Gizmodo: Tenori-On

Tenori-On Inspired PacklSound1 iPhone App Coming Soon, But Not Soon Enough

Jack Loftus — Sat, 26 Jul 2008 12:07:00 EDT

The Tenori-On is the zany Yamaha touch-based musical sequencer that caught our eye earlier this year, but this cool PacklSound1 iPhone app could very well be the portable version that puts us over the edge. It's a simpler version of the original $1,200 Tenori-On box, but that didn't stop the designer from laying down a quick, catchy beat. Seeing it in action, makes me want it right now:

And here's the original video demonstrating Tenori-On's seemingly infinite capabilities:
[Pakl.net]

Tenori-On Light-Up Synthesizer On Sale In US

Benny Goldman — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 19:16:05 EDT

Tenori-on, the versatile light-up synthesizer we love so much, is now on sale in the US. It pricey at $1200, but there are only 60 available so if you want it you better move fast. [Tenori-on via Crave]

Tenori-On Makers Interviewed, Neither Can Play Music

Adrian Covert — Wed, 07 May 2008 21:00:00 EDT

PingMag did an interview with the creators of the Tenori-on that was overlooked when published, but there are a few interesting tidbits from the interview, like the fact that neither of the creators are musicians.

Yu said it took three years to develop the Tenori-on, and another three to get Yamaha on board with the production process. When throwing around design ideas, shapes like triangles were considered, but appeared too difficult to make usable, so they stuck with the square shape. Other interesting design aspects include making the Tenori wide enough so that the thumbs of the average adult hand meet in the middle of the Tenori when grasped, and that it was never intended to be a user-friendly music machine; it kind of just happened. Read the full interview over at [PingMag].

Hands On Yamaha's Tenori-On Synthesizer: We Love It

Benny Goldman — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 00:34:14 EDT

Tenori-On, the crazy light-up handheld synthesizer from Yamaha we've been geeked about for months, officially launched in the US tonight. It won't be on sale until May 1, but we got our hands on one and simply put, we were amazed. Resident Giz musician Jonny Lam (Brian's little brother) hit the event with us, and was playing music in minutes. What's interesting is how you can play this thing according to sound, but also, visual cues:

The Tenori-On is a synthesizer on a 16x16 grid that caters to the novice as easily as the expert. Every button on the grid represents a note. Chords are created by hitting multiple notes in one line, and full pieces are made by placing notes on several lines, which play left to right in sequential order. In addition, each button represents a different sound or instrument, for a total of 256 different built-in noises. Furthermore, samples can be loaded on the unit to make unique creations, and there are several other customization options. The Tenori-On records up to 16 tracks, and files are saved in a format which can be loaded on other Tenori-Ons or edited with MIDI software.

Artists at the event told us that the visual aspects of the device are just important as the musical aspects. Some said they attempt to make songs in a traditional sense, but others were more content to base their sounds on designs and shapes. The Tenori-On can work as a completely visual instrument.

It will retail for $1200 when it goes on sale May 1. Good luck getting your hands on one, because production is extremely limited; Yamaha is testing the US market and only plans on a 1000 piece run for the entire year, available only through the Tenori-On website. We'll have a review unit in soon and tell you about our extended experience with the instrument then. [Tenori-On]

Tenori-On Crazy LED Digital Instrument Set for September Launch

msparkes — Fri, 31 Aug 2007 06:43:08 EDT

The Tenori-On is a musical sequencer from Yamaha—basically a grid of LED-lit rubber buttons that lets you create musical loops and melodies. It may look like a prop from a 1970s sci-fi series, but it's actually a really intuitive and capable instrument that looks simply amazing. Have a look at it in action after the jump.

Sequencers are used all the time by bands and producers, but this is a really impressive design. There are also all sorts of other possibilities for this hardware, and I can't wait to see what hacks come out for it. It's being released in the UK next month, and if sales go well, then Yamaha will consider launching it elsewhere too. No word yet on pricing, but it won't be cheap. [Yamaha]