What's that weird instrument: The Beatles: Get Back edition
December 28, 2021 3:25 PM Subscribe
In Episode 3 of the Peter Jackson movie, one can see someone in the studio fiddling around with what appears to be some kind of musical instrument. What is it?
It appears twice, presumably the same footage, around the 48:00 mark, and also about one hour in. I saw no other views from any other angle. It appears to be some kind of gourd-like resonating bowl, though looking more like turned wooden vessel, with a small harp-like appendage up one side, and 12 guitar-like worm gear tuning keys on the opposite side. The harp-like appendage looks non functionally decorative, but who knows? And the tuning keys suggest tensioned strings, though none are visible from what is shown. If it is strung, it appears to be non fretted, and has no visible neck. I've seen lots of odd instruments in my day, but never one quite like this. Anyone know what it is?
It appears twice, presumably the same footage, around the 48:00 mark, and also about one hour in. I saw no other views from any other angle. It appears to be some kind of gourd-like resonating bowl, though looking more like turned wooden vessel, with a small harp-like appendage up one side, and 12 guitar-like worm gear tuning keys on the opposite side. The harp-like appendage looks non functionally decorative, but who knows? And the tuning keys suggest tensioned strings, though none are visible from what is shown. If it is strung, it appears to be non fretted, and has no visible neck. I've seen lots of odd instruments in my day, but never one quite like this. Anyone know what it is?
The red hair suggests it’s Kevin Harrington, one of the roadies, doing the tuning.
posted by zamboni at 4:58 PM on December 28, 2021
posted by zamboni at 4:58 PM on December 28, 2021
I'm quite sure it's neither a swarapat nor a sarangi. It looks to me like a drone instrument, where the strings seen on the left pass through the resonator. The strings would all be tuned the same, or to a fifth or third, and played with a plectrum (or two plectrums (plectri?)).
posted by bricoleur at 5:54 PM on December 28, 2021
posted by bricoleur at 5:54 PM on December 28, 2021
dunno. could be a one of a kind. it does look like a tailpiece on the left with strings run through to the tuners.
but i found everything you need to know about drone.
posted by j_curiouser at 6:31 PM on December 28, 2021 [2 favorites]
but i found everything you need to know about drone.
posted by j_curiouser at 6:31 PM on December 28, 2021 [2 favorites]
I wonder whether it might be some sort of Aeolian harp.
posted by Songdog at 12:53 PM on January 23, 2022
posted by Songdog at 12:53 PM on January 23, 2022
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posted by Ideefixe at 4:38 PM on December 28, 2021