Instruments
XALA I
The Xala I is the original Xala, an acoustic instrument with 24 sounding boards made of Padouk wood. These are glued together in the shape of a U and partly covered by an aluminum plate. They are set in two rows, the back row is tuned pentatonically and contains two floating aluminum plates (gongs). In the front row there are diverse boards which emit sounds which quite different in character, some in quarter tone intervals and others tuned similarly to temple blocks. They complete the piano compatible notes placed on the back row with special intervals. This Xala’s Sound is archaic, drum-like, dry, strong and willful.
XALA II
The Xala II is a completely acoustic instrument and is comprised of two octaves of chromatically tuned sounding boards made of Padouk and Cordia wood. Two rows of whole notes are set facing each other and each note has its octave next to it. Temple blocks in L shape fill in the gaps. The wood boards are framed by four aluminum plates (gongs). All together there are 28 sounding boards which are for the first time assembled with resonators. The sound of the Xala II is consistent, warm and profound.
XALA III
The Xala III is a mix between the Xala II and the Dancemeter. It functions electroacustically. The six acoustic wooden sounding boards are built similarly to those in the Xala II, likewise the aluminum plates (gongs) on the outer sides. It is tuned in registers, two low notes, two notes for the intermediate tones and two high notes. The scale has been so chosen so that each interval can be played and notes are available for every harmony. There are five surfaces in wood and metal for shoes/feet which have built-in microphones which can trigger resonant effects. Central to its construction is a wooden surface under which a box lies (Cajon) which creates a bass note which is like a base drum in a drum set. The Xala III can be packed into 5 cases and transported by plane. The sound of this instrument is multifaceted. It combines electronic sounds with the warmth and uniqueness of the large Xala sounds from wood and metal. Modern and archaic.
DANCEMETER
The Dancemeter is a Xala prototype. It measures exactly one square meter. Originally it was built out of scraps of wood and metal and fitted with pick-ups. It later was developed into a separate instrument and has already traveled around the world.
XALA-PROTOTYPES
