Richard Upchurch has introduced another addition to his BrandNewNoise collection of music-making boxes.
The latest box, Krankie, is a recording device with loop switch, pitch control knob,1/8″ output and a DIY music box. The “old school” hand-crank music box allows the user to write/punch their own paper “piano rolls” then adds recording, looping, and pitch shift capabilities.
How ‘Krankie’ Works:
- Punch your piano roll with punch included.
- Insert your roll into the music box.
- Hold the red record button and talk into the microphone on the top.
- Toggle the switch to the right, you can playback your recording one time.
- Switch to the left for continuous play.
- Press the Black playback/ stop button to hear your recording.
- “Go bananas” turning the pitch shift knob for “sounds you thought only an aliens could make.”
Don’t turn the knob past the resistance points. Beware of jealous musician friends in the area.
Product Specifications
- Dimensions: 3” x 3.5” x 2”
- 2-AAA batteries included
- Includes looping switch, pitch control knob, ?” output jack for headphones/ speakers/ recording gear
- 30-second record sample
- Handmade with sustainable wood
Pricing and Availability
Krankie retails for $120 US and is available now via the BrandNewNoise webstore.
I’d love to see the actual cost of materials, which I’m thinking is <$10 and then just buying the music box and bolting it on. Seems like a huge markup for essentially a cheap IC and components in plywood?
I’d like to see the cost of materials for the music you make, which I’m thinking is $0, so that’s what it’s worth.
That’s what you’re saying – people’s time, craft and creativity doesn’t have any value.
Kten, I support you in your desire to reverse engineer and publish a free open source DIY clone of his design. Please let us know when you are done and it is available. I will be the first in line to purchase your $10 self-assembly version which includes all the parts and instructions postage paid. The mechanism you’ll need is the Kikkerland Make Your Own Music Box Kit. Good luck and thanks for offering to do this.
They already offer a DIY kit:
https://brandnewnoise.myshopify.com/collections/full-collection/products/diy-looper-kit
It’s half the price. You could buy your own music box kit as well if you really wanted to save $. A similar music box kit is about $30 on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B019Z6AJP0/
If we could see and hear it in action some people might even consider buying it.
Obligatory ‘Fan-dabby-dozy’ comment.
April 4 was long ago.