THE BUZZING BOW
The Windsinger Buzzing Bow
Get enchanted by the hypnotizing whirring of the Windsinger, an extraordinary effect instrument that weaves air and movement into a sonorous hum.
The Windsinger is a highly unique instrument created for dreamers, creatives and sound travelers. It is even more than just an instrument - it is a portal to new worlds of sound.
What is the Windsinger buzzing bow?
The Windsinger - also called Wind Wand or Omwand - is a buzzing bow. This type of musical instrument (free aerophone) is swung, twirled or spun through the air. This produces a buzzing or humming sound.
Structure of the Windsinger
The Windsinger consists of an approx. 70 cm (28") long fiberglass rod with a round beechwood handle attached to the end. The long rod is crossed by a shorter, approx. 20 cm (8") fiberglass rod (center rod). There are four guiding pieces at the ends of the fiberglass rods and on the handle, around which a flexible, rubber-like band runs in the shape of a kite square/deltoid. The sound is also produced by this elastic band.
The position of the short center rod be changed. This changes the sound and playing characteristics. The Windsinger can be disassembled for transportation and stored in the sturdy cardboard tube that come with the instrument.
What is the origin of buzzing bows?
The oldest representatives of these whirling devices are bullroarers. They probably have their roots in the Paleolithic Age. These bullroarers consisted of a flat, elongated oval piece of wood or bone and were hurled through the air on a rope. It is possible that these early whirling woods were used as a means of communication or as ritual instruments. Many indigenous peoples still count these sound makers among their cultural treasures today. You can find more detailed information on this in Wikipedia.
Buzzing bows, such as the Windsinger, which consist of a frame around which a flexible band is stretched, have probably been around since at least the late 20th century. Craftsmen and sound tinkerers have repeatedly created new variations of this instrument.
How does the Windsinger sound?
The Windsinger produces a humming, buzzing sound that varies depending on the adjustment of the center bar and the speed of movement. It can be played slowly and deliberately, but also quickly and rhythmically.
The best thing to do is to listen to the sound examples:
How is the Windsinger played?
It's actually quite easy to make the Windsinger sound: Just move it through the air! There are many possibilities, from wide and slow swings to rhythmic wiggling.
You can find more information and inspiration on how to use this instrument on our instructions page.
And what can buzzing bows be used for?
Musical instrument for sound and movement
For us, the Windsinger is first and foremost a wonderful musical instrument für sound effects that is characterized above all by sound generation in motion. Since tone and volume are influenced by the way you move, you can directly experience the connection between physical movement and sound. This makes the Windsinger perfect for dancing or even a "sound workout". But it can also be used for meditative play, as the sonorous buzzing sound of the buzzing bow can help you enter a trance state.
Sound journeys
The sound of the Windsinger can also be used in guided sound journeys, where travelers are carried on a journey by the whirring sound.
Sound effects
As a sound effect instrument, the Windsinger buzzing bow is initially reminiscent of the sound of lightsabers. This is not least because similar sounds can be produced by slashes and swings. However, buzzing bows are indeed used in the production of radio plays or films. Probably the best-known example is the sound of the fluttering wings of the ornithopters in Denis Villeneuve's Dune movies with two-string buzzing bows, as sound designer Mark Mangini explains in this video.
Ritual instrument
Another typical use of buzzing bows is in shamanic or magical rituals. This is why buzzing bows as ritual instruments are sometimes referred to as shaman bows or ancestor callers.
Where and by whom is it made?
The Windsinger is made in our manufacturing workshop at DAN MOI World Music Instruments in Germany. We love acoustic sound effect instruments. And we have always been fascinated by buzzing bows. We have analyzed buzzing bow models that once existed on the market and developed them further with great attention to detail.
Thanks to our in-house production, we can also supply all individual parts as spare parts should this ever be necessary.
DAN MOI World Music Instruments
Clemens Voigt & Sven Otto GbR
Grassdorfer Str. 52
04425 Taucha, Germany