Tag Archives: musical instrument

Roland’s V-Drums Quiet Design keeps minimal noise for people living with the drummer

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For parents, probably the last instrument that they would want their kids to take up are the drums since they know they’ll be in for months or even years of ear-splitting noise. But over the years and with the advent of electric drums, there have been quieter options for people who want to practice their craft and not disturb the people they live with.

Designer: Roland

The V-Drums Quiet Design from Roland claims it is “the lowest playing noise in the history of electronic drum kits.” Of course it is not completely silent but it is able to reduce the playing noise levels by 75% compared to their previous V-Drums. Users have the option to play the set with the existing TD-07 control module or to choose another V-Drums module. There are several features that makes this electronic drums kit less noisy.

For one, the system snare and tom pads have a honeycomb rubber insert that is noise-absorbing and on top of it, there is a mesh head and strategically placed vents under the playing surface. The rim of the snare is actually triggered independently from the head and has soft rubber so your rim shots are not jarring for the people around you or near you. The set also has three cymbal pads that have the same materials mentioned above, with the crash and ride ones having independent bow and edge triggering while the hi-hat has a foot pedal to give it ultra-quiet operation. The kick drum has a triple-later cushion with a double-ply mesh in a floating frame set so the vibration and noise transfer is less.

All the features basically confines the sound to the headphones that you’ll wear while playing. The entire kit even has a noise-dampening stand with isolating rubber feet which keeps the sound levels “similar to an average conversation”. This is a gift for both the drummer and the people living with them.

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Key-bowed hybrid violin and keyboard synthesizer produces pure musical joy

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Of the many creative endeavors, music is probably one of the hardest to learn and practice. And of the well-known musical instruments, the violin is one of the hardest to play. But what if you can play the violin or some semblance of the instrument as easily as you could press down keys on a piano? And what if that produced the unique tonal quality of a violin while still hitting all the right notes perfectly? That’s the kind of musical experience that this DIY synthesizer offers, combining two classical instruments in a single form that might leave you confused with one hand playing the keyboard and the other playing the violin.

Designer: Washiyama Giken

Electronic keyboards can try to mimic the sounds of different musical instruments, but they don’t always work. They can’t, for example, reproduce the unique vibrating quality of the violin family, which at the very least would require some physical medium to produce that kind of sound. Conversely, violins are hard to master because you need to also move the bow at a very precise location to hit the right pitch, and that location isn’t marked like on a guitar.

Key-bowed, which is a very creative name, tries to combine the strengths of both the keyboard and the violin with very few of the flaws. It’s actually an idea decades in the making, but it’s finally possible to pull it off thanks to modern technologies and hardware. The synthesizer combines a Roland K-25m keyboard, an Arduino Uno R4 minima controller, and a self-made bowing sensor with a vertical acrylic plate. Of course, the assembly also requires some programming know-how, especially when dealing with sound waves.

Despite the complexity of the build, using the Key-bowed looks pretty simple, at least for the musically inclined. You simply hit the keys with one hand to produce music like on a regular keyboard or piano, and then you use the other hand to move the bow across the acrylic plate as you would with a violin. The vibrations on the plate are detected by the sensor and then transformed into waves that modify the note that’s produced, resulting in a very realistic recreation of a violin sound, with perfect pitch, and without the screeches. You can even pluck the plate and make it sound like you’re really plucking a string.

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Key-bowed is definitely a work of genius that makes playing music both fun and enchanting. It still requires you to have some basic music knowledge, of course, but it makes the execution less daunting, especially if you’ve always dreamed of playing the violin. Of course, there are limits to the music you can play, since you’re technically producing notes with only one hand, and the design is made for those who hold the violin bow with their right hand. Nonetheless, it still creates a captivating experience, and hopefully, it can become a commercial product that will let everyone enjoy that experience as well.

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This Absurdly Sculptural Piano was designed to be the Centerpiece of a Billionaire’s Living Room

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London-based design studio Based Upon is renowned for its out-of-the-box work and their latest creation is marvel on its own. Upgrading the classic piano design to a level that’s worthy of a grand art exhibition, is the Twist/D. A radical piano that breaks all norms for a creative twist.

