LimeWire Music Blog

A revolutionary instrument has just been unveiled after eight years of development.  Created by John Lambert, a musician and software entrepreneur, the Eigenharp may look as awkward as a bassoon (or even one of those instruments played by the Cantina band in Star Wars), but in actuality, the instrument is capable of playing dozens of sounds over the course of 132 individual keys.

The instrument was developed specifically for live performances, and is, at a glance, part woodwind, part guitar, and part piano, capable of mimicking all three instruments and many more.  In a demonstration to BBC art correspondent David Sillito, three musicians perform a fully fleshed out song on three Eigenharps, incorporating synth, bass, guitar, and various other sounds.

It’s a rather impressive instrument, and needless to say I’m dying to get my hands on one.  Though the instrument retails for the high price of £4,000, the possibilities are endless.  Additionally, a BBC interview with Lambert reveals additional reasons for the instrument’’s appeal.  The inventor claims that the Eigenharp recalls the revolutionary times of the early 1980s, when bands like Kraftwerk and OMD would tweak knobs on synthesizers.  However, he feels that his  instrument is far more visually compelling.  “We’ve got pretty fed up with watching people twiddle knobs on stage, claimed the creator.  “I would be really shocked not to see these out in live situations within six to 12 months.”

Curious parties can click here to watch the aforementioned BBC demonstration, or click below to peep a full song performed in real time by three Eigen…harpists?