Optron: Brilliant instrument of noise

Improv musician Atsuhiro Ito wields a flickering noise contraption called the “Optron” (or “Optrum”), a miked-up fluorescent light tube he plugs into an array of effects pedals and plays sort of like an electric guitar. The Optron is featured in some Sony Walkman commercials.


+ Optron – Walkman CM 1


+ Optron – Walkman CM 2 (with Yoichiro Shin on drums)

[More on YouTube: Atsuhiro Ito, Optrum, Optron]




7 Responses to “Optron: Brilliant instrument of noise”

  1. Whoa…very very cool! Kinda makes Obi Wan’s light saber look like a child’s toy. :)

    [Reply]

  2. Well, his instrument is far more exciting than his performance.

    He should see about trying to get it to react based his physical positioning against the light.

    [Reply]

  3. Captain Justice

    Optrum is actually the name of his little band. Optron + Drum = Optrum, know what I’m saying?

    [Reply]

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