Previously the studio has collaborated with names like Rolls-Royce and Tiffany & Co. to create collectible pieces which adorn the spaces of the rich and the famous. Building on the success of The Baby edition of five baby grands, this exclusive piece brings the grand expanse of the universe to your living room musical symphony.

Designer: Based Upon

According to Ian Abell, the essence of every piece crafted at the studio focuses on the right balance between functionality and artwork. Ian emphasis that the piano as a subject for them has “always been to create a credible piece of art while preserving the integrity of the instrument.” Twist/D tends to heighten the experience of the player as well as the listener. To everyone’s surprise, the autonomous piano is an amalgam of sculpture and technical features that delivers the touch, feel and sound of an exquisite concert grand.

The musical instrument has a spiralling shape that embodies dynamism of a dancer’s motion. The minimal silhouette of the piano is inspired by the proportions of the Golden Spiral. For the auditory brilliance, there are 12 computer modelled Steinways and Bechsteins from different eras for a vivid tonal qualities. Just like the form of this piano, the sync between strings, cabinet resonance and pedal mechanism of the symphonies is emulated perfectly for a rich sound. So has the integration of Isle of Skye site-specific audio samples that employs impulse response reverb techniques to create signatures of the island subterranean landscape.

Based Upon has managed to craft a musical instrument from advanced material and techniques to create a deep connection with the natural world. Twist/D has a lightweight frame made out of a composite material that makes possible the unconventional shape without compromising the structural integrity. Those keys are made from sustainable ebony and ivory alternatives for an environmentally friendly design. The price of $194,600 is meant to adorn the living rooms of music composers who value the good things in life.

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FlüGo Revolutionizes Flute Practice Sessions With Smart Technology And Noise Control

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Learning a musical instrument is often a demanding yet rewarding journey that requires consistent practice, dedication, and the right environment. For many musicians, especially flutists, the challenge is not just mastering the instrument but also finding a space where they can practice without disturbing those around them. Practicing inherently involves experimenting with the instrument, which can lead to playing a few bad notes—a normal part of the learning process that others may find disturbing. Addressing this issue, FlüGo emerges as a revolutionary concept in flute training, combining technology, flexibility, and respect for others into one comprehensive solution.

Designer: Junyi Chen,Huijie Qu, Jinze Li, and Jingzhe Zhang

Every musician faces the challenge of creating a nuisance at some point. Even the most proficient players may need to halt their practice sessions due to noise complaints. For flutists, this challenge is particularly enunciated due to the nature of the instrument and the lack of adequate, soundproof practice spaces. FlüGo aims to tackle this issue head-on, offering a smart training kit that allows flutists to practice wherever they are without causing disturbances. The kit includes a modular instrument, a foldable music stand, and a collapsible support. This innovative setup allows for high mobility and flexibility, making it ideal for flutists who need to practice in various environments.

At the core of FluGo is an interchangeable smart head joint that integrates advanced technology to simulate realistic flute sounds. By combining data on airflow and finger movements, it emits a lifelike sound through directional speakers, ensuring that the music is confined to the player’s area. This means that the sound only reaches where it is intended, providing privacy and minimizing disturbance to others.

FluGo is more than just a practical solution for noise control. It represents a significant step forward in making musical practice more accessible and less intrusive. In a world where learning a musical instrument can be seen as a niche or even a luxury activity, it democratizes access to musical education. It breaks down logistical barriers that have traditionally isolated musicians, particularly those who play louder instruments like drums and wind instruments.

Beyond noise control, it opens up new avenues for learning and connection. The device’s ability to record and analyze performances, access interactive educational content, and connect with other flutists transforms it into a tool for growth and cultural exchange. Musicians can share their experiences, seek advice, and draw inspiration from a global community of enthusiasts.

Moreover, FluGo features a folding smart sheet music terminal that automatically turns pages, allowing flutists to focus solely on their playing. The system also records performances and offers real-time sound simulation, making it a comprehensive tool for both practice and performance review.

