John Lazelle and the Lazelle Drone
In memory of an old friend and innovator of musical instruments.
John Lazelle built stringed drones that really utilized Geoff’s sound systems capacity for robust production of 20 hertz audio.
John Lazelle was one of two innovators in the late 1960’s to construct and perform the first musical stringed drones. Drawing by Frank Goad.
John Lazelle made a number of drones as well as drums and flutes. Some of the drones were as small as three feet with the largest 15 feet in length made from an aluminumm semi truck chasis with 25 strings and electric pickups. Another made from stainless has 125 steel strings (same size) 4.5 feet by 15″ x 1 foot tall. The drones are played with steel bars sliding on the strings while picking or strumming the strings. Tapping on the strings or using the bow are alternative methods for activating the strings.
The photo was taken in 1974 with John performing at Santa Barbara City College. Geoff’s first large array midrange cabinets are seen in the background.
