Godfried-Willem Raes
Catalogue of instruments and automats (Chronological)
Werkverzeichnis instrumentenbau
Lijst instrumenten, klankskulpturen en automaten (Kronologisch)
Catalogue chronologique des sculptures sonores, automates et instruments de musique

special link to the programmable automats and robots only
special link to the composers manual to the M&M robot orchestra
| year | name | description | remarks & links | ||
| 1968 | Theremin | vacuum tube instrument | |||
| 1968 | Automatische Dirigent | automatic polymetric conducting device (first robot) | used and made for 'Logos 3:5', a composition by the author. |
demolished. (can functionally be replaced with polymetronome, 1994) |
|
| 1969 | Monochords
(electrified instruments) |
instrument | stringed instrument | ||
| 1969 | Ringmodulators | analog electronic instruments | electronic modulator | ![]() |
|
| 1970 | Klavimonochord | electrified instrument | stringed instrument with keyboard | ||
| 1971 | Dodekadent | analog electronic instrument - voltage controlled | [English notes] [Dutch notes] | 12 voices, quad-out. | |
| 1971-72 | Bellenorgel | automated signal bell and car horn automat | ![]() |
||
| 1972 | VCS2000 | sound box instrument | hybrid: electronic and electromechanical | ![]() |
|
| 1972 | Ritmisator | analog electronic instrument | electronic modulator | 12 voices, quad-out. | demolished. |
| 1972 | Dudafoon | electroacoustic instrument / sculpture | [English notes] [Dutch notes] | ![]() |
|
| 1973 | Log Drums | instrument, teponatzli | percussion: wood | ![]() |
|
| 1973 | Singing Saw | bowed instrument | spring steel and wood | ![]() |
|
| 1974 | Fork Resonators | instrument | percussion: aluminium, steel, brass | ||
| 1974 | Optorgofoon | analog electronic sculpture | electronic proximity controlled instrument | 24 voices | |
| 1975 | Fingerboards (series of many similar instruments) | electromechanical instruments | electromechanical instruments | ![]() |
|
| 1975 | Springbanjo | electromechanical instrument | skin, wood, spring | ||
| 1976 | Synthelog (series) | portable synthesizers | [English notes] [Dutch notes] | ![]() |
|
| 1977 | Manipulofoon | handoperated tape playback device | two tape playback heads, mounted on a stand | used in 'TimeFrames' | ![]() |
| 1978 | Fingerbox | soundbox instrument | [English notes] [Dutch notes] | used in 'Arbeidslust' | ![]() |
| 1978 | Canons | remote controlled canons for dummy explosives | (commisioned by the National Philharmonic Orchestra) | probably lost or destroyed | |
| 1980 | Singing Bicycles | turning bicycles into instruments | [English text] [Dutch text] [French notes] | one set available at Logos, one set owned by Charlie Morrow (New York), one set made in Cork, Ireland (2008). | |
| 1982 | Hex | digital installation,
electroacoustic computer controlled orchestra |
computer controlled miniature acoustic instruments | ||
| 1982 | Digital Loudspeaker | audio art project | Talking Flames | ![]() |
|
| 1983 | Holosound | sonar installation | [Dutch text] [English text] [French text] | one copy owned by 'Klanspeeltuin', Muziekgebouw Amsterdam, one copy owned by MIM, Brussels. | |
| 1983/84 | Cassette Manipulofoon | manual cassette tape scratch machine | ![]() |
||
| 1987 | Toetkuip |
outdoors event & instrument |
(revised 2005) |
180kg | ![]() |
| 1987 | Klankboot | outdoors event & instrument | [Dutch Text] | 240kg | |
| 1986/96 | Pneumafoon | orchestra/ sculpture |
Complete pneumaphone catalogue on the web: click link above |
ca. 2000kg | ![]() |
|
1991 (V1) 2002 (V2) 2007 (V3) |
Autosax |
automatic robotic instrument, programmable midi implemented |
programmable automatic instrument | ![]() |
|
| 1992 | Muscle-interface | computer-controller | human interface | ||
| 1993 | BOM-invisible instrument | invisable instrument (digital interface) using ultrasound | [English text] | one copy owned by the Brussels MIM | |
| 1993 | Brainwave-interface | computer-controller | human interface | ||
| 1993 | Virtual Jews Harp | radar controlled instrument | Virtual Jews Harp | ||
| 1994 | Polymetronome | computerized conductor | performance tool | ||
| 1995 (V1) | Player Piano | digital automatic instrument, in collaboration with Trimpin |
[Dutch only: naar betreffend hoofdstuk in kursus Experimentele Muziek] |
![]() |
|
| 1995 | Sonar Ranger | computerinterface | human interface | ||
