Weird/Unconventional/Lesser Known Instruments (electronic, alternative, indie, rock)

PopIsDead · 06-21-2007, 10:25 PM

I once looked at that oddmusic.com site. It's pretty sweet. I have it somewhere in my bookmarks.

boo boo · 06-21-2007, 11:22 PM

I know. Its amazing.

boo boo · 06-22-2007, 06:29 PM

Want to really annoy people? Try this

The Daxophone:

This crazy thing was invented by Hans Reichel, its a friction idiophone, similar to the musical bow, only completely different. Its made up of a thin wooden blade fixed in a wooden block. Theres usually a mic attached, and its usually supported by a tripod. It is often played with a bow, producing a distinguished (and very obnoxious) sound and tone. It can also be struck or plucked. The fretting item in the second pic is used to control the pitch and tone of the instrument.

A wide range of vocal like sounds can be produced on Daxophone. Depending on the shape of the wooden blade (they come in many shapes and sizes) and where it is bowed.

Heres the musical monstrosity in action.

YouTube - Daxophone - Hans Reichel
Hans Reichel doing a demonstration.

http://www.oddmusic.com/clips/daxophone1.mp3
Sound clip.

Laces Out Dan! · 06-22-2007, 07:32 PM

Sounds like a piece of shit.

boo boo · 06-22-2007, 07:47 PM

I know. But thats the idea.

boo boo · 06-22-2007, 08:07 PM

And if you think that was annoying.

The Savart's Wheel:

This device was made specifically to create the most grating, irritating sound imaginable, but still have a melodic range. Something like a Rooster getting its balls torn off. Its made up of discs of graduating size (to create a funnel shape) on a motor powered spindle. The discs are covered in ridges, as the discs rotate, the player holds a plectrum against the ridges. Creating its trademark tone of horror. Each disc controls a different frequency.

http://www.windworld.com/feature_pag...babyplease.mp3
Click on it, if you dare.

Laces Out Dan! · 06-22-2007, 10:08 PM

Sounds a lot like something Omar would use on an album.

SweetSamBlues · 07-16-2007, 04:14 PM

These last two instruments have made me laugh hysterically. Great thread.

right-track · 07-16-2007, 05:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by boo boo

And if you think that was annoying.

The Savart's Wheel:

This device was made specifically to create the most grating, irritating sound imaginable, but still have a melodic range. Something like a Rooster getting its balls torn off. Its made up of discs of graduating size (to create a funnel shape) on a motor powered spindle. The discs are covered in ridges, as the discs rotate, the player holds a plectrum against the ridges. Creating its trademark tone of horror. Each disc controls a different frequency.

http://www.windworld.com/feature_pag...babyplease.mp3
Click on it, if you dare.

I want one.

Blain · 07-17-2007, 04:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by boo boo

Ok.

The Harp Guitar:

The name says it all. Though this instrument is not too common or well known. Its not new, in fact this instrument is at least two centuries old. The idea is simple, an accoustic guitar but with an extra neck which supports unstopped open bass strings like that of a harp. The guitar pictured at the top is a classic 12 string model. While the ones at the bottom are modern designs with up to 20 strings. Notice that on them the sound hole takes a more oval shape and leaves more room for the fretted strings to be plucked and played openly as well.

Harp guitar is a great instrument for those who specialize in accoustic music, its picked up a following with jazz players as well. One notable harp guitar enthusiast was the late Michael Hedges, one of the greatest accoustic guitarists who ever lived. Other notables include Muriel Anderson and Andy McKee.

YouTube - Michael Hedges - Because It's There
Hedges giving a perfect demonstration of the instrument. Take note the various techniques he is using. And pay no attention to the hair.

YouTube - Andy Mckee - The Friend I never met
Andy McKee. Pay no attention to the beard.

YouTube - Andy Mckee - Into the Ocean
MeKee again.

YouTube - Andy Mckee - Harp Guitar
And again.

YouTube - Muriel Anderson - Lady Pamela - CAAS 2006
Muriel Anderson. Pay no attention to the estrogen.

YouTube - Muriel Anderson - Waterfalls - CAAS
Anderson again. With Julie Adams (fat redhead chick) on Cello.

Where would I acquire one of these?

06-21-2007, 10:25 PM	#21 (permalink)
PopIsDead Edgyswingsetacid Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 342	I once looked at that oddmusic.com site. It's pretty sweet. I have it somewhere in my bookmarks. __________________ "No one likes a smart-ass but we all like stars."

06-22-2007, 07:32 PM	#24 (permalink)
Laces Out Dan! I love Puck Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: British Columbia Posts: 4,614	Sounds like a piece of shit. __________________ We are entirely smooth, We admit to the truth, We are the best at what we do.

06-22-2007, 10:08 PM	#27 (permalink)
Laces Out Dan! I love Puck Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: British Columbia Posts: 4,614	Sounds a lot like something Omar would use on an album. __________________ We are entirely smooth, We admit to the truth, We are the best at what we do.

07-16-2007, 04:14 PM	#28 (permalink)
SweetSamBlues Groupie Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: La Grange Posts: 44	These last two instruments have made me laugh hysterically. Great thread.