What do you get when you combine a harp, a tanpura, a dulcimer, a guitar and a strumstick?
The Omstrument, of course. What else? 🙂
This is one of the most creative as well as beautiful instruments I’ve seen. But before I focus on all the good stuff that I like, let’s get the negatives out of the way first.
What I Don’t Like About the Omstrument
46! Strings
Imagine preparing for an important performance or recording session – where you really need/want to sound your best. I already procrastinate when it comes to changing strings on my guitar. The mere thought of having to change 46 strings gives me nightmares.
Tuning/Intonation
String instruments get out of tune. Period. Nothing you can do about it. The more strings you have to deal with, the more you need to fiddle with keeping them in tune.
Transportation
Looks like a beast to carry around. I guess it’s time to exchange my Ferrari for a Minivan. 😉
Do you see the smiley? That means that I was just joking – just to be clear, I don’t have a Ferrari – yet. Enough of the whining already – onwards to the good stuff!
|
Problem |
Solution |
|---|---|
|
Changing 46 strings? |
No problem when you focus on the great sounding end result. |
|
Tuning and intonation? |
Develop your ears and use a quality tuner for some help. |
|
Transportation problems? |
Who needs to transport the beast? I know I wouldn’t. I’d be too busy sitting at home playing my Omstrument. |
What I Like About The Omstrument
Coolness Factor
I don’t know about you, but to me the Omstrument scores big time in coolness. It’s original, unusual, exotic. And there’s enough guitar-shaped instruments assembled to get my fingers itching. Just from looking at the thing.
46! Strings
Now wait a second. Wasn’t that one of the bad points already?
Yes, it was. Thanks for your attentive reading. But besides the negative aspects already mentioned, there’s the sound and the possibilities you get with 46 strings.
A symphony of resonance, vibration and tonal colors.
The Omstrument in Action
Finally, check out the inventor Jack Haas playing one of his compositions:
Big thumbs up from me for the creative fusion of string instruments. The beautiful sound alone would be worth any inconvenience.
Your Own Omstrument?
Maybe you have a few unused, old instruments collecting dust in your attic. Why not build your own version of an Omstrument?
It doesn’t get much better than this, I can’t wait for the electric version!
Hi Marvin,
In reference to your Facebook comment – I’d really love to see Jimmy Page rock out on the electric version of the Omstrument.
That would be quite epic. 🙂