C64x2=Commodordion

Commodore 64. © iStock.

The Commodore 64 (RIP 1982-1994) will long be remembered for its graphic and sound capabilities, thanks to its MOS 6581 chip, and as a platform for some of the best games from the 8-bit era. Engineer Linus Åkesson leveraged its audio properties to build a ground-breaking (or ear-splitting) accordion, built out of two C64 computers flanking bellows made of floppy disks and gaffer’s tape. The right hand plays the melody and the left hand plays the chords, while varying the pressure on the bellows controls the volume. Because it’s not ergonomically designed, playing it is exhausting. Despite this wonder of engineering, Linus feels that the Commodordion’s awkward bulk deters from its viability as a serious musical instrument.

⇨ YouTube, “The Commodordion.”

⇨ Linus Åkesson, “The Commodordion.”

2022-10-21