Updated 22 Sept 2026
After building a prototype in 2021, I was recently inspired to re-invent this instrument.
The prototype worked, but needed refining – stronger construction, better ergonomics, shorter slide, updated processor, BLE MIDI.
The midi-Bone is an electronic trombone-like wind controller. It makes no sound on its own – it needs a synthesiser and amplifier/speaker to do that. Like an acoustic trombone, it has “partials” – the harmonics that set the start of each range of notes that you select using the slide. Unlike an acoustic trombone, which uses the player’s embouchure to select partials, the partials are produced by touching buttons with the player’s left thumb. The partials are in a fourth-fifth-fourth pattern, rather than harmonic jumps that get closer together as the pitch increases. The 7-position slide selects notes from a 6-semitone range (same as an acoustic trombone).
The midi-Bone has all the features of any modern wind controller – transposition, breath sensitivity adjustment, Bluetooth MIDI transmission, program change function.
The midi-Bone is a very light instrument – 620g. Acoustic trombones are about 2kg.
The new midi-Bone II looks like this:
Specifications
- Instrument Type: Wind controller (needs external synth)
- Weight: 620g
- Dimensions: 700 long x 160 wide x 330 high
- Adjustments: Mouthpiece position and angle, handle position and angle
- Range: 3-1/2 octaves with thumb control of partials (touch-sensors)
- Slide: Precision optical sensor with “slide” or “snap” note functions
- Connections: BLE MIDI or USB-C MIDI
- Battery: Polymer Li-Ion 1100mAh
- Mouthpiece: ABS in standard trombone shape with large shank, removable
- Program-change: Quick function
Revision History:
- 16 Sept 2026 – Original