Emusa
Electromagnetic string instrument played with hand gestures
Emusa is a new instrument that balances innovation with authenticity. It enables you to tell your story musically with your hands and functions as an extension of the body.
The strings in the instrument are made to vibrate by electromagnets.
Emusa captures the expressiveness of sign language and makes it into music. By connecting your fingers, combinations of notes can be played. Connecting your fingers closes the circuit that activates the electromagnet.
“How can we make innovative instruments that are still authentic?”
Making an instrument
that is both innovative
and authentic is
a difficult balance. Authenticity and character are
strongly related. The
limitations of an instrument shape
its characteristics. Innovative
instruments that are connected
to sound databases often lack
limitations. The instruments
do not have a recognizable
sound. Therefore, in Emusa sound is generated analogly. This
way the instrument has its own
recognizable sound and in
combination with the limitations
of analog sound gains more
character.
The circuitry creates a feedback loop between an electromagnetic sensor and an electromagnetic actuator. By amplifying the vibration of the string and feeding it back to the string the vibration builds up and is then sustained. Making for a unique sound.
Playing music is like telling a story with sound. The interaction of this instrument supports the story telling. The input is based on sign language. It’s about communication through moving your body. The musician can tell the story with sound and movement. The input is designed to become part of the body. Playing the instrument should feel like playing your own body.
The gloves are made of leather to get the feel of real skin. Also over time leather forms to your hand, therefore it fits better the more you play it. The palms of the gloves are embroidered with conductive yarn. By connecting the conductive rings on each finger to either another finger or the patch on the palm notes are played.