Behold, the Sloan Simulator! An idea that came to me while listening to one of my favourite openings of any song: that of "Money City Maniacs" by Sloan. The old-school, excitement-building overlapping wind-ups of several different models of vintage electromechanical emergency sirens, each with their own distinct voice and tone. I firmly believe these are instruments in their own right. Coupled with driving bass and raunchy guitar, it makes for an effective beginning buildup to that fabulous tune, and by some of Halifax's finest to boot. But how would one accurately reproduce this sequence and feel in a live setting? No, not with hand-crank sirens, or digital sampling: that would surely dull and cheapen the impact! The solution? I give you The Sloan Simulator: essentially four antique Federal sirens fastened to a cart. The large Type 2, two-horsepower air raid siren is wired for 110v and plugs into an outlet. The other three are vehicular models from my collection: models Q2A, C4A and 66-G. They are connected to a 12v automotive battery, also mounted to the cart, and wired with heavy momentary switches with 4 ga. wire. Much to the chagrin of everyone within earshot, here is a demonstration of the Sloan Simulator. Enjoy the siren's song: the dissonance, the overtones, and maybe even a little harmony if you listen carefully. Things get a bit crazy. For those who want to see/hear nicely worn-in bearings in action, check out that free-rolling rotor clutch wind-down of the C4A and Q2A at the end. All of these are totally unrestored antique sirens, and are a testament to a time when things were built to last. I am proud to help them sing again. To all you normal people out there: my apologies. Even greater apologies to my neighbours. Thanks to Matthew Ronald Noiles, Catherine A. Neily, Dwight Hargrove, Scott Higgins, Kevin O'Connell, Steven Thompson & Rescue Market. #moneycitymaniacs #sloan Sloan Music #Sloanmusic
29 июл 2017
