In recent years, it's not uncommon to see friends using 3D printing technology to create unusual musical instruments. For instance, a Yale student once crafted a keyboard using beer bottles and 3D printed parts. However, this time, California-based artist Matt Pearson took a more organic approach. He used 3D printing to transform a gourd into a simple yet innovative instrument. Unlike traditional instruments, this one doesn’t have strings or buttons—just by holding or moving the gourd slightly, it produces music.
This project has been in development since March of this year. The goal is to create a form of music that feels natural and interactive. “Our festivals are evolving,†Matt explains on his website. “Public spaces like concerts, museum exhibitions, and stage performances are becoming more interactive. Audiences today, influenced by the internet, expect more choice in how they engage with activities—like on-demand TV, games, or immersive experiences. These gourds work with people to create music, making them a unique and special instrument.â€
Gourds have a long history as musical instruments. They were used as containers or instruments as far back as 10,000 years ago. This time, Matt and his team brought them back into the modern world. “The gourd is one of the oldest forms of musical instruments,†he says. “Traditionally, many cultures have used them as body sound instruments, by tapping or shaking them. A dried gourd acts as a natural resonator, amplifying the sound from your own movements.â€
Unlike ancient gourds filled with rocks and shaken, Matt’s modern version relies entirely on movement. “These digitized gourds are instruments that use motion data to control digital sound parameters. The gourd contains a motion sensor that tracks its movement, and a speaker that amplifies the resulting digital music. It can be played immediately by anyone, even non-musicians, blurring the line between audience and performer.†From children to seniors, everyone can dance with a gourd and create sound through motion.
Initially, the gourd only had an accelerometer from a Wii controller. Matt upgraded it by adding a 9-degree-of-freedom sensor, combining a gyroscope, accelerometer, and magnetometer. These sensors convert movement into sound. “To track the gourd’s exact position in 3D space, the sensor sends data via an XBee network to a central computer running MaxMSP and Ableton Live software. The computer then sends the audio signal back via Bluetooth. The gourd functions like any wireless speaker,†Matt explains. “This setup ensures every movement of the gourd creates a sound output. We hope it sparks curiosity and exploration of the gourd’s full potential.â€
To create this unique instrument, Matt used 3D scanning and 3D printing to design custom covers for each gourd. “The part of the gourd that was hollowed out was replaced with algorithm-generated 3D printed parts,†he explains. Each gourd includes two 3D printed components: one that fits the shape of the gourd and another that serves as the speaker casing.
The final result is the exotic instrument you see in the videos and images. It would stand out at any music festival. After all, no musical skill is needed to play it! Matt and his team are currently working on a networking feature that allows multiple users to combine their actions into a single sound. “This will enable more people to enjoy the joy of creating music together,†he says.
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