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Suzuki Omnichord is back to offer a fun and interesting way to make music

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When you think of musical instruments, you will probably first think of things like pianos and guitars. Electronic musical instruments, on the other hand, conjure up images of keyboards, electric guitars, and complicated synthesizers. Suzuki’s Omnichord, on the other hand, is an odd yet curious duck that stands somewhere in between these two extremes. First launched in 1981, this electronic device empowered anyone to make music or accompany a song even without previous musical experience or even reading notes. The Omnichord’s distinctive electronic sounds and novel design made it quite a hit, but the product faded into obscurity back in 1996. To commemorate its upcoming 40th anniversary, Suzuki decided to give today’s generation a taste of that unique experience with a new model that recreates the original so faithfully down to using the same analog circuits.

Designer: Suzuki

Imagine just pressing a few buttons and sliding your finger on a flat surface and then suddenly producing wonderful music. That’s pretty much the experience that the Suzuki Omnichord offered, presenting people, whether musically trained or not, the joys of creating music with ease and freedom. There are no wrong notes, just new harmonies and beats to be discovered and incorporated into your masterpiece. It’s like an adventure for novices but also a new territory for veterans who want to add a unique flavor to their music.

The new Suzuki Omnichord OM-108 tries to bring that 80s experience to the 21st century, reproducing the tonality that characterized that period while also adding modern features that cater to today’s more demanding audience. To accurately recreate the same tones of the OM-84, perhaps the most popular Omnichord ever released, Suzuki opted to go completely old school and apply the same analog circuitry that gave the original its distinctive electronic sounds. It also has that popular harp sensor or strumplate that lets you easily slide or tap your finger to produce the “notes” that will make up your music.

The new OM-108 model boasts 108 chords, hence the name, as well as many new functions, like a switch that changes the way chords and rhythms are played. There’s also a drum pad mode that turns the chord keys as well as the sturmplate itself into beats. And like with many modern electronic musical instruments, you can connect the Omnichord to external MIDI devices to mix tones to your heart’s delight. Plus, the built-in speaker can be turned on or off when you connect an external speaker, useful when you want to monitor your own sound during a live performance.

The Suzuki Omnichord OM-108 may look like a toy, but the unique sounds it lets you produce are pure joy, at least to fans of the electronica genre. Its revival coincides with the retro craze gripping many industries and is a perfect example of a design that manages to remain relevant decades after its last appearance. That said, you’ll have to wait a bit before you can get your hands on the newest Omnichord, as sales aren’t expected to start until July, with the price and market availability still unknown.

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A Music Instrument for the Hearing Impaired: This Synth uses Tactile and Color Cues Instead of Sound

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“Play by ear” as they commonly say, doesn’t really apply to people with hearing impairments. The most common example of a hearing-impaired musical genius remains Beethoven, who composed entire orchestral pieces by relying on what he remembered from a time when he could hear. By the time he reached the peak of his career, Beethoven was completely deaf, but his memory served him well when it came to playing music… not everyone today has that luxury, but the Vibra helps the hearing impaired play music by connecting the audio to other senses like touch and sight.

Designers: Ahn Taegwang, Go Yeongseok, Hwang Jimin, Lee Wonjae

A winner of the Red Dot Design Concept Award, Vibra is a new instrument and service that can meet the musical needs of people with hearing impairments. Unlike traditional instruments that rely entirely on auditory feedback, Vibra relies on a combination of vibrations or haptic feedback, and visual cues like color and composition. The musical instrument comes with a modular design that serves the needs of multiple instruments, from key-based to percussive, string, and even electronic. It eventually pairs with an app that allows players to visualize their music. With a fair amount of visual training and consistent practice, hearing-impaired people can use the Vibra to play existing tunes and even compose new music entirely on their own.

The companion app fills in the sensorial gaps left by the auditory impairment. It provides a visual interface that helps conceptualize sound in a graphic sense, allowing people to understand notes, chords, harmonies, and other complex theories through vision instead of sound. The app enables practice, helps users find which instrument they’re more comfortable playing, and also allows them to learn and practice how to play popular tunes!

The Vibra is a Winner of the Red Dot Award: Design Concept for the year 2023.

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