Electroplankton creator designs $1200 Electroplankton-like instrument

If you have $1200 lying around, you might want to consider spending it on Yamaha's new synthesizer, Tenori-On. The device is operated by a 16x16 LED button matrix, which can be manipulated in real-time to create a number of sounds and unique visual displays. The device contains six modes -- "Score Mode," "Random Mode," "Draw Mode," "Bounce Mode," "Push Mode," and "Solo Mode." 

The similarity to the Nintendo DS "game," Electroplankton, is no coincidence. The Tenori-On was designed by Toshio Iwai, who also created the unique interactive music title. In fact, watching the videos, it seems they two share quite a bit in common. "Bounce Mode," in particular, looks like it works in a similar fashion to Electroplankton's "Hanenbrow" mode (in which little creatures bounce out of the water, bouncing off of leaves to create different sounds).

Given the similarties, and the $1200 price tag, we're thinking you should just go pick up a copy of Electroplankton and send the remaining $1150 to us. 

[Via BoingBoing -- Thanks, Debbey]