Leonard Solomon: The Master Instrument Maker and Performer
Summary
In this article, we delve into the world of Leonard Solomon, a professional instrument maker and performer who has created dozens of unique instruments using unconventional materials. From his first instrument, the bellow phone, to the prototype Oomphelopompatroniu, Solomon’s trial-and-error method has led to some unusual sounds. We also explore his interest in pipe organs and how it has influenced his instrument building.
Table of Contents
- Unconventional Materials and Unique Sounds
- Inspired by Pipe Organs
- Building the Keyboard
- The Thrill of Performing
Unconventional Materials and Unique Sounds
Leonard Solomon began building instruments as a hobby while working as a cabinet maker and street performer. His first instrument, the bellow phone, was a honking one-man ban that allowed him to break into the entertainment industry. Solomon has since built dozens of smaller instruments and a few large ones, including the bottle organ and the Oomphelopompatroniu, which is still in its prototypical development stage.
Solomon builds each of these instruments with unconventional materials, found objects, hardware supplies, and specialty items he makes himself. This trial-and-error method has led Solomon to some unusual sounds, including the Kruert the Laughing Hor, which has a crazy harmony. Solomon has performed with his instruments in every place imaginable, from the streets of Harvard Square to the stages of prestigious music festivals.
Inspired by Pipe Organs
Leonard Solomon’s interest in pipe organs has greatly influenced his instrument building. He often imagines a sound and then builds an instrument to produce it, based on his study of pipe organs. Solomon explains the different parts of an organ pipe, such as the reed pipe and the flue pipe, and how they work. To build these pipes, Solomon files out an opening and checks the distances between each interior part.
Overall, Solomon’s instruments are based on pipe organs and he has become a master builder, understanding each part of his creations inside and out.
Building the Keyboard
The keyboard is an essential component in many musical instruments, as it controls the airflow for reed or flue pipes. Leonard Solomon spent a few years designing and building a prototype keyboard using a pushrod, copper, wooden pads, and an airtight box. The design process had many failed attempts, but Solomon believes that building an instrument is not as hard as it seems.
The Thrill of Performing
Despite the challenges of building unique instruments, Leonard Solomon enjoys performing for an audience and finds it exhilarating. He has performed with his instruments in many different locations and continues to create new and innovative instruments.
Conclusion
Leonard Solomon’s passion for instrument making and performing has led him to create some of the most unique and unconventional instruments in the music industry. His trial-and-error method and interest in pipe organs have allowed him to understand each part of his creations inside and out. Despite the challenges, Solomon finds joy in performing and continues to create new instruments that push the boundaries of traditional music.
