Tony Amendolare at ElectroKraft has created a unique new music controller for the NES, the Sonic DrumAxe.

Tony’s always coming up with unusual instruments (see our previous ElectroKraft coverage), and the Sonic DrumAxe is no exception.

The Sonic DrumAxe is a controller that connects to the Nintendo NES video game system. Used with the Super Synth Drums cartridge, you can use the DrumAxe to create true 8-bit NES percussion/drum sounds.

You wear the Sonic DrumAxe like a guitar. There are 7 touch sensors which you tap to produce sounds.

The Sonic DrumAxe is a custom instrument, but Tony says this one is for sale and ready to ship. It includes the Super Synth Drums cartridge, cable to connect the DrumAxe to the NES, the Sonic DrumAxe controller, power adapter and one NES gamepad.

Tony’s looking for offers over $299. Inquiries to Tony at ElectroKraft (at) optonline.net

Tony Amendolare at ElectroKraft has introduced Super Synth Drums – an NES cartridge that runs the machine into a drum synth.

Super Synth Drums is a genuine Nintendo NES cartridge that transforms your original NES, or clone system (Yobo, Generation Nex) into an 8 bit percussion instrument. Just plug the cartridge into your Nintendo NES system (or clone), and connect to an amplifier or TV for audio.

Super Synth Drums sells for $49.

Features:

• Controller #1: Each button on Controller #1 produces a different 8 bit percussion sound.
• Controller #2: Adds several varieties (rate/speeds) of pulsing/looping effect to any of the 8 percussion sounds produced by Controller #1.
• You can use the original NES controllers, new 3rd party controllers, or ElectroKraft’s custom controller, the ” Sonic DrumAxe”, to play true 8 bit percussion from your Nintendo NES system.

The Sonar*Axe can be used to control any MIDI-compatible device.

ElectroKraft specializes in machines “designed to alter, change and morph the standard canned sounds of any midi drum machine, synth or keyboard. They are alternative midi controllers, using things like photocells and sonar sensors instead of keys or buttons, giving them a very Theremin-like functionality.”

More information is available at the ElectroKraft site.

ElectroKraft

“I have created an exciting alternative MIDI controller that will produce sounds and rhythms not before possible with currently available midi controllers,” says ElectroKraft’s Tony Amendolare. “The Lunar Module will transform your store bought sound modules, synths and drum machines into completely new instruments.”

“Each one is hand made and can be customized to add controller options like pitch bend, sustain, modulation wheel, etc,” adds Amendolare. “Customizing can be done before or anytime after purchase.”

Features:

• Photocell control: Use your hands to control the amount of light or shadow that reaches each photocell. Control any midi receiving device like a Theremin.
• Standard controls include sound bank change, note on/off, octave changes, and an “all sounds off” button.
• Customizing: Through custom programming an array of options can be added to the “Lunar Module” like pitch bend, sustain, modulation wheel, etc.

Buy Now & Customize Later:
Each Lunar Module can be programmed to add custom control features before shipping. If you’d like to add other control features to compliment a new sound module, synth or drum machine you can do so anytime after purchase.

Satisfaction Guaranteed:
If after purchase you are not satisfied for any reason you may return the “Lunar Module” for a complete refund before 7 days.

Warranty:
If the “Lunar Module” should ever fail it will be repaired or replaced at no cost to the original owner.

The Lunar Module is available direct from ElectroKraft.com for $249.00, with free shipping in the continental U.S.

Using the original synth chip from the 1980’s video arcade game Space Invaders, ElectroKraft has captured the familiar, yet otherworldly sounds of classic video games.

Tony Amendolare from ElectroKraft.com is creating experimental electronic instruments and effects that are influenced by the burgeoning new sounds in the areas of chip music, experimental electronica, noise and circuit bending.

Audio Samples:

• spacesynth1_001.mp3
• spacesynth2_002.mp3

Space Invaders in a Synthesizer Sound Chip:

“I have recently discovered a marvelous synthesizer chip that was developed in the late 70’s and used in the video arcade games of the 1980’s, such as Space Invaders. These are sounds I remember as a kid and they’re the sounds electronic musicians are seeking to incorporate into new music. People are currently using old Atari video game consoles, Commodore 64’s and Game Boy’s to create a new form of music using vintage video game sounds.”

“The sound generator chip I’m using in the Space*Synth is wired so that you can recreate all of the sounds of “Space Invaders” and other video games of the 1980’s such as “Pong”, “Donkey Kong” and “Asteroids”. In addition to these video game sounds you can also easily create a host of other “alien” sounds and effects.”

Instrument Input & VCO Input

You can use the Space*Synth as a stand alone space synthesizer or plug in a guitar, bass, vocals or any other electronic musical instrument and have the Space*Synth process the signal. There is also a VCO input jack where you can plug in another synthesizer or oscillator to create a ring modulation effect.