| 1995 | Egg | 3-axis accelleration controller | [Het ei van Godfried] | ||
| 1996 | Optoson | optical sound camera | |||
| 1997 | Theremins | historical distance controlled instrument | new design | ||
|
1997 (V1) 2005 (V2) |
<Vox Humanola> |
programmable automated instrument with single reed-pipes. Pneumatic 5 octaves |
Equal temperament A=440Hz |
to the right: Vox Humanola 250kg |
![]() |
|
1998 (V1) 2007 (V2) |
<Piperola> |
programmable automated instrument with flue pipes. Pneumatic 4 octaves |
Equal temperament A=440Hz |
to the right: Piperola 140kg |
![]() |
| 1999 | Circuit for 'Elektries Strijkkwartet' van Dick Raaijmakers | analog circuit: matrix mixer | interactive instrumental interface | commissioned by 'Champ d'Action' | ![]() |
| 1999/2007 | Programmable Barrelorgan |
under construction |
programmable modular automatic instrument Equal temperament. A= 440Hz |
|
|
| 2000/2001/ 2005 | Programmable Barrelorgan |
finished june 1th 2001. This automat can be taken outdoors, if the weather is dry. (It runs from its own batteries) |
programmable automated harmonium (reed organ) Equal temperament A=435Hz |
65kg | ![]() |
| 2000 | Zwiep | accelleration controller to be mounted on a flute. Based on an accelleration sensing device. | for Karin Defleyt | ||
|
2000 (V1) 2006 (V2) |
Klung |
This automat can be taken outdoors, if the weather is dry. Revised august-september 2006. |
programmable automated brass angklung Equal temperament. A=440Hz |
ca.250 kg. | ![]() |
|
2000 (V1) 2006 (V2) |
ThunderWood |
finished in july 2000 Some extra features added in 2002. Revised in september 2006. |
programmable woodblock assembly with thundersheet, windmachine, rattle, lightning, rainmachine, bird and cricket. | ca. 110 kg | ![]() |
|
2000 (V1) 2006 (V2) |
Springers |
finished in september 2000 Revised september 2006 |
programmable large spring installation (4 to 6 large tetrahedral structures, 2 small), also incorporating motor driven siren, police flashlight and shakers. | ca. 200kg | ![]() |
|
2000 (V1) 2004 (V2) |
Troms | finished in august 2000. Revized, april 2004. | programmable assembly of 7 drums , from large to small. Small cymbal added 2004. | ca. 95kg | ![]() |
|
2000/2001 (V1) 2007 (V2) |
Rotomoton | finished may 2001. Revized 2007. | programmable assembly of 5 rototoms, from large to small | ca.250kg | ![]() |
| 2000/2002 | Bourdonola |
constructed in collaboration with Marc Maes Finished august 2002. Revised 2004. |
low register programmable barrelorgan. The register consists of open wooden flue pipes. Equal temperament. A=440Hz Notes 36-62 |
ca. 250kg | ![]() |
| 2001 | Vibi |
finished 16.10.2001 minor modifications:20.01.2004 |
programmable automated vibraphone. Equal temperament A=442Hz |
ca.95kg | ![]() |
| 2002 |
|
finished 20.04.2002 revised: 08.2006 |
programmable automated brass carillon with 34 bells. | ca.150kg | ![]() |
| 2002/2003 | Flex |
finished 15.01.2003. Under revision, 2007 |
programmable singing saws | ca.170 kg | ![]() |
| 2002 | Dripper |
finished 21.10.2002, premiered at the Krakow Audio Art Festival November 2nd, 2002. Revised 03.2005. |
programmable dripping machine (12 drips) Expanded to 24 drips in 2005 |
11 kg | ![]() |
| 2003 | Tubi | finished 07.05.2003. Premiered at the M&M concert in Ghent, Logos Tetrahedron on may 8th 2003. |
quartertone automated tubophone Equal 24 tone temperament. A=442Hz |
ca. 85kg | ![]() |
| 2003 / 2007 |
|
Finished august 2003. Revised august 2007. |
automated sousaphone, with extended microtonal possibilities. | ca. 80 kg | ![]() |
| 2003/ 2004 | <Puff> | Finished, april 2004 |
automated quartertone puff-organ. 24-tone equal temperament A-440Hz |
ca.250kg | ![]() |
| 1999/2005 | Trump |
(1999-2004) Finished july 2004. Pipe renovation: 09.2005 |
programmable barrelorgan module (trumpet register) Equal temperament. A=440Hz |
160kg | ![]() |
| 2004/2007 | <Hurdy> |
Finished august 2004. Revized 2007. |
two stringed automated bass hurdy gurdy A=440Hz |
120kg | ![]() |
|
2004 (V1) 2005 (V2) |
<Ake> |
(2003-2005) first version finished december 2004. second version august 2005 |
automated accordion | 65kg | ![]() |
| 2004/2005 | <Llor> | finished january 2005 | stainless steel bells | 220kg | ![]() |
| 2004/2005 | <pp2> |
our second and much improved player piano finished july 2005 fingers replaced 2006 |
