Hey builders! I need some random thoughts for the design of an unconventional stringed instrument.
I have this friend - to say that he's one-of-a-kind doesn't do it justice. Imagine a burly, tatooed biker dude with a nose ring... who loves kittens and guns and Bible study. And has plenty of other issues :-) Yeah, that's him.
Anyway, last night, he asked if I would help him design/build a unique instrument for his own enjoyment. He'd like 3 strings, round/rounded fretboard and he'd like to play it violin-style. He has thick, stubby fingers, so larger is probably better. And he want's to play it with a bow. Doesn't have to look, sound or act like anything ever made - or it could.
My first thoughts were something like a fretted erhu. Might be interesting.
Another design inspiration came from the Stash stainless steel bass.I'm thinking diatonic frets just so it's simple to get good noises. He has no musical background or skill. Just interested in playing around.
My only personal criteria is that I have to be able to build it with available materials and tools. Not going crazy here. But I also want it to make reasonable noises and be something he can and will actually play with. Thoughts from anyone?
Thanks!
Comments
Love it! Clever use of the sliding panel. Nicely done.
Ok Randy, that last one you posted looks really interesting. I assume the "wings" are for playing in a seated position? Also, do I see only one tuner? If so, how do you keep the 2 strings happy together? Soundpost inside? Very cool.
No background or skills in music, I'd suggest a vaudeville violin / phonofiddle.
one string, diatonically fretted to more than 2 octives, size it to something comfortable for him to play on his shoulder or between the knees.
Here's what a bowed psaltery looks and sounds like:
https://youtu.be/sotvgwFm-MI
Liking the vehicle-themed ideas. Still wrapping my head around the bow and arrow thing, but it all makes me think :-)
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