The Dual Primate Console

Dewanatron is composed of two cousins, Brian and Leon Dewan. In this video, they are playing one of their homemade instruments, the Dual Primate Console.

Each side of this instrument is operated by one primate. Each side has identical controls, except for a single tempo control on the side.

It is the responsibility of each primate to encourage or restrain the instrument. Rhythmic complexity can be arrived at with little difficulty without comprehension. Rhythmic simplicity may be just as easily arrived at. The sounds themselves must be shaped by means of judicious monkeying, while the upper manual uses concrete sounds (often the recorded sound of human voices) recorded onto eight track tape cartridges as a sound source. At the touch of a button, voices and noises may be introduced to complement electronically generated sounds.

The built-in two-channel amplifier and speakers make the Dual Primate Console an ideal parlor instrument suitable for electronic chamber concerts at nighttime, and musicales in the daytime. It weighs far less than a piano and will fit easily in a small station wagon. Two 1/4 inch outputs provide line level signal for any school or auditorium public address system, and has proven safe for outdoor use.

Visit their website for more information and sound samples.

Source: dewanatron.com, flatfile