Electronics for M. Wolpert

Moritz Wolpert is a constructor of fantastic musical instruments and -machines.

The “Heckeshorn” is a slideguitar-similar instrument designed by Moritz Wolpert, which can be played automatically by control of the “Schaltzentrale”.

The strings of the Heckeshorn were striken by the drum-stick e-magnet beat mechanisms; these are triggered by the “rhythm composer” section.

A slide mechanism – like a bottleneck – on top of the strings, driven by a gear motor, makes it possible to change the tune of the instrument e.g. by pedal or sequencer .

Die Schaltzentrale

• 8 x 8 Step Sequencers with CV and Trigger Outputs; the Sequencers can be combined in series or parallel, e.g.: 8×8, 4×2, 1×64…by preset switch or manually with plug connectors
• Motor control for the Heckeshorn slide mechanism with CV inputs
• Ringmodulator VCO
• 2 VCAs for e.g. stereo effects
• Rhythm Composer

Article in ‘Tagesspiegel’ about M.W.: https://www.tagesspiegel.de/kultur/pop/musikapparate-sound-als-schicksal/1567268.html

EMSMs

The EMSMs (“Elektromechanische Schlagmechanismen”) are little solenoids with a holder for a drum stick which can be triggered by e.g. rhythm machine or audio signals. So they can hit a drum or strings of the Heckeshorn.

Seismodrum

A Drum ‘controller’ in a half-round arrangement around a drum, with 36 switchable sound voices (for resonating rods and drum pickups)