Most needlessly complicated? The Pencilina

[Tim Toberer]

I didn't want to hijack the Babatoni thread so I figured I'd start a new one. I don't know if this is pure genius or ridiculous insanity. Fine line I guess.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y8kHvaPjYU0

[Samuel Phillippe]

Guess you have to be insane to be a genius
It is different and guess what.....someone will like it


Sam

[David Matzenik]

It appears to be limited moody plunking. I don't think it is either insanity or genius. However, if it keeps the maker off the streets, it is a success.

[Guy Cundell]

He's busier than a one armed cab driver with lice.

[Mike Neer]

I thought it was great.

[Mike A Holland]

Quite ingenious and amazing. I was spellbound watching this. Whatever you think of this there is no denying that this guy is a very good musician. It also passes that important test for me for any performance.......... it is very musical!

[Paul Seager]

I agree with both Mike's, I was hooked by the music and fluency with which it was played. The ideas behind the instrument are very clever albeit very personal to the inventor.

A few years ago I saw a video of three guys playing weird electronic "stick-like" instrument that featured strings, keyboard, ribbon controllers - intriguing and even silly and never heard of again but I think its great that there are people with ideas for new instruments.

Personally I am a fan of the french eccentric, Nicolas Bras. His version of Popcorn was ... well check it out: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FDE0JuAlktc

[Tim Toberer]

This is the kind of thing that really gets me excited about music, I am leaning more towards genius than insanity. Most of my favorite musicians walked that delicate line! The "most needlessly complicated" title is meant to be silly, and I was juxtaposing this with the incredibly simple and effective Babatoni. I am definitely not a hater of this. I am a huge admirer of musicians who push the boundaries of what we perceive as "music" or "instruments". I can also like music that I wouldn't necessarily want to listen to. For example I love the late recordings of John Coltrane, even though I don't really want to listen to them that often. I am glad you folks appreciate this! I posted this over in the builders forum and no one even commented!!

[Jesse Pearson]

Come on Guys, we all know this is what happens when you can't get along with other musicians?...

[Gene Tani]

I think he would have done well at the instrument inventor's competition that GA tech puts on every year. I've spent a lot of time looking at people's ideas and there were a few that i really wanted to play and more I was completely baffled by:

https://guthman.gatech.edu/history

[Steven Pearce]

This guy has quite a selection of material, venues and other players.
This might not be your cup of tea, but pretty cool !

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c9xQLDr ... DrgL7Q&t=6

[Andy Volk]

I loved it! Very musical and fascinating. Listen without picture and you may have a different impression. Very ingenious. He had a vision and figured out a way to realize it. That's creativity.