New MIDI controller/instrument

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SonicEd

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Hi all,

I've recently completed the design and building a new type of MIDI controller/instrument. I'm showing it around to solicit comments, and to see if anyone is interested in purchasing one. Please check it out at:
www.sonicpal.com and let me know what you think.

Thank you,
Ed Christensen
edchri@hotmail.com
 
Interesting.

The radical diff between the Sonic Palette and a standard keyboard will not endear it to keyboard players who've spent decades learning a much less intuitive music production device. On the other hand, you may find a big market among guitarists and multi-instrumentalists who are looking for an alternative to 'your Grandma's keyboard' or however the site puts it.

If I were you I'd shoot less for the botique market and more for the masses.

Have you tried to find a company to produce these?


.
 
I agree that serious keyboardists will not be willing to jump ship too quick. I appreciate you calling the Palette "intuitive". :)

You think I should go mass? You are a friend indeed, but I think it is a little nitchy. I'm hitting the target demographic (like you) and we'll see what happens.

I'm currently set-up to do small runs, and if I can't keep up I'll send more and more of the manufacturing out. And If Yamaha or Korg calls...

Thanks for the input!
Ed
 
well, if you want me to have a comp one and use it, i guess thats ok. PM me, ill send my address.... ;)

$850? dear...

ill stick with the keyboard and vdrums...
 
It looks very cool and promising, but I'm worried about two things:
1) How long does it take to master such a thing, as compared to learning how to play a conventional keyboard?
2) How much added functionality does it add in the end?

What I mean is, does it actually offer a faster way of inputting stuff. Or does it offer more control over things?

It's all about the ease at which my musical ideas are translated into something the computer can understand. If the Sonic Palette does that better than a keyboard, I'm all for it :)

But without any backup of wheither this thing actually is better than a keyboard, 850 bucks is a lot of cash for something "to try out". And frankly, the demos show that even you haven't mastered it (no offence).
 
Thanks for the inputs guys.

$850? dear..., But without any backup of wheither this thing actually is better than a keyboard, 850 bucks is a lot of cash for something "to try out".
Click to expand...

I know. I wish it was less too. Unfortunately the sensors are not cheap in the numbers I’m ordering them in. Plus I have to put the price near a point where a music store or sales rep can get their 30%. Also, it’s currently handmade in the USA, in a small shop, not a factory, and not in China at the slave wages we are all used to. Also, I tried hard to make it a real instrument, something that you would be proud of, using quality all the way. It feels like a quality instrument, and is built like a tank. Then there is the blood, sweat and tears that were put in it. Looking around my studio, there are not many instruments here that are less than $850.

I do offer a 90 day trial period, money back guarantee to the early adopters. Email me for details.


1) How long does it take to master such a thing, as compared to learning how to play a conventional keyboard?
Click to expand...
I've been messing around with it for a couple of months now and I feel that it is much easier to play than either a conventional keyboard or guitar. (I am a sax player BTW) I wish I had more time to practice it but I already feel I can do things on it that took many months to get to on a piano, and some things that are flat out impossible on piano. (The opossite I’m sure is true too.) I’ve just always felt that the piano’s favoritism to the key of C was outdated, and wanted something else. That’s not to say I dislike the keyboard, I just wanted to put something else out there.

To master? Well, like any instrument, years. It obviously does not have the pedagogy of a keyboard so it’s kinda unfair. It’s an instrument for the adventurous to be sure.

2) How much added functionality does it add in the end?
Click to expand...
Some, I think. Range is a big one. You got seven octaves available all the time, or up to four splits. Sure, a keyboard can do that, but you are talking about a much larger instrument that is much worse ergonomically. I feel it is also better for percussion and in the utilization of aftertouch because there is no "throw" on the keys. Notes are much closer together physically, so speed and reach are benefits. Then there is the no need for additional space in the studio and the getting out in front of the gear in a live situation benefits.

It’s pure MIDI controller, with pre-programmed setups so it’s all about getting musical ideas into your computer right away. No annoying screens. Also, I really like being able to sit in front of my laptop with the Palette in my lap, not always having to twist to use the keyboard.
 
Ok, I'm fairly convinced :)

I can't afford one though. It's probably a very fair price for what it took to make that it, but 850 bucks in student money is like an airliner in working people money :D
 
Looks interesting, but you might want to consider opening up the spaces between the keys..... even in that photo, the hands look like they'd cramp pretty quick and I'm sure my hands are >much< bigger than those.

I'll stick to my WX-5 for now!!
 
The sensors are .75" wide, which is slightly smaller than the .85" of a piano keyboard. However cramping is most often caused by trying to stretch beyond your natural range. (My first prototype had the keys the same width as a piano, but I opted for the smaller size to make stretches even less necessary.) The Palette has raised bumps on the sensors for tactile reference so only the very tips of your fingers are necessary. I am fairly confident that if you can fit your hands on the keys of a WX-5 this won't be a problem. Actually, having large hands could be an advantage as you can likely span the entire seven octaves with one hand! And, because fifths are next to each other, you could play a triad with two fingers (actually I can do this too).

Thanks for the feedback!
 
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