Stampede on the axis-49

A rough performance of one of my first original pieces written specifically for the axis-49 set to a wicki/hayden layout, aka Jammer, an imitation of the (now defunct) Thummer.

*EDIT* If you're not impressed, check out some of my newer videos, I'm improving I think =P

Category:

Music

Tags:

• axis-49
• axis-64
• thummer
• jammer
• isomorphism
• keyboard
• electronic
• solo
• piano
• john
• lank
• moriarty
• wicki
• hayden
• isomorphic
• generalized
• Thumtronics
• MIDI

[JLMoriart]

I like the janko layout though I don't think one could argue eithers superiority, only that each has distinct adavantages. The janko layout emphasizes a linear representation of pitch and allows intuitive voice leading while the W/H layout emphasizes tuning theory and lends itself to methods with fingering invariance accross tunings.

Im not worried about the transition from a typical layout seeing as idealy one starts with an isomorphic instrument.

I hope to soon put up some more legit vids =)

[JLMoriart]

@c33r0k33 As far as dynamic tonality and tuning invariance are concerned, I'll message you with a few links. Certain isomorphic layouts have the same fingering across not only every key but every tuning.

All music, new and old, is possible on the axis (or jammer). Pieces written for the piano that took advantage of diatonic pentatonic glissandi are impossible, but everything else is doable. Among our small user base styles like classical, jazz, and rock are being played on the axis and jammer.

[c33r0k33]

@JLMoriart ...uh... dynamic tonality/tuning invariance... I'm a bit lost. I've heard lots of neat contemporary music on the axis instruments, and am actually considering picking up the 49... but I haven't heard much stuff like Bach, or Anrew Llyod Webber or even jazzed up "Happy Birthday". I play a Janko [via Pape'] inspired harp, the cross strung chromatic. Do you think it can be done on an Axis, is anyone doing it without having to overlay multiple tracks?

[uk761]

Amazing!

I think Janko key put on a traditional keyboard is good idea. There are many choice of traditional keyboards.

[darksideofdarkness]

As I mentioned I started from an old midi controller a Quickshot 49 keys (1998). Basically I cut the plastic keys at the same height and long and then I glued

MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard) to "extend" the key. Then I pasted 3 columns per key at different different heights and different long making 6 rows. Finally I I asked a guy to cut MDF with laser hexagon (around 1" ) to make the keys, I glued over the columns and paint them...

Cool experience.. I recommend it!! :-)

[uk761]

Really? That's wonderful!

How did you make each key elements?

Fully scratch built?

Or put and fixed modified elements on exist keys?

[JLMoriart]

If you are looking for a layout, there are certain criteria by which you can rate a layout having to do with deep insights into music theory.

Given these criteria, the Wicki/Hayden layout is the optimal layout. There are tons of ergonomic reasons to choose W/H, but one could say the Janko has just as many. What the janko layout doesnt have is a deep link into music theory that transfers over to greater possibilities in application and practice like dynamic tonality and tuning invariance.

[darksideofdarkness]

For Jankó keyboard, as far as I know, you have only one small company in Japan which sell it commercially, but It is too expensive.

In my case, I built one by myself starting from an old midi controller. Given that it's a midi controller I played using the sounds from my Roland XP 60 and some VSTs in FL Studio. No special notes-mapper software was required as the order of the notes in a Jankó is identical to the traditional.

I highly recommend Jankó!!

[uk761]

I wonder, which layout I should choice.

If you have played Janko keyboard,

Which machine did you play? Or Software keyboad on PC?