Making Music magazine’s editor-in-chief, Antoinette Follett appeared on the Today show with Kathie Lee & Hoda presenting these easy to learn instruments. They are just a few of the thousands of musical instruments that will be previewed at the NAMM Show 2014!
Trekky Harp App
Even if you’re not a Star Trek fan, you’ll love this Vulcan harp app from Shiverware that lets you play the harp on the go. It is a digital recreation of the harp that Spock used during television series. You can strum the 15 strings creating five different sounds in its six-octave range and easily share your creations on the Internet. Download the harp app here: iTunes Store
Slap Happy Noodling
This unique tuned percussion instrument from Slaperoo Percussion uses an internal pickup to convert vibrations into electric signals. You hit The Noodle, which can be open-tuned to a particular key, with your hands, fingers (or other body part!). It is also fretted like a stand-up bass, allowing you to play percussive melody lines. Because the Aluminum Noodle is only 26-inches long, weighing several ounces, it is easy to bring along everywhere.
Jumping Flea
The ukulele is a great instrument for beginning string players. This Flea ukulele from Magic Fluke is a unique hybrid instrument made of composite thermoplastic with a wood soundboard that gives it a rich, bright sound. Its unique design lets you stand it on its end. The 14-inch soprano size makes a perfect beginner instrument. The Flea is also available in concert and tenor sizes, and in 10 cheerful color choices. Jumping Flea.
Hohner Airboard
Hohner’s AirBoard, is a portable, air powered, keyboard instrument. And like their earlier invention, the melodica decades ago, it requires no cables, no computer, and no electricity. Available in 32 and 37 key versions, the AirBoard’s sharp reggae-inspired design, striking padded travel bag, and ergonomic BlowFlow mouthpiece, target a new generation of musicians. Hohner Airboard.
Musical Sphere
The Alphasphere Nexus from the UK company Nu Desine Limited is a “consumer” version of the Alphasphere created for mobile DJs. Looks like a soccer ball, but sounds like the inside of a dance club! It essentially takes the DJ controller and conventional keyboard and makes them into one fun instrument. The interaction design of the 48 pressure and velocity sensitive tactile pads allows sound to be triggered and manipulated with subtlety. The AlphaSphere is MIDI compatible, so you can use it in conjunction with music production software. It is also OSC compatible for use as a controller for lighting and visual applications.
