Indie Music Finds » Eigenharp http://indiemusicfinds.com A blog devoted to highlighting original independent music for you. Sat, 31 Jul 2010 17:50:01 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.1 Eigenharp http://indiemusicfinds.com/2009/10/13/eigenharp/ http://indiemusicfinds.com/2009/10/13/eigenharp/#comments Tue, 13 Oct 2009 13:00:12 +0000 Charlie O'Shea http://indiemusicfinds.com/?p=1114 The developers, tried to make the “most expressive” instrument and they may well have succeeded. Created by Eigenlabs, this is quite possibly the future of electronic instruments. The Eighenharp is to come in two varieties, the Alpha and a miniature version called the Pico. Bear in mind that this isn’t a true instrument in the sense that a clarinet or a guitar are but rather an elaborate input device to an infinite range of VST instruments. You’ll need an amplifier to get a sound.

eigenharp

The instrument is based around a variety of types of sensors. The main neck of the Alpha features 120 individual keys sensitive to the width of a bacteria. These can then be moved once pressed to offer a pitch change and filter. There are two sensitive strips along the sides of the instrument for slides as well as 12 keys intended primarily for percussion to be played in a slap base style with the right hand. There is also a breath pipe which can be used to add more expression.

The Pico is a far simpler affair resembling a melodica with only 18 playing keys, one strip and the breath pipe. However, it is under a tenth of the price of the Alpha at £345 and I think it’ll become the most popular for this reason alone. The Alpha is going to set you back £3,950.

Eight years in development, the Eigenharp is about to come to fruition. Eigenlabs are currently taking orders and dispatches start on the 9th of November.

I can see this replacing the keyboard in live music.
What do you think?

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