Porto, Portugal – Javier Cardona, the mastermind behind Cardona Bits, has unveiled the Haxophone, a groundbreaking electronic saxophone that seamlessly merges the traditional elegance of a saxophone with modern digital innovation. This open hardware marvel boasts mechanical keys, custom ergonomics, and a Raspberry Pi HAT, all harmonizing to produce saxophone sounds that are nearly indistinguishable from those of their acoustic counterparts.
Designed for music enthusiasts and tinkerers alike, the Haxophone offers a unique opportunity to delve into the realm of electronic instrument modification. Its user-friendly features include customizable key layouts and the option to integrate LEDs, providing musicians with the flexibility to craft their very own personalized musical masterpiece.
The Haxophone’s mechanical keys draw inspiration from the familiar layout of keyboards, offering a hot-swappable design. Musicians can easily replace keys, helping them navigate their melodies effortlessly during rehearsals or live performances. What sets the Haxophone apart is its adaptability, as it enables sound modifications and the incorporation of beats or LEDs through the Rust programming language. Javier Cardona emphasizes that playing this electronic saxophone requires no coding skills, making it accessible to both beginners and non-programmers.
The Raspberry Pi Connection
To bring the Haxophone to life, Javier Cardona ingeniously integrates a Raspberry Pi HAT (Hardware Attached on Top) into the instrument’s framework. This integration ensures that the keyboard layout mirrors that of a traditional saxophone, providing a seamless transition for saxophonists. The instrument also features a neck compatible with regular saxophone mouthpieces and a pressure sensor for precise airflow detection.
Despite its minimalist appearance, the Haxophone is equipped with a built-in audio amplifier, guaranteeing a high-quality sound output. Musicians can connect it to headphones or external amplifiers using the convenient 3.5mm mini-jack. Should the need for repairs arise, Cardona offers a solution through 3D-printed replacement parts, including the thumb rest, which can be easily obtained from the instrument’s open-source repository.
As of the time of this report, the Haxophone, the hackable electronic saxophone with mechanical keys, is garnering attention through an online campaign. Javier Cardona reveals that this budget-friendly and portable musical marvel comes with a price tag of $200 USD. The eagerly awaited first batch is slated to hit the market in February 2024, promising an exciting addition to the world of musical innovation.
