Felix_dup1 Posted October 30, 2001 Share Posted October 30, 2001 I posted something about this a while back in Keyboard Corner, but haven't gotten an answer yet. There is an MTV2 promo spot that runs occasionally, where a guy is playing a vaguely spanish sounding piece on a keyboard instrument. There are numerous light bulbs of differing shapes and colors which light in conjunction with the keys. Then he spins a bicycle wheel (no, I'm not kidding) which produces an LFO-like modulation. The instrument sounds really cool, and looks cooler. I tried emailing MTV to find out who the artist is, but no reply (I'm not surprised). Does anyone know anything about the artist or keyboard? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stephen Fortner Posted October 31, 2001 Share Posted October 31, 2001 My guess is the thing is not a real keyboard at all, but a prop. And the "artist" is really an actor. It would make sense for MTV2 not to identify themselves with any one actual artist by putting that person in a promo spot. Stephen Fortner Principal, Fortner Media Former Editor in Chief, Keyboard Magazine Digital Piano Consultant, Piano Buyer Magazine Industry affiliations: Antares, Arturia, Giles Communications, MS Media, Polyverse Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
20to20 Posted October 31, 2001 Share Posted October 31, 2001 Felix, I've got the scoop... His name is Ken Butler... He's the same guy that plays that two-string fretless shovel thang on another promo spot... Not a prop...not an actor... He builds 'em and plays 'em... I couldn't find a website for him, but there's alot to be found here... http://www.experimentalmusicalinstruments.com Do a search for Ken Butler... EMI's Bart Hopkin also has a great book/CD out... "Gravikords, Whirlies & Pyrophones" It features many artists/instruments including Ken Butler's keyboard that you asked about... "...the KBoard, in which [guitar] picks mounted around the circumference of a rotating bicycle wheel continually pluck a single string. The string runs under a keyboard, and when the keys are pressed, tangents on the undersides of the keys press against the string to vary its vibrating length and thus its pitch..." Ken also has a CD called... "Voices of Anxious Objects" Available at various online dealers... It's all good... ;) Bob Phillips 20to20soundesign Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Felix_dup1 Posted October 31, 2001 Author Share Posted October 31, 2001 So cool, So cool! Thanks! I knew it wasn't a prop or an actor - anyone who has seen it would agree. Which gives me another chance to say that MTV2 is pretty damn cool - if you haven't seen it, don't hate it based on what the original MTV has become - it's all music, all the time, and a much wider and cooler selection than MTV. Both of these promo spots are way cool, along with nearly all of the other MTV2 promo spots, including the "interviews" with people talking about music, the performances by naked musicians, etc. But Ken Butler's keyboard is the coolest of all! Thanks again! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ABECK Posted October 31, 2001 Share Posted October 31, 2001 [quote]Originally posted by felix: [QB]So cool, So cool! Thanks! MTV2 is pretty damn cool - if you haven't seen it, don't hate it based on what the original MTV has become - it's all music, all the time, and a much wider and cooler selection than MTV. QB][/quote] Ditto for MTVX and VH1 Classic Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
XNU8D Posted November 1, 2001 Share Posted November 1, 2001 http://www.mindspring.com/~kbhybrid/ Who keeps moving my chair? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Felix_dup1 Posted November 1, 2001 Author Share Posted November 1, 2001 Cool again! Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stephen Fortner Posted November 2, 2001 Share Posted November 2, 2001 Wow... very cool stuff. I'm happy to stand corrected. :) Stephen Fortner Principal, Fortner Media Former Editor in Chief, Keyboard Magazine Digital Piano Consultant, Piano Buyer Magazine Industry affiliations: Antares, Arturia, Giles Communications, MS Media, Polyverse Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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