This guy probably has the best guitar machine I've ever seen. He's also made accordion machines:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eNLXYuqPRSc

Thanks for that link. This is the approach I've been interested in for a long time, it has the ability to play things that a human never could (the size of and number of fingers on the human hand limit the chords you can achieve). But it's pretty decisively the machine playing there. The human participation element in the MIT version is a very interesting addition.

I think a combination of their software and body-side mechanics with the Russian fretboard apparatus could do some really interesting things sonically. But it would still be less fun to play than the MIT guitar in its current form.

So functionally it's roughly equivalent to a Gizmotron https://www.gizmotron.com/ with extra solenoids to push the wheels up and down. Actually the Gizmo is better in several respects: it doesn't block the fretboard (though it can be an obstacle for the picking/plucking hand), doesn't prevent string bending and by now seems to have a less staccato and less harsh-sounding string activation.

It has a drive shaft, worm gears, and a single motor. Seems like an odd design. I wonder if I can build similar device using a 6mm DC motor for each string and some gears to crank up the torque?

Looks to me like the Gizmotron is only for bowing while this can do both bowing and plucking.

AI augmentation, human-machine symbiosis, etc, are definitely interesting.

What's up with vimeo though? Almost 2020 and it still doesn't work properly. I don't think I've ever played a video without constant stutters, buffering, etc.

Letting it play all the way through in order to buffer the whole thing, so that you can play it again, this time 'preloaded', results in it starting the download over - arrghh!

I'm always pleased to see vimeo due to higher quality video, and lack of buffering, unlike youtube, which does buffer for me from time to time. So we definitely have very different experiences.

I guess it could be a regional thing. I never had problems with vimeo the last few years (albeit not using it very often)

do you have `media.mediasource.enabled` set correctly? Normally you cant let the video load all the way through unless it is in progressive mode

But does it Kill Fascists ?

Yes, with deep learning model of Woodie Guthrie style and intention.

This could spice up the next Tame Impala[1] or St. Vincent[2] tours.

Mentioning them because both Kevin Parker and Annie Clark tend to be interesting in their guitar engineering, while creating popular, accessible and increasingly synth-driven pop/rock.

1 - https://youtu.be/E2mNdT43M8o?t=366

2 - https://youtu.be/3I89orRWN7I?t=153

reminds me of the Wintergatan Marble Machine

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IvUU8joBb1Q

I'm fond of this Lego acid house machine: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fat8ptpiufA

Pat Metheny's Orchestrion project may also be of interest here.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KsYEOUKS4Yk

Why not. This will make some interesting music.

djent players love this one weird trick

No need for tricks when all you need is a broken trampoline and a mic to record djent.

I have effects pedals that do the same kinds of things. Its more or less an mechanical synthesizer.

Can anyone identify the wireless communication chip they are using?

I think Leo would get a kick out of this, also Les.