This Mechanical Instrument Uses Projectile Rocks To Make Music

The Beatles’ Here Comes The Sun covered by…rocks? In this video from Neil Mendoza, we get acquainted with a new and literal take on a rock band, using projectile rocks to trigger different tones from xylophone-like, aluminum keys.

From the video’s description, we learn a bit about how it all works:

• Pinger – fires small rocks at aluminium keys using solenoids.
• Spinner – launches magnetic rocks, Hematite, at pieces of marble. Rocks are launched by spinning magnets using Applied Motion applied-motion.com stepper motors.
• Slapper – slaps rocks with fake leather.
• Buzzer – vibrates the plunger of a solenoid against a piece of marble.

The whole project is controlled by a computer running a MIDI player written in openFrameworks talking to a Teensy. The machines were designed using Autodesk Fusion 360 and Autodesk Inventor.

This project is undoubtedly impressive, and equally sophisticated in its implementation. If only all of The Beatles members could hear it! You can visit Mendoza’s website to check out more of his creative works.

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