A horn connectable to an energy source to amplify ultrasound displacement is connected to a transmitter formed of material having relatively high mechanical Q for transmitting ultrasonic energy therethrough at a frequency f, the transmitter having a horn-shaped configuration of length that is a multiple of a half-wavelength .lambda./2, and preferably this horn-shaped configuration is comprised of multiple horn segments, each of a length substantially equal to a multiple of .lambda./2, where .lambda.=c/f (c is the speed of sound in the high Q material). The transmitter has a proximal end of cross-sectional diameter D.sub.1 connected to the horn and a distal end of cross-sectional diameter D.sub.2, where D.sub.1 >D.sub.2. Ultrasonic energy transmitted through the transmitter drives a tip which is coupled to the transmitter by means of a flexible connector.