For over 25 years, [Len Solomon] has been performing a one-man variety show that features crazy-looking, hand-made musical instruments that operate on air. Some of his more famous instruments include a callioforte he constructed, as well as his Majestic Bellowphone, both powered by some form of bellows, of course.
His most recent musical creation is something [Len] likes to call the “Oomphalopompatronium” (try saying that five times fast). The bellows-driven Willy Wonka-esque organ looks to be built from just about anything and everything he could get his hands on. We spied a few plastic and glass bottles, plenty of PVC pipe, and a few tin cans before we stopped looking and just listened.
At first glance you might think that the Oomphalopompatronium will produce some cacophonous excuse for music, but once [Len] stepped up to the keyboard we were pleasantly surprised. The sound is that of a small scale Oompah band, much like the name implies.
We think it’s a fantastic creation – we’re just bummed that it we can’t check it out in person.
Stick around to see a video of the Oomphalopompatronium in action.
[Thanks, BoKu]
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4IGQfUJOifo&w=470]
“Oomphalopompatronium”? – flatusforte, perhaps. Love it!!
This looks like something that would be played in children’s movies. Sounds very strange but I can’t help but smile while it’s playing.
Awesome, and the related video of Dewey playing his own oompaloompatron is awesome as well.
Haha this is so awesome, reminds me of http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cNILUwC9RUs :D
can’t help but pronounce Oomphalapompatronium in a mixed accent of german and italian english pronunciation.
Hail to the busdriver indeed.
lol this is kickass
Am I the only one who thinks he just called it “Willy wonka-esque” because he saw the title and thought “oompa loompa”? I know I saw that at first.
A whole wacky Gilliam-esque movie played in my head as I listened to that.
Great build!
@Mason,
Yes, that did enter my mind when I saw the name of the device, but I also currently happen to be reading the Great Glass Elevator to my kids, so I have Wonka on the brain.
You have to admit, it does seem odd, yet fun enough to be right at home in the chocolate factory.
Every child Must have a wacky relative with wacky inventions!! yeah!! Ok I feel like a 6 year old now That was awesome!!
That gave me a warm fuzzy feeling!
If that isn’t a hack i don’t know what is.
That man looks wonderfully insane.
I really like that hand-made musical instrument.