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Eigenharp Favored By Mos Eisley Musicians
The Eigenharp is a real-life instrument created by John Lambert, musician and software entrepreneur. The Eigenharp allows musicians to play complex synthesized music onstage without hiding behind a huge bank of keyboards.
(Eigenharp)
It initially comes across as a baffling array of buttons with winking red lights. But it doesn't take long to get a broad spectrum of sounds out of the 132 keys, two strip controllers and the breath pipe.Octaves and scales can be changed at the tap of a button. The Alpha model - aimed at professional musicians - costs £3,950. There's a smaller Pico version for £349.
Lambert points out that many artists no longer make a living from record sales alone. Live tours have become a major source of revenue.
He is upbeat about the response from a wide range of performers, including those working in classical music, rock and electronica.
(Eigenharp played by musician>)
Science fiction fans have no trouble seeing this instrument for what it is - something you might hear in a cantina in a galaxy a long time ago and far, far away...
(Star Wars cantina musicians from Mos Eisley)
Listen to the instrument played on a a video at BBC; see the Star Wars cantina scene for comparison. Thanks to Yossi Preminger for pointing this one out.
Scroll down for more stories in the same category. (Story submitted 10/10/2009)
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