springboard demo performance

Solo improvisation on the Springboard, intended as a demonstration of the instrument's sound potential. The Springboard is an electroacoustic instrument made from readily available materials and objects amplified by a single piezo disc contact microphone. Among these objects are coil springs that are bowed to produce rich enharmonic tones. The Springboard can also be played percussively. Its humble constitution belies the richness of its sounds; compelling associations that range from whale sounds and other non-human vocalizations, to industrial soundscapes. Video by Gretchen Hasse, recorded in studio, 2007.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• instruments
• contact microphones
• piezo
• diy
• sound
• music
• daxophone
• electroacoustic
• homemade
• percussion

[ericleonardson]

I welcome comments and recommend visiting my website for more information about the Springboard: ericleonardson (dot) org (slash) instruments

[PVCLime]

What type of Piezo did you use?

[ericleonardson]

@PVCLime a disc about 1-1/4 inch in diameter encased in an aluminum housing, probably manufactured as a buzzer originally. I purchased a few in 1994 at American Science & Surplus for $3 US. It's embedded inside the board, held firmly with a very hard epoxy called "plumber's lead seal."

[AUDIOTEMPLE]

You need a Symbolic Sound Kyma system to go with this and world domination would be assured!

[ericleonardson]

@AUDIOTEMPLE thanks for that tip!

[sawtoothdan]

Eric - I just discovered your videos tonight. WOW. It's kind of like good macro photography for sound - there's a whole new world in there. You should get together with Tom Waits! I just discovered Piezo pickups a couple days ago. I had no idea, but as soon as I learned about them I was thinking that the possibilities were endless. You have successfully confirmed that impression. I appreciate your work - thanks. You can be sure I'm going to start messing with Piezos in the days to come!

[mirabilis]

parts of it would fit a horror movie. :)