I perform variations of Ellen Fullman’s The Long String Instrument with over 10 years of development, experimentation, performances and supported by a DYCP fund.

Combining the resonators of existing instruments with the acoustic properties from my own constructions, materials such as glass, plastics, brass and bronze have their unique ways that they resonate and colour the sound. The strings usually range from around 20 to 50 metres long, with the longest setup I completed stretched to over 100 metres. 

With rosin coated fingers, the instrument is played directly by softly stroking the strings to excite the longitudinal vibration the instrument. The result is a strange, physical and beautiful way to engage with a musical object. It’s difficult to describe exactly what it sounds like, sometimes a cello, a dulcimer a cascade of high harmonics and overtones or even deep electronic pulses.

I have performed at a variety of venues such as Turner Contemporary supporting Speakers Corner Quartet, the Ropery Dockyard in Chatham, and festivals including Supernormal, Smugglers and Bangface. Also undertaking various art residencies with the most recent in Marseille Pillad8 dedicated to developing the instrument further.

The Long String Instrument sits somewhere between experimental music, choregraphy, sculpture and performance. 

For performances, gigs, installations and collaborations please get in contact.

An album of recordings from this ongoing work is coming soon.

“..reminded me how boundless creativity can be.” - Zoe Williams - Article in the Guardian