Remember when musical instruments were simply tools for creating sound? That era is rapidly disappearing as technology transforms our relationship with music. The E-Zither by Jade Inno exemplifies this evolution, taking the traditional Chinese guzheng (a 2,500-year-old zither) and catapulting it into the 21st century with a design that would make Dieter Rams nod in approval. The swooping streamline structure and undulating surface create a sculptural silhouette that appears to float before the performer, simultaneously honoring traditional imagery while completely redefining its expression. What makes this concept particularly fascinating is how it manages to blend technological innovation with cultural preservation, something we rarely see executed with such thoughtful precision.

This isn’t some half-baked concept destined for perpetual “coming soon” status either. Jade Inno has already completed small-scale trial production and plans to release the E-Zither in the Chinese market first. The instrument represents the first implementation of the brand’s new design language, establishing a visual and structural framework for future products. Its sleek, minimalist aesthetic disguises a wealth of functionality that transforms the traditional playing experience. The crystal zither pegs add both visual elegance and practical lightness, while the acoustically optimized perforation pattern underneath enhances sound diffusion for a more immersive tonal experience. Each design element serves both form and function, creating a cohesive whole that feels simultaneously familiar and revolutionary.

Designers: Qi Liu & Ou Sheng

Under its elegant exterior, the E-Zither packs serious technological muscle. The instrument integrates 12 distinct functions including a tuner, drum machine, wireless microphone, Bluetooth speaker, and dynamic atmosphere lighting. Eight built-in high-fidelity speaker units deliver 300W peak power, while an NXP DSP chip with acoustic master tuning technology ensures pristine sound reproduction.

The one-key switching between eight different tones allows for unprecedented versatility, giving musicians the ability to shift sonic palettes instantly. That circular control knob isn’t just pretty either; crafted from CNC anodized aluminum with a fine matte finish, it houses controls for tone switching, volume adjustment, and Bluetooth pairing. The 360° dynamic surround lighting system moves with the music, creating what the company calls a “4D immersive experience” that extends beyond mere sound.

The practical considerations are equally impressive. Lightweight, detachable legs make assembly, transport, and storage remarkably straightforward, addressing a common pain point for traditional guzheng players who struggle with the instrument’s typical bulk and weight. This adaptability makes the E-Zither equally suitable for professional stage performances and teaching environments.

The dual-purpose nature of the instrument as both a professional musical tool and entertainment device opens it to a broader audience than traditional zithers could ever reach. For musicians looking to bridge ancient tradition with modern capability, this electronic guzheng offers a compelling vision of how cultural instruments can evolve without losing their soul. I’ll be watching closely to see if Jade Inno can successfully bring this striking concept to global markets after its initial Chinese release.

The post This E-Zither turns the ancient Chinese Guzheng into a 300W Bluetooth Shred-Machine first appeared on Yanko Design.

Of the many creative endeavors, music is probably one of the hardest to learn and practice. And of the well-known musical instruments, the violin is one of the hardest to play. But what if you can play the violin or some semblance of the instrument as easily as you could press down keys on a piano? And what if that produced the unique tonal quality of a violin while still hitting all the right notes perfectly? That’s the kind of musical experience that this DIY synthesizer offers, combining two classical instruments in a single form that might leave you confused with one hand playing the keyboard and the other playing the violin.

Designer: Washiyama Giken

Electronic keyboards can try to mimic the sounds of different musical instruments, but they don’t always work. They can’t, for example, reproduce the unique vibrating quality of the violin family, which at the very least would require some physical medium to produce that kind of sound. Conversely, violins are hard to master because you need to also move the bow at a very precise location to hit the right pitch, and that location isn’t marked like on a guitar.

Key-bowed, which is a very creative name, tries to combine the strengths of both the keyboard and the violin with very few of the flaws. It’s actually an idea decades in the making, but it’s finally possible to pull it off thanks to modern technologies and hardware. The synthesizer combines a Roland K-25m keyboard, an Arduino Uno R4 minima controller, and a self-made bowing sensor with a vertical acrylic plate. Of course, the assembly also requires some programming know-how, especially when dealing with sound waves.

Despite the complexity of the build, using the Key-bowed looks pretty simple, at least for the musically inclined. You simply hit the keys with one hand to produce music like on a regular keyboard or piano, and then you use the other hand to move the bow across the acrylic plate as you would with a violin. The vibrations on the plate are detected by the sensor and then transformed into waves that modify the note that’s produced, resulting in a very realistic recreation of a violin sound, with perfect pitch, and without the screeches. You can even pluck the plate and make it sound like you’re really plucking a string.

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Key-bowed is definitely a work of genius that makes playing music both fun and enchanting. It still requires you to have some basic music knowledge, of course, but it makes the execution less daunting, especially if you’ve always dreamed of playing the violin. Of course, there are limits to the music you can play, since you’re technically producing notes with only one hand, and the design is made for those who hold the violin bow with their right hand. Nonetheless, it still creates a captivating experience, and hopefully, it can become a commercial product that will let everyone enjoy that experience as well.

The post Key-bowed hybrid violin and keyboard synthesizer produces pure musical joy first appeared on Yanko Design.