Got My Radio Zither!!
Thursday, October 2, 2008
So what is it?
This is what Peter Blasser, the designer/builder has to say:
“RadioZither is wireless technology, in marriage with a fine wooden casket carved from Baltimore City logs. Modeled after the pan-Asian tradition of plank zithers (guqin, gayageum, koto), its form reflects upon ancient heritages. Its function is to transcend traditions through radio, to inspire global thinking physically as well as ethereally. This instrument sonifies plucks as well as movements between plucks, it is played / meta-played.”
I own prototype #2.
It’s carved out of one frigging piece of wood, and it's five and a half feet!
Now the photos.
What's this unassuming box in the corner?
Taking a good look before starting to open the box.
Mako (our dog) is curious too.
Finally got to the meat and potatoes.
She’s a biggun.
Putting in the Tuning Pegs.
The Clear Bridges.
Putting the bridges in place (guessing here).
The bottom.
Gut shot. Did I mention it was hand carved? The whole cavity is carved out!
Solar powered, with built in batteries.
Now how do you turn this thing on?
At first I was like...
Then I...
Soaking it in.
Here it is with the whole family.
AND FINALLY SOME VIDEOS
First test after messing with the tuning/bridges for a bit.
