Just saw this, an attempt to create a robotic midi-controlled trombone. I don't think we'll be replaced any time soon, but it's certainly an interesting concept:
Is this not the ultimate consequence of having too much time on one's hands?
Only during a pandemic lockdown!
Re: Robotic midi-controlled trombone?
Posted: Mon Dec 28, 2020 5:45 pm
by mbarbier
that's awesome! There's also Jeff Synder's feedback trombone project. The current online technical documentation on the setup is a few editions ago, but really cool stuff!
Re: Robotic midi-controlled trombone?
Posted: Mon Dec 28, 2020 8:11 pm
by robcat2075
I'm going to venture that the artificial latex lips in that device were originally designed and sold for a rather different purpose.
The unappealing result brings to mind a discussion elsewhere on this forum about how the shaping of the oral cavity is an essential part of creating the pitch.
Here is a modestly more successful robo-bone...
Re: Robotic midi-controlled trombone?
Posted: Tue Dec 29, 2020 7:39 am
by stewbones43
I wonder if the bell clamp is affecting the resonance of the instrument?
Get rid if that and I bet it would sound just like a trombone.
Cheers
Stewbones
Re: Robotic midi-controlled trombone?
Posted: Tue Dec 29, 2020 1:26 pm
by marccromme
This sounds so ugly. No need to fear that robotics will overtake humans soon in trombone playing.
Re: Robotic midi-controlled trombone?
Posted: Wed Jan 13, 2021 7:15 am
by Wilktone
If that were a human musician playing I would guess that the "lips" are fighting for predominance inside the mouthpiece. The rattle produced and the mouthpiece placement are indicative of that in a real player. Here's an example:
I don't know if that would help with the mechanical trombone, but if they are looking to more closely recreate how a human musician plays the trombone it would be something to consider.
