GadgetMadness: We find the coolest gadgets first

Years ago birq and I saw The Pulsars in a dive bar, and strangely enough that experience came to mind when I saw the Sonar*Axe by ElectroKraft.com. This "retro 50's Forbidden Planet cool" midi controller uses sonar to detect hand position and a touch sensor to activate midi notes. Click on to read the full press release, and pricing details. (Hey birq, if I get one of these can I be in your band?)

For Immediate Release
November 2005

The Sonar*Axe From ElectroKraft.com
A futuristic sci-fi, guitar-shaped midi controller that uses sonar. New experimental creations from ElectroKraft.com have produced the Sonar*Axe.

An alternative midi controller that uses sonar to detect hand position, and a touch sensor to trigger midi notes. Plug it into any midi compatible synthesizer, keyboard or drum machine to facilitate Theremin and/or percussive control.

Using Sonar and Touch Sensors
The Sonar*Axe is set up similarly to a guitar in that your "fretting" hand's position is very accurately and quickly tracked by the sonar sensor which registers the appropriate midi notes. Your "picking hand" taps on a touch sensor to trigger the transmission of each note. Analogous to the way a midi drum sends midi note messages out to the drum brain. You can think of it as a combination of a midi Theremin and a midi drum in its operation and functionality. The Sonar*Axe is very easy to use and does not require any programming, just plug in and play.

Controls
Standard controls include octave, sound bank, velocity, volume and tempo.

Customizing
Through custom programming other options can be added such as pitch bend, sustain, modulation wheel, etc.
The Sonar Axe can be set up to transmit percussion notes and synth notes over multiple midi channels simultaneously for polyphony as heard here: http://www.electrokraft.com/media/sonar1.mp3

Satisfaction Guaranteed
If after purchase you are not satisfied for any reason you may return the Sonar Axe
for a complete refund before 7 days.

Lifetime Warranty
If the Sonar Axe should ever fail it will be repaired or replaced at no cost to the
original owner.

Sound Samples & Details
http://www.ElectroKraft.com

Purchase Info: Available direct from ElectroKraft.com
$425.00 plus shipping.

Contact: ElectroKraft.com, ElectroKraft@Optonline.net