Spinning Magnetic Guitar Strumming with FERROUS

Ferrous is a spinning magnetic polyphonic string resonator for steel stringed instruments. In this example you're hearing the guitar going through and overdrive as well. You'll also hear moments of "over excitation" where the strings impact the fretboard.

Made to resonate steel stringed instruments through the process of magnetic strumming. Ferrous’ spinning disc contains six strong earth magnets. Adjusting the rotational speed of the disc will change which strings are most affected and their harmonic content. If the disc is spinning slowly lower strings resonate; if the disc is spinning quickly higher strings will resonate louder. The results can sound like an unknown instrument in a reverberated physical space, floating sine wave tones, or feedback. Fluctuation of rotation speed by using the thumbwheel, rev button, touch-plate or control voltage input can create a soft strumming effect across multiple strings or shifts in harmonic content. New harmonics and overtones can emerge from both lower and higher strings as the disc spins faster. The distance at which Ferrous is held from strings affects how strongly they will resonate and their harmonics. If Ferrous is placed near guitar pickups you will hear the heavy sounds of spinning magnets and the motor with the resulting pitch based upon the disc’s RPM.

This device was made in collaboration with Evicshen (Victoria Shen). For more info and audio examples please visit: https://www.landscape.fm/ferrous