The MODULIN — A Synthesizer Played Like a Violin

If you combine the general way that a violin is played with a syntheziser, you get, well, a “MODULIN,” or at least that’s what Martin of the Swedish Music group Wintergatan came up with!

The device’s neck, if you want to call it that, contains a ribbon controller, which can produce an on/off, position, and pressure signal. This combined with knobs on the side for volume and pitch bend that can be accessed by a musician’s left hand allow it to create some very interesting sounds.

If you’d like to know more of the technical details behind this beautifully junk-like instrument, check out the first video seen here. There are several interesting musical interludes there, but if you just want to hear it, the second video is a great cover of the Dr. Wily’s Castle theme from Mega Man 2.

Be sure to also take a look at Wintergatan’s website for more info on the band, including another creation, their Musical Marble Machine!