Tibetan singing bowls have been used for thousands of years.  The Himalayan peoples of Tibet, Nepal, Bhutan and India have crafted these magical bowls of at least seven types of metals.  As a musician/composer/adventurer I’ve come across many fascinating musical instruments that are used in rituals and special ceremonies.  The tibetan singing bowls have been crafted by shaman, monks and metal workers.  When struck the bowls are believed to activate the “chakras” or energy centers of the body.

I purchased my set of bowls very carefully and brought them back into the country…they were very heavy in my back packs!  I spent a good deal of time exploring the sonic possibilities of these magical bowls and created my “Tibetan Singing Bowls” Cd that you’ll love.  I added environmental sounds I’ve recorded on my expeditions.  These sounds are perfect for meditation, relaxation, yoga and just creating an exotic sonic atmosphere.   I’m sure you’ll enjoy the Sonic Safari journey into your inner self.

Here are some Mp3 samples (click here):Tibetan Nocturne   Nepali Gompa   Ancient Spirits Sing

My Sonic Safari travels have taken me all over the world to document traditional music in many countries.  Indonesia is full of awe-inspiring music using colorful exotic instruments.  I noted that many “gamelan” instruments of Indonesia have intricate, ornate carvings.  The Balinese are especially adept at creating stunning 3D art in stone, cement and wood.  I got an idea to use these talents to create something truly unique for my music.   Two days before my trip to Indonesia I went to the lumber yard and selected some beautiful thick Oak.  I brought the wood back and made a few measurements and then cut out the basic shape of an electric guitar.

 
I arrived in Bali and went to the small village of Sading to consult with my good friend Buddha.  He brought a young man to his house and we discussed carving the guitar.  A few days later he presented me with a sketch that looked superb.   “Let’s do it” I said…and off he went to his little house to carve.  This amazing piece of art took over 1 month to carve using simple hand-made chisels.  After the final painting he presented it to me.  Wow!  I was just astounded.

 
I carefully transported the guitar body back to Glendale and enlisted my great friend Jimi Yamagishi ( a guitar tech master & great musician/composer).  Jimi then mapped out the holes for the electric pickup, controls and neck pocket (to attach the guitar neck).  Here is the final result.  I think it’s the “Coolest Guitar in the world”.

Exotic musical instruments!  That’s exactly what I love.  I’m always amazed by the myriad musical instruments created to express sound.  My Sonic Safari travels have certainly helped me experience a good number of these wonderful devices.

Several years ago I was deep in Mexico in a small village.  I walked into a local music store and began perusing the musical instruments.  I saw many of the more traditional Mexican instruments, like guitar, violin, guiro, maracas, trumpets and other stringed instruments.  I noticed a short, fat guitar-like instrument hanging on the wall.  It had a very wide short neck and 12 strings.  I assumed it would be a 12 string guitar, but I was very wrong.  I got closer to the instrument and notes very thick, heavy strings.

What is this thing?  I inquired of the owner and he told me it was a “Bajo Sexto”.   What is it used for?  He told me it was used in “Nortena Music” and sometimes Tex-Mex music.  It was basically a 12 string bass guitar!  That is so cool.  The instrument was tuned an octave lower than the regular 12 string guitar and it does have a very distinctive sound.  I walked out of the store with my first Bajo Sexto.  Of course the next thing to figure out is how to get it home….but that has never stopped me from purchasing a fantastic new musical instrument.

I got home and checked into the Nortena music and found that they usually just use the highest strings to play chords.  I felt that half of the instrument was unused…the better half.  Since then I have used the Bajo Sexto in lots of innovative ways.

My newest Cd  “Guitars of Light” (check it out at SonicSafariMusic.com) features several tunes with the Bajo Sexto.  I have included some of that music here for you.  I’m sure you’ll fall in love with the beautiful low tones it produces.  Click on the blue “Emerald Cliffs” to play an MP3

Click here to listen to an MP3 using the Bajo Sexto titled Emerald Cliffs

12 string bass guitar

bajo-sexto close up