Building an e-drum module 01

This is going to be an e-drum module. The approach is to directly use the audio signal from the pads as source material to sculp new sounds out of them by applying algorithms. In contrast to a common triggered system, every little playing nuance (like scraping on the drum) is detected here. I’m currently experimenting with the delay line based Karplus Strong algorithm. Sounds are coming:)

Exploring alternative Tunings with an illuminated Fretboard

In my last post I wrote about the illuminated-fretboard-feature of my ElektroCaster and how it can be used for practicing scales and chord progressions. I pointed out that it’s especially useful to explore new scales and unknown chord progressions. This might not be an intriguing argument for experienced players who know their fretboard in and out. But what about alternative tunings?

Practicing scales and chord-progressions with the ElektroCaster

“How cool would it be to have a guitar that displays music information right on the fret-board itself?” – A question that took me quite a built-effort to put me into the position to answer it. But now here I am: A proud owner of a guitar that features an illuminated fret-board.

How To Improvise With Robots? – Die Stadt der Zukunft @Studio Nord Bremen 2020-10-21

As you might know, the instruments I present here on my blog do have actual use in my band “Die Stadt der Zukunft”. This band has dedicated itsself to explore new ways of improvising live elekronic music with (semi-)robotic instruments.

Greg’s Harp

Greg’s Harp is a new string robot I made for my friend Gregor. After the Pythagotron which is a single stringed bass roboter, this is my first attempt to combine three string units to make a polyphonic instrument.

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ElektroCasterV2: Making a new light emitting fretboard

I’m making a new version of the ElektroCaster and want to share some insights into the process. This post is about the new LEF (light emitting fretboard).

My flash extension for doing macro-photografy

I used optical fiber to build a flash extension for doing macro-photos.

The MultEBow

“The EBow is a battery-powered electronic device for playing the electric guitar. The EBow uses a pickup – inductive string driver – feedback circuit, including a sensor coil, driver coil, and amplifier, to induce forced string vibrations. The EBow is monophonic, and drives one string at a time, producing a sound reminiscent of using a bow on the strings.” (Wikipedia)

A v-slot based pitch actuator

Back in 2015 I made the Pythagotron, a one-string-bass-robot which turned out to be a really nice sound mashine. Now I’m doing a polyphonic version of it. To achieve this, I had to find a more elegnat way to build a single string-unit and combine multiple ones of them into one unit.

Making another robotic string instrument

I’m working a new instrument for a fellow band colleague – my first comissional work.