Piano DIY

[JonasEdenbrandt]

I just had an idea for a DIY project. Since classic standing pianos are so cheap now a days (at least you can get one here if you just pick it up). I thought do you guys think it's possible to rebuild it so you use the hammers and keys to trigger say a synth or other electronic device instead of hitting the strings in the piano? Hence keeping the mechanics and feel of a real piano but making it in to an electronic device?

I'm not that good at DIY stuff (yet) just started my first EQ from a beginners set, and I've done a few arduino projects but nothing more, so i would prolly not be able to do this in a while but would be fun to hear any thoughts/ideas on this.

[Rein]

i guess it's possible. do you want everything midi? for midi there are cheap and easy to use sensors available. very cool project

[oblioblioblio]

i did a max msp course with a guy who did exactly this... prepared piano. he's an interesting and friendly guy.

http://sebastianlexer.eu/

[hydrogen]

but pianos sound so awesome! turning into a midi controller is so shameful!

[lem]

Hence keeping the mechanics and feel of a real piano but making it in to an electronic device?

Is this all you would hope to achieve from this?

To me it seems like a lot of work for getting something like a Midi keyboard with hammer action. I know its not exactly the same. Most of the soul of a piano is from the mechanical sound production, what you are suggesting is removing that to trigger midi sounds. It would be probably be the biggest midi keyboard ever! If I had space for an upright, I would be mic'ing it up.

[hydrogen]

+1 to Lem!

Also, i'm curious as to what is your experience on piano?

[lem]

my experience?

[hydrogen]

Was asking about JonasEdenbrandt's piano skills...