Miscellaneous

• Standard 1/4″ in/out jacks.
• Runs on 9 Volt battery or 9 Volt universal adapter power jack.
• Encased in an aluminum modular box.

Direct & Immediate purchasing at: http://www.ElectroKraft.com

List: $189.00

ElectroKraft

2 Devices In One Box

The Space Box can be used to process guitar, bass, keyboard, synthesizer or microphone, or used as a stand-alone photocell-controlled theremin synthesizer. A photocell is contained inside a lens on top of the unit that reacts to light and shadow. Waving your hand over the photocell will create changes in the frequencies and tones of the effected sound.

Inside the Space Box, there is a digital oscillator and a frequency multiplier. The nature of the frequency multiplier is such that it will also create fuzz and distorted effects quite different from traditional fuzz effects boxes. Combine that with strange metallic sounds and an array of spacey sci-fi tones and you have an effects unit/theremin-synthesizer from outer space.

The Space Box is features a combination of digital and analog circuitry, encased in all aluminum alloy construction. It has standard 1/4″ in/out jacks, and runs on 9 Volt battery or 9 Volt universal adapter power jack.

Behind the Space Box

Guitar builder, pickup maker and custom effects pedal builder Tony Amendolare has been developing new hybrid electronic instruments and effects that are influenced by the sounds created by artists in the areas of “chip music”, lo-fi, experimental electronica, noise and circuit bending.

“I am very intrigued and influenced by the underground art of ‘circuit bending’. Circuit Benders take old digital keyboards like the Casio SK-1 and the Speak & Spell and rewire them to create new sounds. I thought how cool it would be if you could process your instrument through one of those circuit bent devices. I decided to develop something that can be used as an effects unit and also as a stand alone light-theremin synthesizer, creating the experimental sounds as heard from circuit bent devices.”

Sometimes innovative ideas are just a combination of simple elements. Inspired by the underground art of “circuit bending”, experimental electronic music and “chip music” the Space Box encompasses a variety of exciting methods that open up new aural expression for experimental and progressive musicians who have an affinity for alien soundscapes.

Audio Samples:

• Spacebox1.MP3
• Spacebox2.MP3

The Space Box lists for $189.00, and is available at the ElectroKraft site.

ElektroKraft has introduced the Axe*Synth, a guitar synth that is part theremin, part science fiction and completely one-of-a-kind!

From Classical Guitars to Digital Guitars

Classical guitar builder, pickup maker and custom effects pedal builder Tony Amendolare has been immersed in the pursuit of creating electronic musical instruments that spark the imagination and create worlds of new sound.

“I was intrigued by other synthesizers that were constructed like guitars, such as those made by Casio in the 80’s. I wanted to make something that sounded very “fat” and full, and could be controlled like a guitar with a fretboard. I also wanted to create an instrument that exhibited the look and aesthetics of something “Sci-Fi”, like what you would see in one of those post apocalyptic science fiction films like “Blade Runner”. “

Electronic Expressiveness

Another important element was to incorporate “expressive control” elements like the theremin photocell which controls some of the frequency settings, and the very responsive touch sensitive fretboard which you can play like a guitar. These things make the Axe*Synth much more than a synthesizer most people are used to. It will feel like a very organic, expressive and intuitive instrument when played.

Inside the Axe*Synth

Inside there are two oscillators which can be played separately and/or simultaneously for 2 voice polyphony. The oscillators can also be combined via the internal ring modulator with the flick of a switch. There is a frequency filter that can be used to further shape and enhance tone.

A Theremin?

Yes. There is a photocell contained inside a lens on top of the body that will react to light and shadow. Waving your “picking hand” over it will create changes in frequencies while your fretting hand plays notes on the fretboard. Further frequency adjustments can be made “on the fly” by turning the frequency adjustment knob while playing notes with your other hand.

The photocell theremin effect can be turned off leaving you with just the notes being played on the fretboard. Conversely the fretboard can be turned off allowing only the photocell control and transforming the Axe*Synth into a “light theremin”.

There is no “tracking” or midi involved here. Everything that is produced comes directly from inside the Axe*Synth. Standard 1/4″ in/out jacks, 9 Volt universal adapter power jack and power indicator LED.

It’s a combination of digital and analog circuitry encased in all aluminum alloy construction.

Inspiration

Sometimes revolutionary ideas are just a combination of simple elements. Inspired by the underground art of “circuit bending” and experimental electronic music the Axe*Synth is being offered as a new way to create music for people who are seeking new worlds of sound and aural expression, professional musicians and non-musicians alike.

More information is available at the ElectroKraft site.

See it in action

BroadBand Video | LowBand Video

Availability

The Axe*Synth is available online via the ElectroKraft site, or at (516) 837-8375.