An Interesting New Instrument

[rlainhart]

http://www.marcodi.com

It's called the Harpejji (perhaps a reference to "arpeggio harp"?), and it's expensive, at $6K, but interesting nonetheless. What do you think?

[attic-keys]

Wow it looks like one of those windows where you learn to count on, and placed on a stand it looks like a game of pinbal.

Nonetheless the sound is unique and somehow it reminds me of a chapman stick.

Pretty cool video's too this insrument has a unigue playing style. By the looks of it, it is practicly like a big tapping lapsteel guitar with a line out so you can hook it up to some effect boxes to really get a unique sound, wonder if you can split (bass/lead).

[-=AnatomiC=-]

Looks like a combination of a cheese grater and an egg slicer...

Personally I don't really approve experimental instruments (unless it's very intuitive and easy to use, like Continuum) - well, if you want to learn how to play it, go ahead :biggrin:
6k lol? Why not Continuum then? Or should I say, 2 of them?

[Grey Loki]

Personally I don't really approve experimental instruments

You mean like what synthesizers were to begin with? Or the first 6-stringed guitars? Or the first brass instruments? Or the first woodwind instruments?

You get my point ;)

I really enjoy seeing new instruments like these - I hope that they'll make it more into the mainstream at some point (though at the prices that most companies charge, it will be unlikely): the Chapman Stick is getting there, but very slowly, I think.

[OliBeau]

I was asking me, " How can you play a song on this?"
But when I listened to the funky video, I was really impressed.
I think it has a cool sound, but I'll never play of it... !

[harpejji]

Hello All.

Tim Meeks here, inventor of the harpejji. I am always glad to find the harpejji on forums because my advertising budget is small right now. :frown: We need someone like JR to help us get the word out.:wink:

In response to some of your comments:
- Yes, the harpejji has a split bass/melody output, so you can use different effects on each half of the instrument. 12 strings bass + 12 strings melody.
- Pricepoint of $5995K. Yeah, it's up there with Fender custom 6-string guitars. It's not your basic $3K Roland keyboard, but I always say that buying something truly amazing only hurts once, whereas buying something mediocre hurts every time you you play it and say "Blah."

I will also mention that the videos on our website do not do justice to the sound of the instrument. We used the built-in mic on a laptop, so you get what you get. We will have better files posted soon.

You have my full attention, so please feel free to ask any question you'd like.

Peace,
Tim

[Cary]

Hi Mr. Meeks, I love seeing inventions and saying to myself...yeah...why didn't I think of that? Beautiful instrument.
I do have a question...is there a damper of any sort for the strings? How do you keep the strings from resonating in sympathy with other instruments?

[harpejji]

Cary,

The harpejji does indeed have a mechanical damper between the "nut" and first fret. Therefore, when you stop a note (lift a finger) the open string will not ring out on the "open note".

Tim
Marcodi Musical Products, LLC

[Rudess]

I was just watching the existing videos. Looks cool!
I'm curious to try one for sure and see what is possible sonically/technically..
My first thought funny enough is-"What will it sound like if you kick on some distortion"! Of course that is not the "be all end all" test of a good instrument! Things like, what does it feel like under you fingers.
How does the bending of pitch feel? Can you play it in tune pretty easily?
Will the guys in my band kick me out if I play it or love me even more? (kidding)

I know Richard is starting to discuss some things with Tim, so who knows what the future holds. I love a musical challenge!

JR