The Sparksichord: practical implementation of a Lorentz Force electromagnetic actuation and feedback system
File(s)
Published version
Author(s)
Type
Conference Paper
Abstract
In line with a sustained community interest in electromagnetic actuation of musical instruments, we describe practical considerations for Lorentz Force actuation in conductive strings, exemplified by the Sparksichord – an augmented harpsichord that uses Lorentz Force actuation, optical feedback, and analog circuitry to sustain vibrations of its brass strings. Electromagnetically-actuated and feedback instruments have grown increasingly popular in NIME, though most systems rely on the use of solenoid-style electromagnetic coils. By running current through the string itself, Lorentz Force actuation offers an alternate arrangement of magnets and wire that can afford new modes of interaction, a broader frequency response, and cheaper implementation. We aim to empower practitioners with a toolbox for designing and building actuated instruments of this style and describe our specific implementation for this instrument.
Date Issued
2025-06-19
Date Acceptance
2025-04-03
Citation
Proceedings of the 2025 Conference on New Interfaces for Musical Expression, 2025, pp.268-279
ISSN
2220-4806
Publisher
Zenodo
Start Page
268
End Page
279
Journal / Book Title
Proceedings of the 2025 Conference on New Interfaces for Musical Expression
Copyright Statement
© 2025 Copyright held by the owner/author(s). This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
License URL
Source
New Interfaces for Musical Expression (NIME 2025)
Publication Status
Published
Start Date
2025-06-24
Finish Date
2025-06-27
Coverage Spatial
Canberra, Australia
Date Publish Online
2025-06-23