An unexpected meeting has sparked the creation of a one-of-a-kind musical instrument.
On Thursday, from his Guelph, Ont., home, Fron Reilly introduced CTV News to a whimsical instrument that only a handful of people worldwide have had the privilege of playing.
However, music wasn’t always his primary focus.
“I started a woodworking shop in 1979 because I was fascinated by clockwork,” Reilly shared. “It wasn’t until much later that I ventured into musical instruments.”
His journey took an unexpected turn when he met Jesse Stewart at a concert. Stewart, who leads the music program at Carleton University in Ottawa, Ont., explained how their conversation unfolded.
“My relationship with Fron began when we just happened to strike up a chat,” Stewart recalled.
Reilly shared his woodworking background with Stewart and mentioned he was working on building hurdy-gurdies, a stringed instrument that operates with a crank-turned wheel.
“That sounds amazing! I’d love to see them,” Stewart responded.
Curious to know more, Reilly asked Stewart, “Well, what are you doing now?” Stewart revealed he had a couple of free hours, and the two decided to visit Reilly’s workshop together.
Stewart shared a story with Reilly: “I’ve been searching for 30 years for someone to build me a special instrument,” Reilly recalled.
This is where their musical collaboration began.
Stewart had once encountered a unique instrument with a special sound years earlier and hoped Reilly could either recreate it or design something even better.
Reilly took on the challenge and named the instrument “the Fron,” after its inventor.
But always striving to improve his creations, Reilly quickly developed a refined version of the instrument.
“It’s called the Fron2,” Reilly explained. “I thought, ‘There has to be a way to simplify this, make it smaller, and still keep its unique sound.'”
He succeeded beyond expectations.
The Fron2 features 10 strings, each with its own tuning, and a circular bridge in the middle connected to a drumhead. The strings can be played using a bow, wand, or brush, creating a sound that resonates with audiences.
“Some people are so moved by it, they actually tear up,” Reilly said. “The emotional impact it has is incredible.”
Stewart, deeply impressed, called it a dream come true. “Hearing it again was truly beautiful,” he said.
The materials cost about $300, and it takes Reilly approximately two weeks to craft an instrument from scratch. So far, he has made 11 versions of the Fron and Fron2, with around 23 people waiting for their turn to receive one.
The instrument has already been featured in various applications, from film scores to spiritual healing.
While many new instruments these days are digital, Reilly hopes that by returning to its acoustic roots, the Fron and Fron2 can help propel the music industry forward.
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