Yamaha unveil a brand new instrument called Tenori On

Friday, 24th August 2007 at 8:32 pm / Words: Beat Factor

The TENORI-ON is a unique 16 x 16 LED button matrix performance instrument with a stunning visual display. For DJs & producers it is a unique performance tool enabling them to perform using MIDI and load the TENORI-ON with samples to ‘jam / improvise’ within their set BPMs.

By operating and interacting with the LED buttons and the light they produce you gain access to the TENORI-ON's numerous performance capabilities. The TENORI-ON provides six different performance and sound/light modes for broad performance versatility, and these modes can be combined and used simultaneously for rich, complex musical expression.

Conceived by leading Japanese media artist Toshio Iwai in 2001 and following five years of intensive development. The Tenori-On has been road tested by cutting edge electronic music artists: Kraftwerk, Yellow Magic Orchestra, Matthew Herbert, Mouse On Mars, Cornelius, To Rococo Rot, Jim O’ Rourke, Rei Harakami, Taylor Deupree, Tortoise and Atom Heart. The Tenori-On is one of the most innovative and exciting new instruments to be released by Yamaha for many years.

The launch event will take place on September 4 and will see inventor Toshio Iwai talk and answer questions on the TENORI-ON plus live performances from a selection of artists lucky enough to be asked to road test this exciting new instrument.