The Steel Cello Ensemble existed for a short period in 1989, producing 10 session recordings. The instruments were built by Robert. Little is known about the exact dates or details of the members when from when the ensemble existed. All music from the ensemble is released through Rutdog Records. Notably Sun Ra performed using Robert Rutman's instruments.

The Stahlquartett is a steel cello like ensemble that is based off of Robert Rutman's instruments. The ensemble is built and run by Jan Heinke.

The inspiration for Rutman's instruments came from the fantastical sounds made from him hitting fences as a child, the material and sound quality of these interactions led him to work with steel when making instruments.

“The styrophone is the exact opposite to the bow chime and the steel cello, which make a very full sound. Instead, the styrophone is like Gänsehaut! It’s the opposite of beauty, it’s like really ugly and I like that.” ¹⁾

A large triangular drone instrument made from a large wooden resonator with a rail and 5 metal tines that are bowed.

Wikipedia article on Rutman ²⁾

Robert Rutman is legendary, and often an instrument makers that is unusually widely known. I'm curious about the reasons that so many people know about him. I think his career as an abstract expressionist painter, similar to the wide fame surrounding Harry Bertoia is a major reason.