Re: [Harp-L] Automated harmonica video.

[Seth Galitzer <sethgali@xxxxxxxxx>]

I don't think it's that at all.  I don't think the intent here was to 
show the harmonica in a bad light.  From an engineering standpoint, it's 
a relatively simple (yet interesting) problem to solve.  I think that's 
all they were trying to demonstrate.  Here's another example of a robot 
play Coltrane's solo from "Giant Steps" on a saxophone.  The same 
arguments can be made about this setup.  Rather lifeless, but 
interesting to watch.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OjONQNUU8Fg

Getting the reed moving I'm guessing is the hard part.  In that respect, 
an air-moving rig for harmonica was probably much easier.  I thought the 
optical indexing was a pretty cool solution, myself, and also much 
simpler than "fingers".

Seth (I'm kindof an engineer, heading back into lurk mode now)

On 04/12/2011 04:27 PM, James Merritt wrote:
> Something that kind of bothers me about this device, cool as the application is, is how the harmonica seems to have a shaky image as an instrument not to be taken seriously.   Could something like this reinforce that viewpoint, especially as awful as the thing sounded?   I would hate to see our favorite musical instrument's reputation be sullied by a device such as this.  But on the other hand, as an electrical engineer, I would love to be able to see how this thing works...smile.
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> Thank you and have a great day!!!
>
>
> James E. Merritt


--
Seth Galitzer

The beatings will continue until morale has improved.