Array Mbira

December 12, 2011 4:04 PM

The Array Mbira is a lamellophone that uses the Wicki-Hayden isomorphic layout. Here are some amazing spectacular videos. (Bonus: the daxophone-like Array Nail Violin.)
posted by gray17 (6 comments total)

Mbira previously.
posted by flapjax at midnite at 4:11 PM on December 12, 2011

(Bonus: the daxophone-like Array Nail Violin.)

As reference for those unaware of what a daxophone is: daxophone previously.
posted by flapjax at midnite at 4:13 PM on December 12, 2011

Holy fuck, the Array Nail Violin is like nails on a chalkboard.
posted by keep_evolving at 4:16 PM on December 12, 2011

Ooh: super thumb pianos.

Also: flapjax, what is this? I found it from your first Herr Reichel post, and it claims to be something related to a daxophone. My mind, it is boggled.
posted by filthy light thief at 4:18 PM on December 12, 2011 [1 favorite]

Also: flapjax, what is this?

That, filthy light thief, is the implement the player holds in his hand (in the other hand is the bow used to bow the piece of wood). The curved shape allows the player to roll it back and forth on the piece of wood, thus changing the pressure on the piece of wood. Furthermore, that same curved implement has frets on it, just like a guitar fretboard. It's really ingenious, and is, in fact, the secret of the daxophone.
posted by flapjax at midnite at 7:44 PM on December 12, 2011

Important note to filthy light thief: keep clicking through from that page you linked to (start with the arrow) and you'll see that Hans has created graphics, etc. demonstrating perfectly how it works! But like everything with that site, it might take a little time to get there and figure it out. But that's the fun of the site, too. You have to engage with it, and you can't be in a big hurry.
posted by flapjax at midnite at 7:56 PM on December 12, 2011