Davin Kammermann of Russell Island has developed a new musical instrument that offers unique possibilities.
It is the Harp Drum that he has evolved from a concept that he saw on the internet way back in 2007.
Since then, Davin has developed the concept to a precise standard that offers the possibility of a new musical direction for a new type of music.
If there is any comparison anywhere, it could possibly be the West Indian kettle drums that are now popular world wide.
The difference with the Harp Drum is that it has the sound of more like a resonating harp.
It is quite beautiful.
By the way, the H.A.R.P. stands for Harmonic and Resonant Percussion.
The spacecraft shaped metal object gets its sound from cuts in the surface on three sides that becomes a note. There are enough on the surface for an octave which will allow for a tune to be played.
Different sizes and other adjustments can be made in Davin’s construction process to allow for different sounding instruments.
With the various sizes of Harp Drums, complementing orchcestrations are possible.
It can be played by either patting or hitting the surface with the hand, or with special playing sticks with rubber balls attached.
The sound is quite remarkable and there are similarities to a kettle drum, but more harmonious.
The instrument is made from old gas bottles of various sizes.
The centre of the gas bottle is cut out and removed and the two ends brought together and welded.
Then Davin cuts the flanges that make the notes.
The size of the gas bottles used, determines the variation in the depth of the sound of the instrument.
Davin has become adept at achieving quite interesting variations.
The final part of the process is to paint the Harp Drum in some pretty fantastic colours using a powder coating method.
The final observation is that this is a very ‘tough’ instrument, but it is also portable and easy to use.
However, it would be fair to say that business isn’t exactly ‘booming’.
Since he came up with the concept in this form, he has only sold about 48 of the instruments.
Davin clearly needs help marketing his Harm Drum, and perhaps this story will help.
We reckon choirs, orchestras, pop groups and small musical groups and clubs should explore the use of the Harp Drum!
To find out more, you can contact Davin Kammermann on 0452 4564 277.
