String Cans
In 2018 my string-can designs were enthusiastically embraced by the instrument makers of Girgarre who turned them into reality. We built an orchestra of them and put on a show.
Amazing Junkstruments have already been made. I hope you get the attachment ok. This is one example. I want to “Muster The Junkstruments”!
Retired dairy farmer Wallace Williams, from Girgarre, hand-hammered and soldered this violin which is fully-functioning and has a unique and surprisingly beautiful tone.
Guitars play the notes E, A, D, G, B and hi E. String Cans each have one of these and are named, accordingly, E can, A can, D can, G can, B can and hi E can. No there isn’t a toucan. The two bass instruments, or C bins. (made from the two halves of a rubbish bin by Wallace) are tuned to the C below that, which is the same C as the bottom string of a ‘cello. Each can has only a few diatonic frets, so beginners gain fast access to harmonic music making. When handed out to less experienced groups they are able to play two or three chord arrangements quite quickly. They are much easier to wrangle than ukes or guitars. In fact, four times easier than a uke and six times easier than a guitar!
Say hello to each member of the String Can family, created by Graeme Leak, Wallace Williams and Pete Gibson in Girgarre, 2018

String Cans data