Laser Harp – How To Play A Laser With Your Hands

Laser Harp – How To Play A Laser With Your Hands

Laser harp midi controller with ArgonTV

Laser Harp – How To Play A Laser With Your Hands

With Laurent, Franck And Feera From Laser Harp

 

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Do You Want To Play With A Laser Harp?

Watch the video above… Laser Harp will blow your mind…

 

 

Download the pdf (right click, save as) here <======

If you prefer to read, scroll down to get the overview of the video. 

 

Laser Harp – How To Play A Laser With Your Hands

 

 

Tim Bennett: The Laser Harp Still holds my fascination as it did when I first saw it in 1988 in London Docklands at a Jean Michel Jarre Concert on 8th & 9th October

 

 

It was pouring with rain and freezing cold, but I was still one of the thousands of screaming fans that went wild when Jarre, started playing the laser harp.

 

Remember in 1988, we had never seen anything like this before and we were simply amazed.

 

I still didn’t know that 1 year later, I would actually own my 1st laser ever and that in 1991 I would start my professional laser career.

 

Over 30 years later, the laser harp is still very much a part of my life.

 

In the interview above you will see me talking with 3 amazing people, namely: Laurent, Franck and Feera, from Laser Harp in France.

 

After watching the video, you may wonder how it all goes together, so watch the video below…

 

 

The laser harp was not invented by Jean Michel Jarre, however!

 

Bernard Szajner is actually credited with the first laser harp and he started developing it in 1981 and he and Jarre contacted Bernard to use it at the concerts.

 

Bernard and I often email each other about projects and you can see some of his more recent projects here at Youtube.

 

What Is The Laser Harp?

 

Laser harp

 

It is actually a musical instrument.

 

You will see in the video interview that it is played by placing your hands in the laser beams.

 

Light sensitive photocells react to the beam interruption and sends midi commands to the controlled to play the music.

 

Here are the main features of the laser harp

 


Fully stand alone system (no computer required) with quick MIDI response : Perfect for musicians and live events

 


No expensive laser control software and hardware interface required

 


Full color ILDA connector to use with standard laser projector.

 


Multiple sensors for open or close frame mode.

 


The latest sensor works with ambient light and sense the hand height allowing to modify the Pitch Bend, up to 3 Control Changes…

 


Easy Note programmed by MIDI controller or by listening a played MIDI file

 


Each beam (1 to 20 beams harp) can learn and play 5 notes simultaneously (chord) with aftertouch.

 


Visual effects like the “vibrating string” and the beam color change delay 400ms after the note is played.

 


Laser beams can be modulated or not modulated with color toggle for played note.

 


MIDI Input and Output for synthesizers or samplers (toggle the pattern-parts).

 


Free software remote control working on tablet to manage, update, backup, merge, and to share your data memory (for PC/Mac/Linux).

 


Bootloader to easily update the firmware by using the remote controller software.

 


Mini USB connector (Bluetooth wireless is in development) to update the firmware and to use the remote control software.

 


Velocity (range from 0 to 127) and Channel (range from 1 to 16) adjustable.

 


20 characters 4 lines backlighted LCD and 3 illuminated buttons.

 


Optional remote LCD to show useful information near the musician (future development).

 


The color of each beam can be chosen for note ON & OFF (switch dynamically the color).

 


Memory of 20 tracks – 20 beams – 5 notes by beam.

 


Memory of 10 playlists – 40 tracks – for automatic switch track (send bank to synthesizer), perfect for concert 🙂

 


Remote control with 4 illuminated positions foot switch for opening/closing frame, switching track/bank and switching octave +/- (x3).

 


MIDI thru, emits a copy of everything received at the input port.

 


MIDI SysEx MMC Play for the opening and MMC Stop for the closing of the beams frame allowing MIDI remote control.

 


MIDI program change for the opening (Cn 7E) and the closing (Cn 7F) of the beams frame.

 


Working in stand alone mode as a learning instrument. No computer or transpose function is required

 


“Playback” function to learn your song quickly and easily. You play the note on synth and the right beam is activated.

 


Designed with musicians for the musicians.

 

 

And much MORE coming…

 

Laser Harp And Laser Safety

 

Laser Harp And Laser Safety

 

One of the issues we did not discuss in the video (due to time constraints) was laser safety.

 

Laser is not a toy. 

 

It might look like fun to play with, however, a laser harp should NEVER be used by anyone who has not be trained as a laser operator or had laser safety training.

 

A laser can burn skin and can permanently damage the eye.

 

Never look directly into a laser beam or point the laser into an audience.

 

Also make sure that you protect your hands from direct contact with the laser beams.

 

Wear gloves, but make sure the heat will not make the gloves hot or melt them to your skin.

 

Also the gloves should not reflect the laser beam as secondary laser flashes are also considered hazardous.

 

The beams should be terminated with a non-flammable material. Do not allow beams from the harp to touch any non-terminated object.

 

If you want more laser safety advice or training speak to Roberta McHatton here at:

roberta (at) lasersafetyservices.com (Tell her Tim sent you!)

 

Roberta is a professional Laser Safety Office and will guide you.

 

Check out her interview with me about Laser Safety Guidelines.

 

The Laser Harp Gallery

 

 

 

 

Conclusion

The laser harp is amazing.

 

There are very few effects like it in the world. 

 

And I know I want one for my laser show collection.

 

Make sure that when you buy a laser harp, that you get it from a professional team. 

 

To get more information about the laser harp,  enter your name and email address below:

 

 

 

 

 

 

What To Do Next…..

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Disclaimer: All rights reserved. No part of this magazine or content may be reproduced or used without the written permission of the publisher: Argon Animation Inc. All information contained in this magazine is for information only, and is, as far as we are aware, correct at the time of going to press. The views, ideas, comments, and opinions expressed in this publication are solely of the writers, interviewees, press agencies, and manufacturers and do not represent the views of the editor or the publisher. Whilst every care is taken to ensure the accuracy and honesty in both editorial and advertising content at press time, the publisher will not be liable for any inaccuracies or losses incurred. Readers are advised to contact manufacturers and retailers directly with regard to the price of products/services referred to in this magazine. If you submit material to us, you automatically grant Argon Animation Inc a license to publish your submission in whole or in part in all editions of the magazine, including licensed editions worldwide and in any physical or digital format throughout the world and on this website. ©2020

No lasers or smoke machines were harmed in the making of this article.

This post “Laser Harp – How To Play A Laser With Your Hands” Was written exclusively for Argon Animation Inc by Tim Bennett © 2020

 

 

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One Response

  1. […] if you’re one of those people who likes playing with gadgets like laser harp or like laser tag or if you love love going to shows where you actually trigger off the laser or if […]

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