Learning to play a musical instrument can be a bit tricky. For one thing, you have to have an instrument first in order to learn it. It can be a bit expensive. Besides, what if you find out that you don't really like the instrument after you start learning it?
Meng Qi, a 35-year-old Beijinger, is an electronic musician. He wasn't satisfied with the instruments that he saw on the market. His interest in musical experiments led him to design and build his own electronic instruments.
His most well-known instrument is perhaps the Wing Pinger. It uses melody and noise to create special sounds that can't be made with regular instruments.
"I build for myself first, mostly for experimenting with an instrumental idea. Then when I get bored with the instrument, I might sell it," he said. He added that his creations are not just musical instruments, but also represent his way of life and his idea of beauty.
Meng starts building his instruments on a computer. He uses Arduino, a software for electronic prototyping (原型设计), to design his creations. They look very different from regular musical instruments. They're made out of electronic parts that are connected together—kind of like how a computer is built.
"First it can be a prototype in software, testing out ideas, as well as getting to know the range of the sound. Then it can be testing of the technical stuff, like the circuits to use. After that there will be selection of electronic parts till everything feels right. Then production can begin," he said.
However, it takes more than technical knowledge to design an electronic instrument. Meng's experience as a musician allows him to create instruments that are still playable and musical.
"Playing a lot of instruments can help you both understand and feel the process of playing music," he said.
a. Test the circuits in software.
b. Use Arduino to design a prototype.
c. Select the proper electronic parts.
d. The musical instrument is made.
e. Get to know the range of the sound.
