Showing posts with label carved harps. Show all posts
Showing posts with label carved harps. Show all posts
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Another new project !!:-) Strings And laser beams !!
OK, now this one is a first, a combination laser harp, and a harp with strings too !
The commission is for a 33 string acoustic-electric harp with 33 individual RMC peizo transducers, that also has 6 low-powered green lasers built-into the harp.
Four of these laser will be set in-line, below the bass harp string, #33, making them 'strings' number 34,35,36, and 37, and the other two will be installed, with one on each side of the sound board. The ones on the sound board will each be aimed down, from the top end to the bass end, running just above the surface of the sound board, down the middle of each side.
All six will be aimed at optic sensors that have filters over them to just admit the laser light, so the harp can be played in even the brightest lighting conditions, with no false triggering of the sensors, when the laser beams are blocked by the players hand.
OK, so why lasers on an acoustic -electric harp ?? Well they will be used by this harpist to trigger background natural sample sounds like ocean waves and bird sounds in the woods, the wind in the trees, etc.
The lasers will also be used to trigger video and still images projected with an LCD projector. This will be done with the custom OptiMusic midi controller and software I use.
The harpist will also have 6 floor pedals available to allow her to change the programed sounds and visuals for each piece of music she plays, and to also trigger other lighting changes on stage as well.
The harp itself will be carved like a tree trunk, with branches and leaves, out of Cherry wood, with a solid Spruce sound board. But it will weight less than 20lbs.
This new harp design is patent pending.
Let me know what you think !
Glenn
P.S. Here is a press release about this project! :
First of A Kind New Type of Harp Has Both Laser Beams, And Harp Strings.
The commission is for a 33 string acoustic-electric harp with 33 individual RMC peizo transducers, that also has 6 low-powered green lasers built-into the harp.
Four of these laser will be set in-line, below the bass harp string, #33, making them 'strings' number 34,35,36, and 37, and the other two will be installed, with one on each side of the sound board. The ones on the sound board will each be aimed down, from the top end to the bass end, running just above the surface of the sound board, down the middle of each side.
All six will be aimed at optic sensors that have filters over them to just admit the laser light, so the harp can be played in even the brightest lighting conditions, with no false triggering of the sensors, when the laser beams are blocked by the players hand.
OK, so why lasers on an acoustic -electric harp ?? Well they will be used by this harpist to trigger background natural sample sounds like ocean waves and bird sounds in the woods, the wind in the trees, etc.
The lasers will also be used to trigger video and still images projected with an LCD projector. This will be done with the custom OptiMusic midi controller and software I use.
The harpist will also have 6 floor pedals available to allow her to change the programed sounds and visuals for each piece of music she plays, and to also trigger other lighting changes on stage as well.
The harp itself will be carved like a tree trunk, with branches and leaves, out of Cherry wood, with a solid Spruce sound board. But it will weight less than 20lbs.
This new harp design is patent pending.
Let me know what you think !
Glenn
P.S. Here is a press release about this project! :
First of A Kind New Type of Harp Has Both Laser Beams, And Harp Strings.
Saturday, May 31, 2008
The Custom Harp Builder
Welcome to my new blog, the Custom Harp Builder Blog! Where I will be posting pictures of my custom carved one-of-a-kind harp creations, as they are being created.
Your comments or creative ideas are always welcome !
These harps are unlike any others being created on Earth. Since 1978 I have custom designed and built over 275 harps like these shown here. From single string-band lever harps with from as little as 10 strings, up to 42 strings, as well as cross strung and double strung harps, electric harps and laser beams ones as well!
I always first start with the strings, spacing, tension and materials, and then go to the size weight and style of harp that is desired. I then design the 'look' and feel of the harps image and energy, with any three-dimensional or relief carving desired, as well as painting and inlay work.
Glenn J. Hill 5/31/08
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