Technabob » accordion

Accordion File Takes Itself a Bit Too Literally

Technabob — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 14:30:38 +0000

Thanks to modern technology, I’m hopeful that many of you guys don’t have to deal with organizing file folders and paper. But that said, it seems that there’s still plenty of paper to go around workplaces these days. One organizational device commonly found in offices is something called an “accordion file,” which is called that because its an expandable file for papers, not because it’s a musical instrument. Or is it?

The guys over at GamoGo are being both too literal and too clever for their own good with this amusing accordion file that actually looks like an accordion. While it doesn’t actually play music when you squeeze it, I think it would be a great addition to your office if you happen to work in the music industry – especially if you’re an agent for a polka band. Or if you’re Weird Al Yankovic.

So squeeze on over to GamaGo, where you can grab the Accordion File for $10 (USD). Accordion lessons not included.

Ketron Sd8 Synthesizer has More Keys Than You’Ll Ever Need

Technabob — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 23:54:00 +0000

This wouldn’t be the first time I’ve written about a many-keyed synthesizer on technabob, but it is the first time I’ve featured one today. So there.

The Ketron SD8 differentiates itself from the keyboard pack by offering a keyboard that isn’t based on the traditional 88-keyed piano, but instead on the chromatic scale that you might find on an accordion.

There’s 120 keys on the left side, and 52 keys on the right for a total of 172 keys. The synthesizer has a built in multi-track sequencer with editing capabilities, and four individual audio outputs too. There’s also an on-board drum machine, with a variety of catchy acoustic and Latin loops. Also along for the ride is a complete multi-effect DSP which lets you crank out all sorts of effects on top of your chromatic stylings.

This polyphonic synth is designed to produce a variety of musical styles, but definitely is best suited to Latin and maybe the occasional Polka. Here’s a couple of fun video clips of the SD8 in action:

Click to View Embedded Video Clip

Damn. Now I want to dance the Pasodoble. Too bad I have a complete lack of rhythm or coordination.

I haven’t been able to find any U.S. retailers who currently stock the SD8, but a quick Google search of “Ketron SD8” turns up plenty of suppliers in Europe who are ready for you to plunk down about €3500 (appx. $5000 USD) for yours. Expect to pay a couple hundred extra bucks for one with a built-in hard drive.

Weird Al needs one of these.

Is This Weird Al’s Computer?

Technabob — Wed, 31 Oct 2007 02:40:05 +0000

Ready to get your polka on? This unassuming accordion happens to house a complete PC under hidden inside its bellows.

The Enrico accordion case mod project took an old squeezebox, gutted it out and loaded it with a Linux server, designed to store the builders’ digital music collection. Thanks to a Micro-ITX motherboard, they were able to cram the entire system inside the instrument without too much complaint.

While I’m hoping they have stored more than Oom-pah music on the RAID drive array, I wouldn’t count on it.

[Wired Gadget Lab via Gizmowatch]