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  • Author Author: tariq.ahmad
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Making Music with a Lego Guitar and Capacitive Touch -- Episode-637

In this latest episode of element14 presents, Katie and John embark on the challenge of transforming a Lego guitar into a fully functioning musical instrument. The duo starts by connecting a Raspberry Pi 3A to a robot mini-amplifier, which is then linked to a speaker. The primary challenge is incorporating functional buttons into the guitar without compromising its aesthetics. 

Watch the Video:

 

Downloads and Links | Discussion

Initially, physical buttons were considered, but concerns about protrusion through the strings led them to explore an alternative solution. Katie introduces a Seeed Studio 12-key capacitive touch sensor (MPR121), allowing for touch-sensitive buttons. The team contemplates placing these buttons on the back of the guitar neck, making them invisible from the front while the guitar is in its stand. 

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The capacitive touch solution appears promising, offering a more discreet approach compared to physical buttons. Challenges arise in finding the right material to conceal the wiring. Katie experiments with conductive paint and tape, ultimately opting for copper tape covered with vinyl sheets to achieve a seamless integration.  

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Another critical aspect is the programming of the Raspberry Pi to interpret signals from the capacitive touch sensor. Katie describes a Python program she developed that plays various guitar chords at the push of a button. The Pi is connected to the touch sensor, enabling chords to be triggered from the guitar. 

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The final reveal showcases a Lego guitar that not only looks like the original, but also functions as a musical instrument with touch-sensitive controls. The team discusses the challenges they faced, providing valuable insights into the technical aspects of programming and problem-solving for electronics enthusiasts combining Lego builds with functional components. 

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Links and Downloads:

Bill of Material:

Product Name Quantity Buy Kit
RASPBERRY-PI SBC, Raspberry Pi3 A+, BCM2837B0, ARM Cortex-A53, 512MB RAM, MicroSD, Wifi, HDMI, 1×USB 2.0 1 Buy Now
MULTICOMP PRO MicroSD Card, 32 GB, Raspberry Pi 1 Buy Now
SEEED STUDIO Touch Sensor Board, with Cable, Capacitive, I2C, Arduino & Raspberry Pi Board 1 Buy Now
MULTICOMP MC001814 Tape, General Purpose, Copper Foil, 10 mm x 50 m 1 Buy Now
DFROBOT Evaluation Board, Mini Audio Stereo Amplifier, 3.3 V to 5.5 V Supply, Class D Amplifier 1 Buy Now
VISATON Speaker, Full Range, 2 W, 8 ohm, 150 Hz to 20 kHz 1 Buy Now
PRO SIGNAL 3.5MM JACK PLUG TO BARE ENDS -1M 1 Buy Now
 

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  • in reply to beacon_dave

     I agree with   that John needs effect pedals for his guitar.  Maybe some LEDs in his amp so it looks like an old school tube amp. Laughing

  • in reply to kmikemoo

    Yes, the kit had a little foot pedal included, but it was just a lump of lego bricks, so adding in any interaction would be hard, as was trying to think of how to add a hinge and sprung action etc. But now you mention it covering the top in conductive tape and linking it in to the touch sense board would be possible.

    I was really impressed with the lego design of the amp, we had to pull lots of the lego "workings" out to make room, but it had a circuit board inside with little lego valves made from clear tubes some with grey rods in the centre and others were glowing with a lego lipstick in the middle of the tube (half red half grey)