Michael Masley, born September 22, 1952, in Trenton, Michigan, is a pioneering American musician renowned for his innovative mastery of the cymbalom. In 1983, he revolutionized the instrument by inventing "bowhammers," a fusion of fiddle bows and dulcimer hammers worn on his fingers, enabling him to bow, strike, and pluck the strings simultaneously. Masley's genre-defying sound, described as "earth-folk" and "Afro-Celtic," has captivated audiences worldwide. His contributions include collaborations with Ry Cooder on the "Geronimo: An American Legend" soundtrack and appearances on Garbage's "Version 2.0." A dedicated street performer in Berkeley, California, since 1985, Masley's unique artistry continues to inspire and enchant listeners. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Masley?utm_source=openai))