I hadn’t heard of this instrument until a few months ago — not surprising considering it was only invented eight years ago. It’s refreshing to know that not all new discoveries involve a microchip or some complex wiring system. The Hang is a veritable one-man band — a good player can get the range of percussion sounds out of it, from steel drum to bell to glockenspiel, even some bass kick. And the result is beautiful and unique. Last I heard there were only several hundred in existence. Prices are very steep and to obtain one, customers have to send a letter of request to its birthplace in Switzerland. A real labour of love, then.

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The AirPiano is an innovative musical interface which allows the playing and controlling of software instruments simply by moving your hands in the air. Above the AirPiano is a virtual matrix of keys and faders, each assigned with MIDI messages ready to be triggered. The length of a triggered note is equivalent to the time a hand is placed on the corresponding virtual key, which is also confirmed by LED feedback.