In my bachelor thesis I combined my interest in music with my interest in design. The aim of this project was to invent a new musical instrument that focusses on variance, dynamics and modulation in the field of electronic music production.
The result is an innovative electromechanical string instrument called Haywire. It combines the natural interaction of mechanical and acoustic instruments with the musical possibilities of the organ and the synthesizer. It has the versatility of the piano, the tonal presence of the organ and the soul of the electric guitar. It offers unprecedented sounds and a new way of interaction.
The interaction is similar to that of a keyboard, but instead of the keys the strings are touched directly. The 38 strings can be played polyphonically with all of your fingers. The sound is produced by electromagnetically driven strings. Two coils and a feedback loop circuit behind each string create an oscillating electromagnetic field, producing a sustained sounding string. The created sound can be used to create atmospheric soundscapes, harmonies and melodies. It can be used as a solo instrument, in a band context and in an orchestra.
I have won a support from the German Design Graduates Award 2020.
#bachelorthesis
#music
#instrument
#strings
#invention
#electronic
#procreate
#fusion360
INSPIRATION
»The aim of this project was to invent a new instrument that would bring variance, dynamics and modulation to the forefront in the field of electronic music production.«
SKETCHES
»I use pencil sketches and Procreate for the iPad to visualize my ideas.«
EXPERIMENTS
Test setup for coil winding.
Sketches for different layouts.
Test setup for height and angle.
Adjusting the height.
DESIGN
MODELMAKING
Welding the frame.
Waterjet cutting the bridges.
Milling the wooden frame.
Milling the finger board.
Assembling the frame.
MODEL
The finished frame.
The fingerboard.
ELECTRONICS
Soldering the printed circuit boards.
Assembling the electronics.
The electronics with open lid.
CONCERT
»This concert was the final presentation of my project. It took place at a multimedia lab at my university. The feedback given by the professors, fellow students and other visitors of the concert was very positive.«
