TWO county musicians are hoping to make a splash with their unusual musical instruments.

Sam Underwood dipped his toe into the pool of instrument design last year and is now encouraging budding engineers to join him in his quest for unusual sounds.

The 37-year-old, from Callow End, near Malvern, teamed up with friend David Morton to establish MortonUnderwood, a company constructing devices producing “electro-acoustic sounds”, including a water instrument for a Swedish composer.

He says the designs are a “strange mix” and shouldn’t be confused with musical computer technology.

“It is about hobbyists producing electro-acoustic sounds,” said Mr Underwood.

“With the water instrument, the water affects the overtones. If ever you wash a metal tray in the sink, for instance, it causes the harmonics to shift.

“With this instrument it’s suspended on a string into the water with the musician plucking the strings.”

Other items produced by Mr Underwood and Mr Morton include an organ which features large pipes with a speaker at each end and a pipe in the middle.

He said commissions include work with the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, while the city’s town and symphony halls have asked the pair to work with them on various projects over the next two years.

Now, Mr Underwood intends to hold monthly “nights of sonic exploration” called If Wet, where budding designers can show off their ideas to an audience.

“We have tried to focus on people who are building their own instruments or are using unusual techniques to produce sound,” he said. “If they feel they might need an audience to try things out then come along. People will then be able to give them advice. It’s really a place for artists to showcase their latest sonic works and research.”

The first event takes place at Callow End Village Hall on Sunday, April 28. For information visit ifwet.org.uk.