SPOTLIGHTS GEAR
MY FAVORITE AXE with David Tyberg photo by Patty Scott Smith
BACKGROUND
WHAT IT MEANS TO YOU
CUSTOM MODS
Best known for portraying Professor Dimitri von Stadberg, singer/bassist for Atlantabased transdimensional rock outfit, The Extraordinary Contraptions, Tyberg is a jazztrained bassist involved with many facets of Atlanta’s music scene and is in demand as a session musician among his steampunk colleagues.
Freedom: More compact and road-worthy than my full upright without compromising sound and playability. And unlike my doghouse, I can move around onstage with it!
Although it’s now gig-worthy, I still have some ideas to implement such as an end pin, body brace, a new strap, and new pickups.
MAKE & MODEL Custom electric upright bass co-designed by Tyberg and Randy Garcia, built by Garcia and Sharp Guitar Works. She doesn’t have a name yet. Any suggestions?
YEAR Construction began in 2010, still a work in progress. 48 SEPTEMBER 2012 PERFORMER MAGAZINE
OTHER NOTES WHAT IT SOUNDS LIKE The intersection of rock and roll, jazz, and classical. The perfect low-frequency Swiss Army knife for the bass player who’s come unstuck in time.
SPECIAL FEATURES Magnetic pickups like a bass guitar, curved, full-sized upright fingerboard for bowing, smaller overall size for mobility, and full steampunk sexiness.
Everybody else who picks it up remarks on how heavy it is. But I don’t really notice.
HEAR IT IN ACTION Live with The Extraordinary Contraptions and on several videos on our YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/thecontraptions
VISIT WWW.THEEXTRAORDINARYCONTRAPTIONS.COM Got a favorite instrument you’d like to share? Email us at editorial@performermag.com