Semi-Electrostatic Staccato Drone Noise Thing

This is the simple "Victorian synthesiser" principle (briefly demonstrated at the start of this video), applied to stringed instruments in a blossom of experimental 'scum-noise'.

A relay coil is implemented as a string agitator (in a similar fashion to the ebow). No audio signals are fed to this coil, however. Instead, it is simply turned on and off with a battery. When it is on, the string is pulled toward it via electromagnetism.

The string is electrified: connected to a terminal of the battery. The circuit is thus completed by touching the string with a probe at the opposite end of the circuit, turning on the relay. Rapid bouncing occurs as it switched on and off, creating a harmonically dense drone.

At around 1:28, its sustain is illustrated as the string is plucked. It would be interesting to implement this messy electrostatic sustain feature onto each string of a guitar using electrified washers... the player might feel electric shocks, but masochism is in vogue. This is all just pie in the sky though.

The sparks can be suppressed using a diode, incidentally. I know you don't care...

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• relay
• coil
• victorian
• synthesizer
• zither
• electromagnetic
• oscillator
• circuit
• bending
• noise
• sonic
• art
• sound
• scumnoise
• drone

[richtcello]

nice work!  now to implement that on my cello...

[ashfordaisyak]

That's a marvellous idea! A metallic bow could be built which would act as the string agitator. The relays might be difficult to mount onto the cello though.

[SNAKEMESH]

there are some very good noises in this device! Well done!

[wizzard1956]

brilliant from roswell nm usa

[Flab0b]

This is completely fantastic! You MUST post some links on how to make these things!

[goohber1]

were those some kind of guitar strings you were using?

[joesfph]

i can hear that sound youre making

[samoht1977]

first one sounds like a kazoo... secon one like a Lamborghini ;)

[ProblemAudio]

I have it! hurray for being unique!

[ProblemAudio]

hahaha

[pyrowuzzup]

when i read that i could suddenly taste tomato soup. hmmm.

[madamerotten]

I applaud your fine work! These are all electromechanical oscillators that operate on a similar principle to mechanical buzzers.