If you don’t get along with your orchestra, screw ‘em. [Vladimir Pliassov] proves that you can play each of the virtuosic string instruments yourself, all at the same time (with the exception of the double bass of course).
For the life of me, I can’t imagine how long it took to get situated in this spider’s web of moving parts, but it’s impressive. With the help of this unique mechanical invention all his own, [Vladimir] is able to finger not only the neck of a violin and viola, but also a cello hoisted at an angle below his desk so that he can execute chords with his FEET. To help with the actual sound-making, a complex series of resinous fibers turn on a continuous mill of wooden beams and are tensioned ever so carefully over the bridge of each instrument. [Vladimir] controls which string is making contact with the turning fibers with a pulley wrapped around his thigh that rocks the body of the instrument back and forth.
[Vladimir] gives us an overview of his machine and how it works in the video below. If you’re itching to see it used for the purpose it was created for, well… there’s a video for that too. Even though the quality of the performance suffers a little due to the complicated nature of the setup, [Vladimir] is playing of all things, a piece for the pipe organ by J.S. Bach. Bach being hard mode in any case, let alone the one where you’re playing all the instruments yourself.
Thanks [tinkartank] for pointing out this unique invention. It’s definitely worthy of some awe!
WTF!
Impressive build. But the sound just horrible. Any bagpipe novice sounds better than this.
Angel? I see no angel under the desk.
Thats because it is a heavenly host… “ho(i)sted at an angel”…. see what I did there… Oh never mind… I’ll go back to sleep now.
Very impressive build but — Arrrggghhh I think my ears are bleeding!
very impressive! all those hours of dedication, building, learning to play with your feet, you have to ask yourself what drives this man to do this? the stability of the tone is only dependant on his lack of tools, not his playing skills. if this guy had a lathe it would sound awesome ! BRAVO!
Russia.
You say it, like it is a bad thing… :)
What a multitasking! Who sais, that this man isn’t a genius, just try to play on one of that instruments. “Why” is an other question.
Have to admit that my cat ran outside when this started playing, but I admire his tenacity. The physical and mental exertion of playing all these things at once with every part of your body must leave him exhausted for days. It’s impressive.
This is one of the best things I’ve ever seen on Hackaday. I’d give it ten thumbs up if I had a machine to operate further 8 thumbs with my knees and elbows!
Reminds me a bit of a Rube Goldberg type of invention… This is a good thing.
Very impressive build, and very creative. It’s certainly well beyond the scope of my imagination, though I’m not a musician so attempting to play multiple instruments simultaneously is not something that I would normally put any thought into.
…in another news today, a russian musican and inventor was strangled by drivebelts on a machine he invented… police on the scene said the tragedy was an irony considering how he tortured the string instruments he owned.
to the music bashers here.
For those of you who have never been to a music recital of someone who is starting learning an instrument- to do what he is doing is nothing short of amazing. Sure the tone isn’t great, but if you know the piece it is recognizable which is brilliant.
Regardless of the objective, his toil is outstanding.
Yes it sounds like a 5th grade orchestra recital. One man has accomplished what 3 5th graders could do. Should of built a piano interface to play the instruments with foot pedals for the bass. I just hope something doesn’t go horribly wrong and the machine doesn’t grab a hold of him. Would make a great horror movie opening scene. SAW VIII “The deadliest of symphonies”. It’s a working title.
How in the hell did he get into it? I just can’t see how… the physics man, the physics!!!
…Why couldn’t they just make the engine as part of the frame…going through two whole rooms and walls omg.
As he said – it’s noisy :)
Beautiful. Incredible.
BRAVO!!!
This may not be quality, but it is genius. This is the essence of what it means to be an inventor.
BRAVO! Though I have to admit, I didn’t listen long.
Full marks for effort, but I think Leonardo Da Vinci’s Viola organista design has a simpler user interface.
http://youtu.be/sv3py3Ap8_Y