I'm a sucker for gadgets, sparkly lights and electronica. Media artist Toshio Iwai and Yamaha had the likes of me in mind when they collaborated to design a new digital musical instrument for the 21st century, TENORI-ON. However due to a lack of finances my ownership of one will have to wait a little longer. This little device caught my attention when Little Boots appeared on Jools Holland's show performing 'Meddle'.
What is a TENORI-ON?
"It's a 16 x 16 LED button matrix which is simultaneously a performance input controller and display. By operating and interacting with the LED buttons and the light they produce, you gain access to the TENORI-ON's numerous performance capabilities.The TENORI-ON provides six different performance and sound/light modes for broad performance versatility, and these modes can be combined and used simultaneously for rich, complex musical expression."
Price: £919 / $999USD (Note: the current exchange rate is £919= $1504. Hmmmmmm. Rip off.)
This is the next best thing:
A simple sinewave synthesizer triggered by an ordinary 16 step sequencer that is currently on the lab.andre-michelle website. Whilst it doesn't have as many options, it is a lot of fun to play around and easy to create a tune with no prior experience!
Price: Free :)
