Re: Experimental instruments

[William Walker <billwalker@baymoon.com>]

great post Rick,  I have these tiny magnets that when you attach to  
the strings create a lovely  slightly rattly false fret with some  
great over tones that sound almost ring modulated. Put more than one  
on a string , placed at  strong harmonic nodes and you have some  cool  
variations, caution, striking the string to hard may launch the magnets.
 I'll add:
1. aluminum foil,  cut and fold small squares of this and create  
little rings that you attach to the strings to create a great rattly  
buzz sound while still letting the fundamental notes come through,  
think of a kalimba with those little buzzers on it.
2. thin sheet aluminum cut in long thin strips woven between the  
strings at the bridge gives a nice faux steel drum effect, ditto with  
old credit cards cut the same way
3. hand held battery operated rubber bladed fan, Like the one I  
borrowed from you rick, sure if you hold the fans blades to the  
strings long enough you will smell burning rubber, but what a cool  
sound with the added advantage of motor noise that isn't so  
overpowering it will degauss your pickups like a drill can do.
4. Any little hand held toy with a speaker and dialogue, I prefer the  
MR T in your pocket, but the remote control from the Beavis and  
Butthead big book of inactivity is also excellent. Talking dolls or  
little toy samplers. hey there's an idea,  a talking doll,  with a  
built in sampler, imagine creating your own...er dialogue for a doll  
like that? ok perhaps you better not
 Bill