In addition to a set of keys set up on what looks like a modified variant of the Janko Keyboard, the Thummer offers thumb-controlled joysticks and buttons which are placed on the back of the device. The instrument can be played by placing it on a stand or tabletop, or can also be used as a handheld keyboard.

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It’s designed to provide greater range of expression than other musical instruments by providing 7 degrees of freedom while playing. The thumb-operated joysticks let you adjust a variety of sonic attributes such as pitch, brightness and modulation. At the same time, each key on the keyboard is fully pressure sensitive, and can track the velocity and after-touch of each button pressed. From what I can tell, at least one of the prototype designs also includes motion sensor which can be programmed to influence your sounds too.

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Thumtronics, the creator of the Thummer haven’t started selling a production model yet, and are looking for investors to make their dream a reality.

[via The Red Ferret Journal]

The creators of the ReactOgon call it a “chain reactive performance arpeggiator”, which dynamically shifts its patterns and sequences based on coded discs placed on the flat-panel interface.

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Each hexagonal cell on the surface represents a fixed note on the harmonic table. The placement of the discs influences the whether or not a note is played, as well as its placement in the sequence. By stringing together a number of directional discs, an entire musical sequence can be created. Special discs can also initiate multiple sequences, for more complex patterns. A bank of touch-sensitive sliders are then used to change volume, timbre and rhythm of the notes.

There’s no word on if or when the developers of this technology plan on commercializing the concept.