Experimental musical instrument
A custom made instrument is a musical instrument that is considered to be of one's own design or a modification or extension of a defined guideline of a certain instrument. Many examples of custom-made instruments can be found throughout the world. Some are created through simple modifications such as cracked drum cymbals. Some instruments are modified to create an easier playing feel, such as filing down frets on guitars. Many custom-made instruments are created from household items like a home made mute for brass instruments in which the musician could use anything from pots and pans, to bathtub plugs or even pieces of garbage.
Examples
- Future Man from Bela Fleck and the Flecktones has manufactured a drum machine out of spare parts and created an electronic machine called a Synthaxe Drumitar.
- Pat Metheny uses custom built Manzer guitars built by Linda Manzer.
- The Shulberry is an electric custom instrument created primarily by Derek Shulman, a Shulman brother in the popular progressive rock band Gentle Giant.
- In 2006 Yuri Landman made an electric 12-string overtone zither for Aaron Hemphill of the Liars.
- German band Einstürzende Neubauten uses many different kinds of metal (plates, springs, pipes, canisters, cans, plastic, etc.) as instruments, in addition to custom built instruments constructed by band member N.U. Unruh.
Publications
Experimental Musical Instruments was a periodical published by Bart Hopkins, a leader in 20th century experimental music design and construction. Though no longer in print, back issues are still available.