This instrument was designed by Leonardo da Vinci 5 centuries ago, but only recently actually built and played. Check out this video. The performer is also the guy who built the thing. Looks like a piano, sounds like a cello/viola ensemble. I wonder how long before it's released as a Kontakt library.
 
http://mobile.theverge.com/2013/11/20/5125612/da-vinci-designed-viola-organista-musical-instrument

That is quite something Dave I loved it. I love the concept of a keyboard triggering another sound. That video looks ahead of its time. Sounds like something we are doing now. It really has the perfect combination of keyboard control over a bowed string sound. The mechanics of that must be fun.
 
BTW AAS String Studio and also Naitve Prism can do these sorts of patches almost now. But that as library would be interesting.
 
The is a strong relationship with the music and that instrument too. They are very suited to each other.

My understanding (and you would really have to fact check me on this) is that many of the da Vinci contraptions were untenable the way they were drawn ... things like gears that would not turn in the desired direction with the way they were drawn on paper.
 
I wonder, of the 5000 hours it took to build, how much of that was design work to go from concept to actual practice and if the instrument or at least components of it are patentable. 

quantumeffect
My understanding (and you would really have to fact check me on this) is that many of the da Vinci contraptions were untenable the way they were drawn ... things like gears that would not turn in the desired direction with the way they were drawn on paper.
 
I wonder, of the 5000 hours it took to build, how much of that was design work to go from concept to actual practice and if the instrument or at least components of it are patentable. 

Party pooper

No doubt da Vinci was an idea guy rather than an engineer. His famous helicopter would clearly never get off the ground, but the concept got later inventors thinking and eventually did lead to a practical design. Quite often, ideas are simply too far ahead of the technology needed to actually implement them, like Babbage's Difference Engine.

Yeah...  I met this guy who claimed to have invented an anti-gravity chair.  He took it out back and sat on it to give it a test, but hasn't been seen since!

  I looked at the up close portion of the video that shows some of the inner workings. Looks as if the strings are divided into four sections with one wheel for each. I am curious how he did it exactly. There is a steady amount of energy generated that you use when you want it. The wheels move the horse hair,the keys  "touch" them with the strings to get sound or maybe visa versa, not sure.
 
 If you added electric guitar pickups under those strings you would have one killer guitar sound, especially if you could play with the tunings on it. Leonardo might not have approved though.

 If you added electric guitar pickups under those strings you would have one killer guitar sound, especially if you could play with the tunings on it. Leonardo might not have approved though.

 
I don't know, 5000 man hours and 3 years just to build an instrument so you emulate a Jimmy Page solo ...

 Classical rock?

Starise
 Classical rock?

 

 
... and the funny thing about it is that da Vinci probably would have approved.