Jan 14 2008Simple Music Sequencer Uses Ball Bearings

We've seen music sequencers in the past, but nothing that rivals the BeatBearing for simplicity and number of balls. The unit was designed by Peter Bennett during his studies of new techniques people can use to interact with musical instruments.
Sequences are composed by placing the metal orbs in a grid of receptor cups which represent the different rhythm tracks (kick, snare, hi-hat and cowbell) along the vertical axis, and beats along the horizontal.
So it works like any other sequencer, but with balls. And let's face the facts people: balls make everything awesome. I have balls and I'm awesome. Pinball machines, ballpits, and ballgames are all awesome. The balls on that chick from last ni -- oh god no.
A worthwhile video of the thing in action after the cowbell.
music sequencer has balls of steel [technabob]
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Phun Physics Combines Fun And Physics (03/03/2008)

Reader Comments
1. Trayo - January 14, 2008 5:40 PM
Cowbell?
2. blpressure - January 14, 2008 5:41 PM
They are pretty awesome, I like to shave mine just so I can up them anytime I want and feel the silky smooth texture of my bald nuts. It's better than squeesing a stress ball!
3. cistar - January 14, 2008 5:45 PM
I bet that video is really cool...
4. cistar - January 14, 2008 5:57 PM
Yay double post! Here is a video...
http://youtube.com/watch?v=wreP8FMupyM
Pretty freaking cool. I know I could play with those balls for hours....err...
5. guate6 - January 14, 2008 6:23 PM
"I gotta have more cowbell" lol
Oh and where's that video you promised?
6. guate6 - January 14, 2008 6:57 PM
Neat video. I wouldn't mind having one.
7. Violet - January 14, 2008 7:19 PM
And skeeball. Don't forget the awesomeness that is skeeball.
8. captain j - January 14, 2008 9:14 PM
DAMNNNNNN that thing is nice! where can i get one of those?
9. dick valentine - January 14, 2008 10:50 PM
baaaaaallssssssssssss
10. Jerermy - January 15, 2008 7:02 PM
The cowbell missed at 0:50. :(
Still cool though.
11. Jeremy - January 15, 2008 7:04 PM
Apparently some other genius noticed this on the youtube link. I'm sorry.
12. moobs - January 15, 2008 7:21 PM
uhh, as an owner of 7 devices which feature sequencers, this trendy crap sucks.
its not the "interaction" its the creativity that counts. either you have it, or you don't.
13. bily - January 17, 2008 6:46 AM
I am Sue. A hot white girl with perfect sexy stature.
I’m seeking for a good man who doesn't mind that I have a penis.
14. Ok - January 17, 2008 5:17 PM
hmm as an owner of 20 devices which feature sequencers i can say that talent counts, but its ok to have fun and not be a douche.
15. Fede Req. - January 20, 2008 6:27 AM
Check this out!
The Bubblegum Sequencer (Making Music With Candy)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ziIdjrR_MRs
Ciao!
16. Jonathan Bossenger - January 23, 2008 2:23 AM
Hello #13.
I am a man with a black body and a head. I hope that we can greet.
Please get back to me. I dont mind that you have a stature.
Regards,
jb
17. reaaaly? - January 31, 2008 4:18 PM
really? have you seen the tenori-on it came out earlier and it's way fucking cooler for being the exact same thing.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_SGwDhKTrwU
18. groonk - February 2, 2008 7:41 PM
i've got nothing snarky to say about this. it is just freaking neat.