OHARU, Aichi A member of an experimental music duo that performs using instruments made from household objects is selling a percussive instrument based on empty plastic bottles.
The instrument, called the AirCoke, was invented by 34 year-old Sou, one half of the duo Kajii and partner Kumama. The couple has been using instruments they make from household items for about 12 years. They have created about 150 types of instruments, based on counting the ones used live. This is the first that has been made available for purchase.
The AirCoke is made of nine, 1.5 liter fizzy beverage bottles attached to a 56 centimeter-long, 1.9 centimeter-thick board of Japanese cedar. The tubeless valves used in car tires can be fitted to the lids of the bottles, and their pitch can be adjusted using a bicycle pump to change internal air pressure. It can be tuned for a wide range of musical traditions, including Arabian, Indian or Chinese music, with a possible range of 2.5 octaves.
Sou said that he wanted more people to have fun with experimental instruments and that he decided to sell AirCoke. He researched different types of boards and ways to attach the bottles. With feedback from an acquaintance who played it, Sou developed the AirCoke to be an instrument anyone can use easily. He said that he was very particular about the design details, so people will enjoy its clear sounds.
I want people to enjoy sounds they can't hear from other instruments. Even if they have never played an instrument or can't read music, they can play the AirCoke by feel, according to Sou. He plans to release more instruments in the future.
The AirCoke set includes an air pump, stand, so it can be played anywhere, and other essential tools, shipped in a suitcase in Japan for a tax-inclusive 165,000 yen roughly $1,220 built to order. It can be purchased via the inventor's e-commerce site, at https: sodamusic.stores. Jp items 63 e 2 e 13 cd 77 a 6 f 12 a 4 c 25 in Japanese To ensure optimal performance, the instrument and parts are not sold separately. It can be rented for 20,000 yen about $147 per month, shipping extra.
There is a plan to sell AirCoke outside of Japan, and a preliminary page with English information is available at https: kajii.me soda english.