Introducing the 'fluid piano'

Mark Brown talks to Geoff Smith, whose reinvention of the piano allows players to alter the tuning of notes either before or during a performance

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• the
• guardian
• fluid
• piano
• indian
• music
• world

[rjdent69]

This is amazing - a piano that has finally been freed from the tyranny of western tuning. About time too. Hats off to the inventor for having the vision to make this instrument available to those who want it.

[olddog5655]

Now, Who has 300,000$?

[NitramZiarreh]

Doesn't look like that tuning mechanism could stay in tune under the strings' tension if it can be moved so easily and smoothly with one's hands.

[alexandergreenb]

Also, it doesn't "beg the question." It *elicits* the question. Begging the question means assuming the conclusion in one's premises.

[alexandergreenb]

"This instrument sounds like a sitar so begs the question 'why not just get a sitar?'" The player is used to Indian scales, so she tends toward a sitar pitching, but it doesn't have to sound like a sitar. Also, one imagines that with some modifications, the tones could be much richer and louder.

[sirvidia]

@rjdent69 equal temperament was invented so the piano could work :)

but yeah, still a cool thing if they can get the bridges to sound nice.

[sanoichiro]

Thumbs up if you tried to click away the banner at 0:26. I did....oooops

[thetrain1919]

So It sounds just like a sitar but its the size of a piano... hmmm That's going to make playing it on a street corner quite a chore.

You should probably mention in your description that the purchase of this instrument has yet to be covered under any government welfare programs... that news will probably limit your customer base.

[Hyronious]

@rjdent69 Tyranny is definitely the wrong word.

[Sabored]

The only problem I see with this is that you can't freely use both hands at all times. If they could somehow control the adjustments with their feet this thing would be perfect.