Thursday, June 25, 2009

Bleep


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 :)



TENORI-ON Image: http://www.gadgetleak.com/

4 comments:

Joey said...

I had so much fun with that program! It was cool to hear the sound of a smiley face.

Green of Eye, Sharp of Claw said...

@The Bubble Boy:

Yep,hours of entertainment! (needless to say i'm easily amused).I'd love to see a larger scale version of this-full screen could be very cool.

Lottie said...

I really want a go of one of these. Bill Bailey had one on stage last week which he worked into the act. Looks like fun.

Green of Eye, Sharp of Claw said...

@Lottie:
Arrrrgh Bill Bailey.SO.FRICKIN'.JEALOUS.
They look deadly but unless a fairy cash mother appears it'll have to go on the long list of instruments i want :)

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