Sonic Artefacts has introduced the Sonic Chessboard, a unique DIY musical instrument that merges the worlds of chess and sound.

Inspired by Lowell Cross’ design for John Cage’s Reunion (1968), the Sonic Chessboard offers a unique way to create spatial sound experiences.

Using the Sonic Chessboard doesn’t really require any knowledge of chess. Instead, it’s really about creating a unique interface for performance and experimentation with sound.

Here’s an overview by creator Wouter Jaspers:

The Sonic Chessboard is a passive Optical Octophonic Audio Panner that routes 16 audio signals via 64 light-dependent resistors, embedded in the squares to 8 separate audio outputs, changing the volume when a chess piece gets moved from one square to another.

By strategically placing chess pieces on the board, users can control the volume and flow of sound, creating dynamic and immersive soundscapes.

This limited edition DIY Kit includes all the necessary components to build your own Sonic Chessboard:

• A full-size CNC-machined chessboard made out of cork;
• A professionally manufactured PCB;
• All electronic components;
• Mounting hardware;
• 3D and CNC files for customization;
• A detailed manual and build instructions.

Here’s what they shared about the Sonic Chessboard:

The Sonic Chessboard invites you to embark on a sonic adventure, combining strategic thinking with creative sound design. Whether you’re a seasoned musician or a curious beginner, this unique instrument offers endless possibilities for exploration and experimentation.

In the annals of avant-garde music, John Cage’s “Reunion” stands as a unique and fascinating experiment, blending elements of chance, game theory, and electronic music. Premiered in 1968 at the Ryerson Theatre in Toronto, “Reunion” was a collaborative effort between Cage and the legendary artist Marcel Duchamp, who was also a passionate chess player.
The concept of “Reunion” was simple yet revolutionary: a game of chess would determine the structure and sound of a musical composition. These compositions, created by David Behrman, Gordon Mumma, David Tudor & of course Lowell Cross, were then distributed to eight speakers surrounding the audience. The result was a dynamic and ever-evolving soundscape, shaped entirely by the random and unpredictable nature of the chess game.

The choice of chess as a structuring device was not arbitrary. Both Cage and Duchamp were fascinated by the game’s strategic depth and its potential for generating infinite possibilities. Chess, with its rules and constraints, offered a framework for creating a musical composition without resorting to traditional notions of authorship or control. By relinquishing control to the game, Cage embraced chance as a creative force, echoing his experiments with indeterminacy in works like “4’33” and the “Imaginary Landscapes.”

Pricing and Availability:

The Sonic Chessboard is available now in a limited edition of 30 pieces for 360,53 € (excl EU 19% VAT) / 429,00 € (incl. EU VAT).