Bamblong

The Bamblong is a small bamboo idiophone similar to a marimba or angklung, meticulously hand-crafted from sections of cut and carved bamboo from Southest Asia. It is comprised of a row of tuned bamboo logs that serve as resonance chambers, each ranging between 11⁄2 – 21⁄4 inches in diameter and 8 – 14 inches in length, with sound holes cut into the top of each one. The actual playing surface for each log is a thin bamboo plank suspended on pegs over each bamboo log. When played with recycled rubber bicycle tire mallets, the instrument has a smooth and mellow, yet very crisp and clear musical note, with a quick decay.

We recorded it first in a very close, intimate dry setting to capture the full warmth and tonality of each note. This gives it a rich, strong presence and total creative flexibility and also allows our Bamblong to work extremely well with any reverb or spatializing effect you like. We deep-sampled the instrument exhaustively, with an average of 20 dynamic velocity layers per note and 10 round-robin variations per dynamic layer. We also recorded strikes and rolls using nylon jazz brushes for a unique raspy effect. In addition to the dry studio articulations, the bamblong was also recorded in a large glass and stone recording hall for a bright, organic live sound. This “wet” version of the Bamblong is ideal for use in symphonic arrangements and blending with other concert percussion.

This whistle — technically grouped into the same family of whistles as bird and animal call whistles — is made of kiln-fired clay. It has two chambers which create air cavities that are resonated by blowing into the top of the skull. It produces a harsh, raspy atonal vocal sound very much like a dying breath, but with a shrill demonic essence that is certain to evoke dread on an almost instinctive level. It is the sound of death incarnate.

We recorded this instrument exhaustively, in a dry studio, as well as from close and far postilions in a large open hall for a rich, lush ambience. With deep velocity layering and natural round-robin variation, plus tons of unique sound-designed and atmospheric content, the Aztec Death Whistle library puts the soul and essence of this dark and unique instrument into the palm of your hand.