Instrument list
Hammered Dulcimer
One of the oldest instruments, dating back to biblical times the hammered dulcimer is known around the world under a variety of names: Hackbrett in Germany, Cymbalon in Eastern Europe, Santoor in India, Santur in the Middle East, Yang Ch'in in China, to name a few.
Dulcimers are closely related to psalteries and zithers and are commonly found in many kinds of folk, world and medieval music.
Nicholas' hammered dulcimer is a medieval/celtic fifty eight string type handmade in Melbourne by Nick Morrey (Zen and Now Dulcimers).
On record:
- Selected Anachronisms: Stained Glass Colours, Running Water
- ~An Inexact Science~: Stable, For The Next Time The Whole world Floods With Tears
- Tunguska Butterfly/Light Streaming Down: To Drown Is To Follow, Begin Journey (ReJiggered)
- Misc: Poetry (Dandelion Wine Remix of The Crystaline Effect song, featured on the album Glass), Point Of No Return (by Winduptoys, featuring Nicholas, from the album Double Exposure)
More information and history:
» Encyclopedia Smithsonian: Hammer Dulcimer History and Playing
» Wikipedia: Hammered Dulcimer
Appalachian Dulcimer
Also known as a mountain dulcimer, this instrument originated in the Appalachian mountains in the 1700's and was derived from the traditional folk instruments of the German, Celtic, French and Scandinavian settlers.
Usually a four string instrument played on the lap, Nicholas plays a custom six string dulcimer made by Nick Morrey (Zen and Now Dulcimers) fitted with a pickup and plays it upright (guitar style).
On record:
- Selected Anachronisms : Thin Air, Quietly Safe, What Have You (Nonesuch)
- ~An Inexact Science~: Found, Muscle Memory, Starry Messenger, Tulip Eyes
- Tunguska Butterfly/Light Streaming Down: Begin Journey
- Misc: Mellon Yellow (Slowdive cover; radio only promo)
More information and history:
» A history of the mountain dulcimer
Bowed Psaltery
An old triangular shaped medieval instrument, similar to a dulcimer or zither but played with a short medieval bow. Psalteries also date back to biblical times, but the bowed version is a much later development. Nicholas' bowed psaltery is yet another Nick Morrey (Zen and Now Dulcimers) instrument and has thirty three strings. It can be seen on the inner sleeve of ~An Inexact Science~.
On record:
- Selected Anachronisms: Thin Air
- Light Streaming Down: Begin Journey (ReJiggered)
- Tunguska Butterfly: Weatherman
- Misc: Mellon Yellow (Slowdive cover; radio only promo)
More information and history:
» History of the Bowed Psaltery
Lute
The lute (Laute in German) first appeared in the middle ages and was based on the Arabic 'oud. Popular throughout medieval Europe, the lute was at its most prominent during the Renaissance and can be seen played by various angels and cherubim in numerous Renaissance paintings.
Nicholas' lute is a seventeen string Renaissance style instrument made by Gerhard Reither in Markneukirschen (Saxony, Germany) in 1974.
On record:
- Selected Anachronisms: Twins, Running Water
- ~An Inexact Science~: Little Pieces, Malphacyte
More information and history:
» History of the Lute by renowned luthier Arthur Robb
Mandolin
One of the standard instruments of Celtic and Italian folk music, Mandolins are basically four course (eight string) short necked lutes that are tuned like a violin. Nicholas pays an arch top f-hole style mandolin.
On record:
- Selected Anachronisms: Thin Air, What Have You (Nonesuch)
- ~An Inexact Science~: Tulip Eyes, Little Pieces
- ReJiggered: To Drown Is To Follow (The Vicar of Birmingham Mix)
More information and history:
Bell Cittern
At the end of the 2008 Selected Anachronisms Europe/Japan Tour, Nicholas purchased a Bell Cittern handmade in London by English luthier Paul Hathway. The Bell Cittern is a small bell shaped instrument similar to a mandolin but with 12 strings tuned one octave higher than a guitar. Bell Citterns originated in Germany in the 1600s and were based on earlier medieval instruments such as gitterns and citoles.
Being a recent addition to the Dandelion Wine instrument collection the Bell Cittern has not as yet been used on any releases but it will no doubt figure very prominently on the next album.
Guitars
Yep, Nicholas loves guitars, no surprise there. What kind? Anything and everything he can get his hands on: electric six string, electric twelve string, classical, acoustic twelve string, acoustic six string... you name it, although his Strat is his main guitar. Anything electric goes through a vast array of modern, vintage, off the shelf and boutique effects pedals, racks and a couple of nice valve amps. Amongst Nicholas' guitars is a Kramer Ferrington that previously belonged to Neil Finn and was used on Crowded House tours in the 1980's. The most recent addition is an original 1965 Fender Mustang and there are a few guitars lying around that are somewhat scary and best not mentioned...
Information
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Hurdy gurdy?
Nicholas wants a hurdy-gurdy (drehlier, vielle à roue). If you have one or make them please let us know!