with pedal module (finished september 2005) |
45kg pedal: 35kg |
![]() |
| 2004/2005 | <Sire> |
finished 18.05.2005 |
24 programmable sirens (suspended or setup up in line, or spacial as 3 separate modules of 8 sirens each) | 35kg | ![]() |
| 2005 | Nail violin | finished 04.2005 | made for Moniek Darge. Circular shape, hardened steel nails. | 1kg | stolen, 2006. |
| 2005 | <la Vacca> |
finished 12.06.2005
|
48 automated cowbells | 150kg | ![]() |
| 2005-2006 | <Krum> | Finished february 2006 |
an automated Krummhorn organ register, 56 pipes. Equal temperament, A=440Hz Notes 36-91 |
120kg | ![]() |
| 2004/2006 | <Psch> | Finished february 2006 | an automated collection of vibrating stainless steel sheets | 9kg | ![]() |
| 2006 | <Snar> | finished may 2006 | an automated full featured snare drum | 12kg | ![]() |
| 2005/2006 | finished april 2006. | 36 automated cowbells | 93 kg | ![]() |
|
| 2005/2008 | <Bono> | under construction. Projected to be ready in 2008. |
an automated rotary valve trombone equal temperament A=440Hz, with microtonal possibilities. |
35kg | |
| 2004/2008 | <Qt> |
A collaborative project with Hogent, department of music and drama. |
quartertone pipe organ with closed flue pipes - 6 octaves Equal 24 tones temperament A=440Hz |
226kg | ![]() |
| 2006/2007 | <Bako> |
2006/2007 finished february.2007
|
an automated bass accordion with bellows Equal temperament A=440Hz |
40kg | ![]() |
| 2007 | <Xy> | finished april 2007 |
an automated quartertone xylophone Equal temperament A=442Hz |
65kg | ![]() |
| 2007 | <Casta Due> | finished may 2007 | an automated set of 16 castanets | 9.2kg | ![]() |
| 2007 | <Simba> | finished july 2007 | automated cymbals | 70kg | ![]() |
| 2007 | <HY1> | finished october 2007 | hybrid sonar and radar sensor | 2kg | |
| 2007 | <Axe3> | finished november 2007 | acceleration sensing devices | 500g | |
| 2007 | <Pir2> | finished december 2007 | pyrodetecting body sensor with midi output | 250g | |
| 2007/2008 | <Aeio> | under construction 2007/2008 | an automated aeolian cello | ||
| 2007 | <Handy One> | finished december 2007 | octal pressure pad midi controller | 300g | ![]() |
| 2007/2009 | <Heli> | under construction | an automated helicon | ||
| 2008 | <Korn> | finished march 2008 | an moving automated Bb cornet | 8kg | ![]() |
| 2008 | <Toypi> | finished august 2008 | robotic 3 octave toy piano | 10kg | ![]() |
| 2007/2009 | <Harry> | under construction | an automated pressure reed organ | ||
| 2004/2008 | <Raspa> | projected for late fall 2008. Designed 11/2003 | automated precision ratchet | ||
| 2005/2009 | <Klaks> | in preparation 2008/2009 | programmable compressed air car horn organ |
Automats & Robots: Soundsculpture
[a more systematic catalogue is available by clicking this link] [een meer overzichtelijke katalogus is beschikbaar via deze link]
| year | title/name | links | ||
| 1971-1973 | Bellenorgel | automatic instrument | [English notes] [Dutch notes] [English text] |
on LP-record - IGLOO label |
| 1975 | Beltotem | interactive sculpture | [English notes] | |
| 1975 | Beltelefoon | interactive sculpture | [English notes] | ![]() |
| 1979 | Sirene | robot, interactive composing automat | [English text] | ![]() |
| 1997 | Cloudrider | sound sculpture, robot | [bilingual article] | ![]() |
| 2000 | Slag-werk | uses: Klung as well as ThunderWood , Troms and Springers | 'Web Strikes Back' | although these are really programmable instruments, they can work stand alone with specific software as pieces of soundsculpture. Interactive versions are possible as well. |
We offer many different and spectacular full evening concert programs featuring these automats alone, in different combinations, as well as in combination with musicians and dancers (M&M ensemble). Concert organizers, feel free to enquire! Right now we are working on 'Technofaustus', a large scale music theatre composition by Godfried-Willem Raes, scored for all the robots, actors, dancers and musicians...
Next M&M-orchestra concert with musicians and automats.
Contact adress:
- dr.Godfried-Willem RAES
- p/a LOGOS FOUNDATION
- Kongostraat 35
- B-9000 GENT
- Belgium
- tel.: [32]-9-223.80.89
- email: GodfriedWillem.Raes@logosfoundation.org
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Last updated: 2008-08-09 by Dr.Godfried-Willem Raes