Anti Tank Guitar

Infobox Instrument
name=A.T.G. - Anti Tank Guitar
names=


classification=String instrument (plucked.)
range=
related=*Bowed and plucked string instruments
articles=

The A.T.G. or Anti Tank Guitar is a large multi-stringed instrument that can express tones including and beyond the chromatic scale.

History

The A.T.G. was invented by Matt Schultz in 1989. It was based on a conceptually designed instrument by experimental musician Brad Braun. Since 1990 Schultz has created 5 variations, including the Mark I, Mark II, Mark III, Mark IV and Mark V. It was most notably used in two musical projects; Lab Report and Pigface. [http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9E0CEEDF1F30F932A15751C1A964958260&scp=4&sq=pigface&st=nyt New York Times] ] It has appeared on 18 albums. It was described by fellow bandmate and Pigface singer Chris Connelly as. "a large rail-way sleeper with piano wire which was stretched over the guitar so that it could be played..." [Connelly, Chris (2008) "Concrete, Bulletproof, Invisible, + Fried: My Life as a Revolting Cock", London England, SAF Pub, pg. 161, ISBN 978-0-946719-95-2.] ] Other music publications referred to it as "The Anti Tank Guitar is still ever present as the bowel movement inducing tones that have made Lab Report more of an acoustic terrorist movement than a band since their inception." [http://www.sonic-boom.com/review/lab.report-1.html Sonic Boom Magazine] ] Over all the instrument created a wide array of sounds from mimicking a guitar and bass to massive percussive blows that often shut down PAs during live performances.

A.T.G. - Mark II

The Mark II was an eight foot 4"X4"X8' beam that suspended 10 strings. The 6 upper register of strings consisted of single gauge wires varying in size from 24 gauge to 18 gauge, The lower register consisted of 4 woven cables used in garage doors. The instrument utilized turnbuckles for tuning. It was often played with an EBow or cello bow as well as being hammered and/or plucked. This version of the instrument was documented on the Pigface album Welcome to Mexico... Asshole Track 1. "The Love Serenade (I Hate You?)" The various versions of the A.T.G. appeared on many more albums.

A.T.G. - Mark V

As models evolved so did the design. The later versions became increasingly slim-lined and made of a ridged thin metal frames.

Discography where A.T.G appears

Albums Released by Invisible Records

* "FIG. X-71 (1991)"
* "UNHEALTHY (1993)"
* "TERMINAL (1995)"
* "EXCISION (1997)"

Albums Released by Gein Records

* "-CLASSICAL -ATMOSPHERES (2000)"
* "2000 AFTER DEATH - LIVE (2000)"

Compilations

* "INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION - FIRST EDITION (1993)"
* "INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION - SECOND EDITION (1994)"
* "TOTAL DEVOTION (1994)"
* "INVISIBLE ROUTE SIX SIX SIX (1995)"
* "CAN YOU SEE IT YET? (1995)"
* "DRUG TEST ONE AND TWO (1995)"
* "DRUG TEST THREE AND FOUR (1997)"
* "F•CKING SICK AND MENACING (1997)"
* "ULTRASONIK (1998)"
* "EYE GRIND DISTURBANCE? (1998)"
* "GONE TOO FAR (1999)"
* "THE INFORMATION APOCALYPSE COMP (2002)"

References

External links

* [http://www.labreport.com] Band Site with discography, interviews, links.
* [http://www.mattschultz.com] , This is a comprehensive information site for Matt Schultz-related projects.