July 2024
Rubble Pt. 1
Nov 25th 2024
First test of ‘Rubble pt. 1’ with electronics. The score is placed underneath the fingerboard, with two contact microphones embedded on the G and D string directly on top of the 3rd partials. The DPA is placed on the bridge. Here, I fed the audio into a 404 sampler (with resonator function and white noise generator) + Deco pedal, which simulates a reel-to-reel tape machine. Sam Maguire was controlling these live, which seems promising for an eventual installation / performance of this work.
The blue tack augments the harmonic series in a fun and unpredictable way - and I found that I often needed to detune the top string to avoid too much of a tonal sonic space — it feels more effective to focus on texture rather than melody.
I find that my experience of ‘playing the bass’ becomes completely altered with this mode of preparation. The notes don’t matter, but the placement of sounds does. It feels like I’m exploring a surface area rather than my instrument, which is largely the goal for this work.
Rubble_June 20 2024
Some experiments with prepared double bass - blue tack, contact microphones and fingerpicks.
Two contact microphones are placed under the strings across the 2nd and 3rd partials to create a new bridge (or rock surface). As such, the raised natured of the strings enforces a need to play overtones as a result of this preparation.
Blue tack is placed on harmonic nodes to alter the pitch output and, in some cases, split the frequency.
Recorded with Theo Carbo
Detuning Improv
More experimentation with preparations (as above) with detuning and live FX from Theo Carbo.