CLIENT: Bryce Dessner
MATERIAL: maple, poplar, aluminum, brass, guitar components and electronics
DIMENSIONS: 28-44 in lengths
YEAR: 2012-present
BRIEF: Original design and fabrication for a set of percussive stringed instruments for the composition “Music For Wood and Strings” composed by Bryce Dessner and originally performed by Sō Percussion. To create a set of four unique chordal instruments that could be played percussively, have a wide octave range, full frequency spectrum and accommodate different tunings and tonal characteristics for Bryce to compose music for them. They also needed to travel easily.
SOLUTION: Using a minimalist approach, a body shape just large enough to accommodate two sets of 12 strings that mirror each other. The performer can play each side of the instrument with sticks similar to a hammered dulcimer. There are mechanical mutes that can be engaged for tonal changes. A unique piezo bridge and preamp electronics was utilized for amplification while still retaining the acoustical qualities of the wood. They travel paired up in Pelican rifle cases. Several iterations of these have been commissioned since 2012 as the composition continues to be performed by different ensembles around the world.
MATERIAL: maple, poplar, aluminum, brass, guitar components and electronics
DIMENSIONS: 28-44 in lengths
YEAR: 2012-present
BRIEF: Original design and fabrication for a set of percussive stringed instruments for the composition “Music For Wood and Strings” composed by Bryce Dessner and originally performed by Sō Percussion. To create a set of four unique chordal instruments that could be played percussively, have a wide octave range, full frequency spectrum and accommodate different tunings and tonal characteristics for Bryce to compose music for them. They also needed to travel easily.
SOLUTION: Using a minimalist approach, a body shape just large enough to accommodate two sets of 12 strings that mirror each other. The performer can play each side of the instrument with sticks similar to a hammered dulcimer. There are mechanical mutes that can be engaged for tonal changes. A unique piezo bridge and preamp electronics was utilized for amplification while still retaining the acoustical qualities of the wood. They travel paired up in Pelican rifle cases. Several iterations of these have been commissioned since 2012 as the composition continues to be performed by different ensembles around the world.
