEASE DO A VIDEO discussing the physics of a rapidly expanding sun at 100% the speed of light (Yes impossible, but for theoretical discussion purposes only) and stopping near earth - would we see the sun suddenly appear? Or would we see the sun expand over 8 minutes even though it is right in front of us?

[@TheBLUEngieTF2]

Feels legal to be this early to a Veritasium video

[@Jirongosteve]

Watching from Juba❤❤ Great work Derrick..