Tech
Watch Legowelt's Quirky Homemade Synthesizer In Action
The Star Shepherd is a delightfully weird instrument only the Dutch electronic musician would create.
If there’s one word to describe Legowelt, it’s “prolific.” While mainly recognized for his psychedelic, somehow nostalgic and futuristic at the same time electronic music, the Dutch artist has made countless contributions outside of simply making records. One only needs to listen to his niche radio broadcast on Intergalactic FM, Astro Unicorn Radio, to understand how diverse his talents are.
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Legowelt’s latest contribution to the DIY electronic music world is the spectacular Star Shepherd synth. A custom job compiled from a hodgepodge of guitar pedals and effects—plus an AM radio, of all things—wired through a Casio keyboard from the ’80s and held together by “screws, glue and tape.” It’s a delightful “cheap plywood box” of wonder.
The frankenstein-esque machine’s creator describes its behavior affectionately, saying it “sometimes starts doing its own thing like some sentient synthesizer being that is alive.” Spitting out anything from seemingly random sputters of noise to beautiful, undulating choral pads, it’s a machine that needs to be heard to be fully appreciated.
Watch the video above to see the Star Shepherd in action. To read more about the instrument and hear samples of the sounds it makes, head to Legowelt’s website here.
Read more: Let Legowelt introduce you to Roland’s new boutique synth in this video
