The Renzonica, a musical instrument anyone can play.

Empire State Maker Faire 2020

October 16th-17th

The Renzonica, a new type of instrument anyone can play is finally ready after five long years. In its final form it is a 19 note semi automatic instrument based on standard Hohner harmonica reed plates. Its sound is most like a Melodica and its heritage is similar to the old automatic Pianolas popular in wild west movies. Music song "Rolls" are created on a mobile app using a standard Harmonica tab format, this is then sent via Bluetooth to the device where it mechanically sets up the correct notes to be played by opening and closing air outlet valves at the request of the musician. The musician then blows or draws into the instrument to create the note, then releases a button to automatically select the next correct note. Unlike a pianola, the Renzonica does not seek to remove the musician from the performance, it instead simply removes the burden of having to remember the notes to play.