Game Of Thrones Theme On 8-Bit NES Keytar! Plus – Friggin’ MIDI-Controlled Lasers!

This video, via Greig (Theremin Hero), captures an 8-bit NES Keytar performance of the Game Of Thrones theme – with MIDI-controlled lasers.

Greig’s NESKeytar is a cross between an original Nintendo console, a Guitar Hero controller and a miniature toy keyboard. The hybrid instrument fully utilities the NES sound chip to produce lo-fi arpeggios, heard in this tribute to the theme of Game of Thrones.

Technical Details:

The sound comes from the original RP2A03 chip in the NES, giving it that classic 8-bit sound. All of the available sound channels are used.

The software runs on a raspberry pi and is written in Pure Data (pd). There are various modes including a MIDI controller mode, as well as a standalone mode, which allows the whole instrument to be used with a battery pack.

Most of the buttons are functional and can be remapped to different functions, as can the whammy bar. It also has an onboard arpeggio and drum sequencer.

Components:

  • NES
  • Guitar Hero Controller
  • Famicom Controller
  • NES controller
  • Toy Keyboard
  • 3 Mini Arduinos
  • Raspberry Pi
  • MaxM LEDs
  • Midi IN/OUT connections
  • MidiNES / Chip Maestro

11 thoughts on “Game Of Thrones Theme On 8-Bit NES Keytar! Plus – Friggin’ MIDI-Controlled Lasers!

  1. That is, and I mean this with all sincerity, sublime. All we need now is a Song of Ice and Fire graphic novel by Bryan Lee O’Malley.

    1. “I’m not trying to bash or anything…”

      Failed on that!

      But thanks for sharing the link to your not DIY, not live performance, creative and original music video!

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