How This Two-String Piezoelectric Violin is Revolutionizing Music

 Gadgets  

An award-winning design studio has created a musical instrument that looks like it was ripped right out of the pages of a science fiction novel.  The working prototype uses piezoelectric sensors to convert pressure directly into an electric current, and then into an utterly novel  musical sound.

The evolution of music is an often-discussed topic— from the way it branches and changes due to social factors and the influence of previous artists. Rarely, though, do we consider the evolution of instruments themselves.

Meet the piezoelectric violin, a two-string electric instrument developed by MONAD Studio.

While it may look more like a relic from an alien race than a violin, this instrument displays both current scientific advancements and a glimpse into the future possibilities of musical innovation.

What is a Piezoelectric Instrument?

Piezoelectric elements, such as quartz or particular cements, naturally create an electric charge when pressure is applied to them. Even small amounts of pressure, such as minute vibrations or visual light, can be detected and converted by piezoelectric sensors.

So, rather than depending on acoustic vibrations to create noise like a traditional violin, this prototype relies on piezoelectric sensors to convert the pressure of the vibrations directly to an electric current.

In this case, the vibrations of the violin string are converted and sent to a speaker, creating a futuristic, electronic sound. The seemingly odd shape of the violin also contributes to its function, as it molds the vibrations to give a more pronounced tone.

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Why is This Revolutionary?

The use of piezoelectric components isn’t entirely new to music; designers have been utilizing the concept for years to amplify the sound of acoustic instruments. In fact, many devices use piezoelectricity in contemporary electronics. However, the intention in such cases is to recreate the sound and tone of the original acoustic instrument. This new violin has a new sound altogether.

The instrument’s revolutionary appearance is more than stylish. It is engineered specifically to enhance the vibrations and shape the tone produced by the sensor.

As mentioned previously, the instrument’s revolutionary appearance is more than stylish. It is engineered specifically to enhance the vibrations and shape the tone produced by the sensor.

Eric Goldemberg, MONAD’s founder, credits recent advancements in technology for the ability to create such instruments. Only recently has 3D printing made this type of project possible for artists and inventors. Without these processes, the ability to create such an instrument would be nearly impossible.

Will this Violin Be Playing Solo?

While the violin is the most discussed instrument, it is part of a five-piece ensemble created by MONAD.

Other stringed instruments include a cello and a single-string baritone guitar. The studio also created a hornucopia (a valved horn instrument) and a didgeridoo (a wind instrument).

Impressively, these pieces fit structurally into a large rack that serves as both a holding stand and a large meta-instrument, utilizing the shape of each instrument. The studio also produced a large mural that is capable of creating a vast array of sonic tones.

What are the Implications?

While MONAD’s instruments are certainly unique, perhaps the most intriguing question is what this means for music.

Obviously, the evolution of instruments will affect the compositions being produced. After all, the piezoelectric violin is clearly designed less for a classical Bach concerto and more for an electronic-based music scene. Therefore, it’s likely that compositions created on this instrument will reflect that.

The increasingly electronic sounds being produced by today’s instruments may never phase out or overtake traditional instruments, but the influence and availability of these sounds will likely generate its own music, which will influence musicians of all genres.

Perhaps more important than the sound of this particular group of instruments is the way science and technology have once again begun to challenge musical norms. Consider the ways that electric guitars have shaped the musical landscape of the past century, or how increasingly complex metal work allowed for faster and more precise horn pieces in centuries before. The piezoelectric instruments may be a sign that science is once again preparing to drastically change the landscape of traditional music.

Of course, this violin is simply a prototype. Realistically, we are more than a few years away from piezoelectric instruments making their way into your favorite nightclub. But if one day you happen to hear a haunting sound and find the violinist suddenly holding what appears to be an alien weapon, you’ll know that the future truly has arrived.

Top Image by SplitShire

By Kayla Matthews

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Author Bio - Kayla Matthews is a technology journalist and blogger, as well as editor of ProductivityBytes.com. Follow Kayla on Facebook and Twitter to read all of her latest posts.