Magnetic Cello almost makes it cool to play the cello (video)

Say hello to the Magnetic Cello, the ideal companion in your magnetic drum kit . Crafted by college student David Levi (AKA “Magnetovore”), the instrument vaguely represents a normal cello in structure, however the similarities customarily end right there. To play it, for instance, musicians use not a horsehair bow, but a magnetic rod that produces a voltage within an attached coil (the “bridge,” consequently). Its “strings,” meanwhile, encompass resistive ribbons connected to a voltage-controlled oscillator, allowing users to govern volume with the magnet-bow. The outcome sounds surprisingly cello-like, though Levi says he’s still tinkering with its tone and playability. Waltz past the break to determine the beast in action for yourself, or find more details in Levi’s provisional patent application on the link below.