MEMBER PROFILE // Ben Simon Combines Woodworking And Circuitry To Create Wild Instruments

GuitaR2D2

Popular Mechanics recently featured GuitaR2D2, the creation of 3rd Ward member and teacher Ben Simon, as one of "7 Awesome DIY Projects" from this summer's Maker Faire--and rightfully so. With an onboard drum machine, synthesizer, microphone and amps, GuitaR2D2 is something to behold, both musically and visually. But it's just one of Simon's many amazing creations. We caught up with him to find out more about his work. Hit the jump for more.

Simon's path to becoming a "gonzo inventor," as Popularly Mechanics aptly describes him, started when he got a job working in a wood shop. "Woodworking gave me a better way to communicate with alien sparrows and some insects than I could have ever imagined," he says. "I feel compelled to play music in a way that most aligns with the energy field that is these communications.  As you can probably tell, I'm still trying to figure it out!"

One of the hardest parts is an instrument's final setup. "I start with raw wood, cut fret slots and all that, and in the end it must be perfectly intonated, unless it's specified that it doesn't matter" Simon says. "It's tough and I've gotten close—I'm basically self taught. In the near future I hope to study with someone and acquire better tools."

There's a good chance that you may have encountered Simon in the subway, as that's one of his favorite places to jam with Guitar2D2, which he describes as his "one man band." "The subway has an amazing sound, and honestly I've never felt better while playing music, nor have I ever had such a warm response," he explains.

With such creativity and talent, Simon's work naturally hasn't been limited to the underground. He's even had the chance to create a piece for Paul Simon. The renowned songwriter's percussionist, Jamey Haddad, saw one one of Ben's wooden drums at Drummer's World in Times Square and asked him to build one as a gift for Paul. "Off the charts," Simon says of the experience. "It was really something else. Ya know he's just a regular guy but with the tremendous talent that's reached millions and millions of people for like millions and millions of years. Touched their hearts, reflected their lives with his music... My family are all fans and my last name is Simon too—what more could I ask for! It was like I was chosen to go to the Olympics. Everybody was watching!"

When Simon's not making instruments he's likely making music. Right now he's holding down organ duties for The Lisps, who'll be presenting a sci-fi/Civil War musical called Futurity that'll debut next year. "It's about a Civil War soldier/dreamer who creates a giant steam-powered machine to create peace and get him and everybody else out of war," he says. "The percussion alone will take you to crazytown.  I'm thrilled to be included."

Want to learn some of Simon's instrument-modding skills? Sign up for his class, Electric Guitar Rescue, which starts December 1.

Check out more of Simon's creations below.

Drum Table for Paul Simon

Five String Crooked Neck

Semi-hollow V with distortion and a wind-up music box that plays the theme from "Love Story"

Purple Heart and Mahogany keyboard with '80s Yahama keyboard circuit

Stroh-inspired guitar

-- John Ruscher