ContraTear 03: Demo

ContraTear is a musical instrument that I've build to use for a live theatre performance by Visões Úteis, based on Patrick Süskind's "The Contrabass". It has been used in several concerts, including John Zorn's "Cobra" presentation at Casa da Música (Oporto, 30th October 2005). Some people asked me what the instrument was and how it was played, so I made some videos. In this third video I try to illustrate the different ways of playing. The instrument is amplified by a double pickup (Big Twin, by K&K), under its bridge. All sound is live, and a simple guitar fx module is used for the loop-like-delay and reverb.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• experimental
• music
• instrument
• contratear
• diy

[joaopsmartins]

I use a cello bow, when bowing the central strings.

The objects used to "pluck" the strings are chinese chopsticks.

The metal box I use as an "auxiliary" bridge is a pen case by Rotring.

The bottom strings are made of nylon fishing line.

The central strings are bass and guitar strings.

The instrument is amplified by a K&K Big Twin pickup and the sound goes through a guitar effects processor from Zoom.

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[ajsmcs]

what are you playing it with?