Archive · 7 Nov 2025
New Instruments Created for 'Avatar: Fire and Ash' Score
The person who makes the music for the new Avatar movie, Simon Franglen, created special new instruments!
For the Windtraders, a tribe that flies in big ships, he imagined sounds that felt grand and floated.
He even drew pictures, and others helped build these instruments, some of which were 3D-printed.
For the Ash People, who are a more chaotic and fiery tribe, he wanted a wilder sound.
He used old electronic music makers and an instrument from Mongolia called a morin khuur, which sounds very energetic.
These new sounds help make the movie's music feel unique.
The music for the movie was recorded in a place called Los Angeles.
A song by Miley Cyrus will also be in the movie.
Composer Simon Franglen invented new instruments for 'Avatar: Fire and Ash' to create unique sounds.
Instruments were designed for the Windtraders, a sophisticated, flying Na'vi tribe.
The Ash People, a more chaotic tribe, inspired the use of old synthesizers and the Mongolian morin khuur.
Franglen collaborated with production designer Dylan Cole and the prop master to create physical instruments.
The film's score was recorded in Los Angeles, and a Miley Cyrus song is also featured.
- Who
- Composer Simon Franglen
- What
- Invented new instruments and utilized regional ones for the 'Avatar: Fire and Ash' score.
- When
- The film opens December 19; score creation and recording took place prior.
- Where
- Score recorded in Los Angeles; instruments designed with production and prop teams.
- Why
- To create unique musical textures fitting the new Windtrader and Ash People Na'vi tribes that existing instruments could not achieve.
Na'vi Tribe: Windtraders
Na'vi Tribe: Ash People
Musical Sound and Inspiration
Na'vi Tribe: Windtraders
Sophisticated, grand, floating sounds to match their flying, traveling nature.
Na'vi Tribe: Ash People
Chaotic, frenzied sounds using old synthesizers and the Mongolian morin khuur to reflect their destructive nature.
Instrument Creation
Na'vi Tribe: Windtraders
New instruments were designed, sketched, and 3D-printed to realize Franglen's vision.
Na'vi Tribe: Ash People
Existing instruments like old synthesizers and the morin khuur were utilized.
- Film Title
- Avatar: Fire and Ash
- Composer
- Simon Franglen
- Director
- James Cameron
- Release Date
- December 19
- New Na'vi Tribes
- Windtraders and Ash People
- Key Instrument for Ash
- Morin Khuur
- Score Recording Location
- Los Angeles
