Yamaha to unveil new instrument

Yamaha to unveil new instrument

18 July, 2007 | 6.40AM

• Section: Music News
• Written by: Terry Church

Yamaha are set to unveil a working prototype of their new cutting-edge musical instrument Tenori-On at a number of UK record shops this September. The unique 16x16 LED matrix MIDI controller can be loaded with samples and is a visually stunning piece of equipment.

Yamaha hope the Tenori-On will capture the imagination of DJs and producers, as well as those inexperienced in making music.

“One remarkable effect of this sound and light synergy is that people seem to quickly understand the relationship between the sounds and switches such that even non musicians can enjoy improvising and even composing almost immediately,” claimed Yamaha on its Tenonri-On website.

Conceived by leading Japanese media artist Toshio Iwai in 2001 and following five years of intensive development, the Tenori-On has so far been showcased at major music festivals and media art festivals including Barcelona’s Sonar and Futuresonic in the UK.

A number of high-profile electronic music artists have also been road testing the equipment including Kraftwerk, Yellow Magic Orchestra, Matthew Herbert, Mouse On Mars and Cornelius.

The Tenori-On will be showcased at independent record shops around the UK from 4th September, starting with a launch event at Phonica Records in Soho, London.

Tenori-On’s inventor Toshio Iwai will give a talk and a number of artists will perform using the instrument, Robert Lippok (To Roccoco Rot), Secondo (Dreck Records) and Capracara (Soul Jazz Records).

The Tenori-On is still in development so no details have been release yet of an expected price/release date.

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