The Wheelharp - Neatorama

The wheelharp is a fairly new musical instrument that produces the rich sounds of stringed instruments. A keyboard controls 61 bowed strings, so one musician can sound like an orchestra- or at least the string section. The wheelharp was inspired by the hurdy-gurdy, and comes in two models: the radial model you see here, and one with a more conventional flat keyboard attached to the wheel. You can hear several sections of music played on the wheelharp at Antiquity Music. Link -via Metafilter

Comments (7)

Newest 5

Newest 5 Comments

The recording sounded muddy. I was hoping for something a little lighter, more ethereal.

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What a fascinating instrument!

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I got to play this instrument at the NAMM show. Very cool sound.

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A happy alternative to weaponized robots.

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I never considered the Boston Dynamics angle. A keg that follows you around or comes when you call it? Genius!

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Wow, reminds me of the old PC Game B.C.'s Quest for Tires.

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$1500!? For that? I could make one in my garage with some old bike pedals and an old wheel. Cost: nothing. Junk is junk.

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Red Bunny, unless you're deliberately just trying to be a troll, you must have absolutely no idea what the Solowheel is. You're going to build a motor and gyroscope in your garage?

Junk comments are junk comments.

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So what unusual and strange demise will the owner of the solowheel befall?

//my bet is on open manhole cover//

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Another contraption invented to try and get me to break my neck.

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Lol I could just buy a folding bike or twenty instead of this legendary POS.

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Uhh these have exsisted for ages beforehand

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a-_bOImfKHc

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Dan, that one doesn't look like it is powered.

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@Minesotastan: That was mean. It says and I quote "consisting of only a wheel and foot platforms". Well, even if it is similar to a segway, with a gyroscope and a motor, it's still pretty dumb. Can you truly say that you would spend $1500 on one? If you would you're either filthy rich or just plain impulsive. The segway was stupid and so is the solowheel. They seem pretty pointless to me. Why not just ride a bike and get some exercise?

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OK, lets be nice. I'll amend the post to make it clear that this is a powered vehicle like the Segway.

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Unless you are riding this on perfectly smooth ground, you really ought to wear a helmet. Hit a rock just right and you'd go over on your face.

Personally, I think I'd prefer a unicycle.

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I imagine it would be easier to play the bagpipes while riding it.

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I think while riding this all I need is a spear and a thong. Speaking of which, I need to do my laundry tonight so I have fresh business casual clothing for tomorrow.

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I think I'd have more fun if it looked like a UFO half sphere.

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