This guitar makes use of a string’s natural harmonics to play various pitches. We have four strings on our board, tuned to C, D, E, and F. We have solenoids underneath the board to perform striking and harmonic damping. 4 solenoids positioned along the ends of the strings with 3D-printed end caps are used to strike the strings. 8 other solenoids, topped with foam, are used to damp the strings at its octave and 5th harmonics. This allows us to play a full octave’s worth of pitches.

Making Music with Machines, A-2022

Students: Stephen Fanning, Helen Le, Matt Balquin