I just watched all of the marketing videos of the Tenori-On I could find, and I may watch them again a few more times. This thing is mesmerizing to watch and delightful to hear. You can’t have one. They’re sold out already (for now). I do hope to see one soon, and eventually I expect to see them in performance pieces at trade shows and meeting openers.
This is no toy – it’s a powerful and pricey musical instrument. It seems to work on a very simply principle though – you create loops of music by pressing different lighted buttons corresponding to different notes. The lights in the buttons come to life and animate your music as you play, creating brilliant visuals on both sides of the device so everyone can see. It’s digital music meets performance art.
It was shown two years ago at Siggraph and is apparently ready for the masses. Of course, I would probably find that my rhythmically challenged fingers could barely get it to make sound let along music, but it looks sooooo easy in the videos.
It is certainly made to look a LOT easier than it is. This is also a good example of how effective web video can be. Not only do videos really sell products like this well, but 43,000 views on YouTube in a few weeks for free is a pretty nice way to get the word out.
Watch the videos and enjoy. Use headphones.
Tags: Gadgets