I am currently developing a variety of approaches to constructing a drone instrument using a chamber and a spinning wheel coated in Rosin, in preparation for my final sculptural instrument piece that I will begin construct along an experimental film later this term. In preparation for this larger realization of the idea of abstraction I am following in constructing an instrument from scratch I am focusing on resonance, structure, string tension and tuning, as well as string distributing and alignment above the wheel. I want to have a limited amount of playability with this instrument however, I want it to have a complex tonality and multiple percussive aspects (right now I am playing with the idea of attaching thin metal sheets to the side of the chamber for sustained rolling percussive sounds that can act as hits alongside an extended drone).

I believe that the material and approach to building a variety of prototypes leading up to the final model will create increasingly subjective instruments, where tone and sonic qualities are determined by the material, process, and design specific to the individual one. The purpose of creating such a simple instrument is to attribute its qualities to the abstract nature of shooting on 8mm film, prone to being affected by a variety of variables. The narrative of the film will be my approach to imaging how I perceive the subjectivity and abstract nature of perceiving natural environments. I want to construct an instrument specific to the film to compose a score, either with found material associated to the environment I capture and abstract, or simply created in the same headspace associated to my own perception of the chosen environment. I am attributing qualities of improvisation in music to this project, which is why I am choosing to practice abstract instrument form in advance to creating the final piece. As I would practice the charts of a tune before attempting to improvise over an at tempo backing track.

I have made my first cuts for the test cavity today using the laser cutter and 6mm birch plywood. The pieces shown below include the cavity, the wheel, and what will be the bridge and section for the tuning pegs. I will make a primitive crank this weekend to spin the wheel under a singular guitar string for this initial test.