Here I show one of the new U-PLEX keyboards, first just playing through the editor (TPXE) and then routing out from there to Native Instruments KONTAKT, using the one-of-a-kind, super-cool H-Pi Universal Microtuning Script, which you get free when you download TPXE or CSE.

This video shows a PC running Windows XP, which can’t create virtual MIDI ports, so MIDI-Yoke is used. On Mac, TPXE creates the virtual ports for you, called External App to TPXE and TPXE to External App. These ports are used to communicate with other software like KONTAKT as shown in this video.

U-PLEX are the new more affordable USB-only line of Tonal Plexus keyboards. Buy one! You’ll love it.

I just received notice that UPS shipping rates are increasing (again) by 4.9% across the board. See the official UPS notice here. Order before the end of the year to get current shipping rates. UPS starts the rate hike on Jan. 4, 2010. The increase will take effect for all orders at this website beginning January 1, 2010.

Update 11/24/2009: The Guardian UK posted a new video showing the instrument in action.

Some of you may recall this news blurb from 2003 about a UK-based self-tuning piano by Geoff Smith:

This update just issued from RiotSqaud publicity:

The invention of the Fluid Piano™ enables musicians to alter each note individually and separately by precise microtonal intervals per note before or during performance. This is made possible by Geoff Smith’s patented Fluid Tuning™ mechanism, which liberates the instrument from the restrictions of ‘western’ tuning.This enables the musician to explore and experiment with an immense diversity of ‘bespoke‘ tuning layouts and ‘indigenous’ scales and modes from around the world (for example, from middle eastern cultures). Furthermore, if the musician chooses not to make use of the ‘Fluid Piano’s’ tuning mechanisms then the instrument can also remain in the standard ‘western’ tuning.

Features and capabilities of THE FLUID PIANO™

1. Fluid Tuning™ is available on each note of the Fluid Piano™.

2. The Fluid Piano™ is a totally Acoustic instrument.
3. The Fluid Piano™ is a grand piano.
4. The maximum interval change that can be achieved by the use of each Fluid Tuning™ mechanism per note is a whole tone.
5. The Fluid Tuning™ ‘mechanisms operate separately and independently per note.
6. The initial ‘default’ or central position of each Fluid Tuning™ mechanism, in order to provide equal temperament, will provide a semitone interval change in either direction (flat or sharp) or any desired microtonal interval of less than a semi tone in either direction (flat or sharp).
7. The musician can slide each mechanism, individually and separately, to new positions in order to change the tuning during performance or in between compositions.
8. The sliding action can also be used as an effect.
9. The range of the instrument is five octaves plus a third (i.e. minus the highest and lowest octaves present on an eighty-eight-note piano).
10. The Fluid Piano™ also incorporates an additional instrument comprising totally separate strings to those of the Fluid Piano™. This is a horizontal harp hybrid. It can be reached by the pianist whilst sitting at the keyboard, or by a harpist from the right hand curved side of the Fluid Piano™.
11. The harp hybrid also incorporates Fluid Tuning™ mechanisms per note and separate pedals that can be accessed on the right hand curved side of the Fluid Piano™.
12. An additional ‘stop’ is included to enable the harp to be dampened from the pianist’s playing position.

An unveiling event is scheduled in England later this month:

WHEN: Saturday, the 28th of November, 7 PM
WHERE: PATS Studio One, Surrey University, Guildford GU2 7XH

Check out other experimental acoustic keyboard instruments in the H-Pi Instrument Galleries.