Gearfuse

The Smapler is quite the instrument. First off, you’ll have to build it using your trusty Arduino since it’s a shield that works in tandem with the microcontroller. It’ll allow you to build some unique and interesting instruments as well. This new snap-on panel really gives it more of an instrument-like feel though, don’t you think? It features 4 knobs, two switches and a mount for your Arduino board and Smapler shield. It even has a rustic, steampunkish paint job to top it off. Better hurry over to BlushingBoy.org though, ’cause they’re giving away 10 of these away to buyers of the Smapler.

Link

“The British are coming! The British are coming!”

Those words are running through every Best Buy employee’s mind right now as they prepare both mentally and physically for the upcoming release of The Beatles: Rock Band. Thank goodness their label, Apple Corps, decided to go with the Rock Band series and not Guitar Hero. Better interface, better equipment and better songs.

The best part about this release? You’ll be able to pick up a $250 set that features instruments modeled after The Beatles’ very own, including Paul McCartney’s signature Hofner bass. The worst part about this release? You’ll have to wait until September 9th to purchase it. Damn!

Link [via]

Or fretting. Or skill. Or anything.

This guitar is fret-less and has no tuning pegs. It uses servo motors to change the tension in the strings to get different notes out of it. Very cool, but I’d like to see Peter Frampton use it. That’s fancy and all, but how does it really work?

A servoelectric guitar is a fretless guitar that is played by controlling servomotors that change the tension of the strings over an octave or more on a real-time basis. Tuning is maintained by closed loop tension feedback for rapid and predictable response. Relatively small electrical motors and DC servo amplifiers are possible through a novel compensator spring design.

It’s possible to make your own, but you better have the time, skills and materials required, ’cause you’re in it for the long haul, kiddo.
Link

PSFK has a great roundup of phones designed by the au Design Project and Yamaha. Each prototype has a unique musical ability about it. My personal favorite is Trio In Your Hand, a phone that folds out into a DJ setup.

Link