Eigenlabs Eigenharp

As the BBC article states, it really does look like something out of the bar scene with all the alien musicians in Star Wars, and it might be just that, really. This bassoon-looking instrument is the Eigenharp, and it's billed as "the most expressive electronic musical instrument ever made." It was initially thought up by John Lambert, software dev and musician alike, and he and his team have been taking steps towards making it a reality for eight years.

Lambert cites the stressful and all-around demanding nature of playing gigs with his whole rig to transport and set up. He compares his experience of playing with his ambient trance band to his solo fold gigs.

The gigs were really good fun, but the setting up was just a nightmare. Lots of stuff, equipment, wires, endless stress.

At the same time I would go to the folk club, take my acoustic guitar out of the box, tune it up, get a pint of beer, and play.

This was part of his inspiration for his new futuristic design. He now has all of the artistic control and expression he had with racks of synths, and the portability of his acoustic guitar, not to mention the ability to put on a more crowd-engaging live show.

Realizing that you can improve the way people do things through your designs is truly an empowering and inspirational thought. Think big and you'll see.

Image source: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/8294355.stm