Beamz laser instrument allows even the tone deaf to rock out for $199

Truth be told, we weren't sure what to make of this laser harp-looking contraption when we saw it across the room at the International Toy Fair. Eloquently dubbed the Beamz Interactive Music System, it has six laser beam "strings" that when struck by a hand or finger produces one of 100 instrumental sounds. Here's the catch, though: the standing instrument must be connected to your PC via USB so that it can use its speakers. We think it's sort of a bummer that you have to be attached to your computer to rock, but the PC software (we're told Mac is on the way) lets you easily assign an instrument to the laser strings and also includes a variety of popular songs to jam along with. Though it's been around since 2008, Beamz seems to have wised up and lowered the original $600 pricetag to $199. We realize we could continue to describe this digital instrument in length, but we'd rather you just watch us "play it" and royally embarrass ourselves after the break.

[idiot Posted Feb 16th 2010 7:56PM]

this article is irrelevant without the totally bitchin infomercial from x years ago the last time this ridiculous device made its rounds

[spin cycle Posted Feb 16th 2010 7:56PM]

@idiot http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jX8XYc0ATdY

[Smart People Play Tuba Posted Feb 16th 2010 10:17PM]

Appears to use pre-programmed pitch sequences that allow the operator to improvise rhythms (but not pitch).

So essentially, it's the same as Wii Music, but with twice the D-bag factor.

[Smart People Play Tuba Posted Feb 16th 2010 10:18PM]

@think before you react
Also, dude . . . I thought about this, and now I'm reacting.

Stop using "gay" as a replacement for "lame" or "stupid."

[drewbudd Posted Feb 16th 2010 11:33PM]

@idiot http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NP_4yAwbgbg

[therockr92 Posted Feb 16th 2010 11:33PM]

Its not an instrument really, I think its closer to using a keyboard that keeps you from failing, minus the slight mental skill you would gain from it.

I still lol'd at the price

[think before you react Posted Feb 17th 2010 1:05AM]

@Smart People Play Tuba
doesn't gay = lame/stupid?? Haha- jk. Sorry for not being politically correct.

Although, so I can say d-bag (douche bag) but not gay? I mean, in your comment, using a Beamz has twice the d-bag factor- but think of all those douche bags that are upset with that term!!

[Smart People Play Tuba Posted Feb 17th 2010 9:17AM]

@think before you react

I see the future . . . and I see your comments getting deleted.

Please refer to this handy guide:
http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/04/commenting-on-engadget-a-humans-guide/

On a personal note, I have several friends who are gay, and I can assure you that they are neither lame nor stupid. Stop being a douche, follow the rules, and enjoy your stay here at Engadget.

Best Wishes

[Player1 Posted Feb 17th 2010 12:19PM]

@Smart People Play Tuba

Please stop using "lame" as a replacement for "stupid"...I guess you don't have any disabled friends, but you do have double standards.

[Smart People Play Tuba Posted Feb 17th 2010 12:50PM]

@Player1
I don't know anyone who uses the term "lame" to mean "unable to walk," except for the farmers down the road when referring to an injured animal, or the preacher when reading out of the Bible. Do you refer to your disabled friends as "lame?" Really?

Here's another example, relevant to this site: consider the classic use of the word "geek."
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geek_show
I don't know anyone on Engadget that bites the head off chickens.

All I'm saying is let's all be a little more conscientious. It has nothing to do with political correctness; it has to do with acting like you have some intelligence. Speaking of which, let's get back to commenting on the Beamz, shall we?

[Player1 Posted Feb 17th 2010 2:47PM]

@Smart People Play Tuba

Forgive me. You see, I'm what some people might call "stupid", so I have trouble following these things...and I therefore find Beamz laser instrument to be an awesome product that I would have gladly payed the original price for.

[One Love Posted Feb 16th 2010 8:03PM]

"tone deaf" and "video not available"

[byran Posted Feb 16th 2010 8:03PM]

Yeah—I saw this at CES last month. 'Twas ok fun, but I think they're going to struggle for a market, as there's no clearly defined space that would buy this. I played with it for 5 minutes, and forgot about it until this article, if that means anything.

[00shitz Posted Feb 16th 2010 9:24PM]

@byran

Market is half stoned douce bags with 199 bucks

[kojo87 Posted Feb 16th 2010 9:06PM]

so kinda like a theremin?

[Smart People Play Tuba Posted Feb 16th 2010 10:21PM]

@kojo87
More like Wii Music, from what I can tell. By intercepting the beam with your hand, you're triggering the pre-programmed pitch sequence. You can't actually CHOOSE what pitch to play, only when it's triggered.

The theremin is an actual instrument that allows you to change pitch AND rhythm. This thing is a toy.

[therockr92 Posted Feb 16th 2010 11:36PM]

Yep. Theremins are technically analog, where this is just sequenced music clips

[Tiptup300 Posted Feb 17th 2010 3:23AM]

@kojo87

This is more like a beat pad with less buttons and instead of buttons it has lasers that you put your hands through to trigger.

[00shitz Posted Feb 16th 2010 9:20PM]

another theramin-esque failure for the pile.

[00shitz Posted Feb 16th 2010 9:26PM]

@00shitz

Don't get me wrong I love this kinda shit, but it has a minuscule market

[bebop Posted Feb 16th 2010 9:31PM]

Six laser diodes, six photodiodes, one computer. At the end of the day about as much fun as a xylophone with six keys. :/

[Rizzo Posted Feb 16th 2010 10:26PM]

People, this is funny. Dissecting it and pointing out its flaws takes away from the comedy of this video... "Hoe, hoe hoe....hoe!"

[emikey Posted Feb 16th 2010 10:55PM]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TpDZ3WotLXY&feature=player_embedded

[SonicGA Posted Feb 16th 2010 11:47PM]

lol if a band or DJ actually uses this, I'll be shocked.

[HektikLyfe Posted Feb 17th 2010 12:16PM]

I saw either this same product or a very similar one at the Sharper Image before they went kaput.

Sure its gimmicky and a bit garish but I have to admit, it is fun. I tried it at the store and with a good set of speakers in can surprisingly keep you entertained for a while.

Its expensive and they sell sound packs separately. :(

They had a bunch that weren't even music, they were just sounds. My favorite was a thunderstorm. You pass your hand over certain beams and you create thunder or wind or heavy rain. It sounds stupid but with really good speakers it made for interesting ambiance when you want to relax.

[HektikLyfe Posted Feb 17th 2010 12:22PM]

http://www.sharperimage.com/Toys+Leisure/Beamz+Professional+Interactive+Music+System.axd

It is the same one and it has been out for a while.

>SonicGA: If a band uses it I will be surprised to. If Daft Punk works it into their music someday....I wouldn't. Some folks do weirder stuff.

[charlied Posted Feb 17th 2010 7:47PM]

Jerry Riopelle(inventor/creator) and son play it in concert in 2005 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QIwFMqZHmJc

Quincy Jones likes it http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pWJQS3uDf_w
and his friends including YoYo Ma and Herbie Hancock

Oh yeah and kids love it too http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LxY9ZGR54cQ

Lets remember that just because YOU don't see the value in something doesnt make it worthless