Retrochord

2008
110x100x60cm
wood, steel strings, electromagnetic sustain circuits, amplifier, speakers, magnetic pickups, solenoids
Collection of the Museum of Modern Art of São Paulo

The Retrochord is an instrument invented and built by Paulo Nenflidio. It has 10 strings that resonate through the physical phenomenon of positive electromagnetic feedback. It has a touch-sensitive keyboard with 10 keys. Each key activates an electromagnetic sustain circuit, making a respective string resonate. Sometimes the strings vibrate at the fundamental harmonic. Higher harmonics also resonate, and some nodes can be seen on the strings. It is an analog device that produces a sound similar to that of electronic sound synthesis. It also has its own amplification. It can be used in sound performances. All pickups were made using coils produced by the Nenflidio Winder.