Study for an OP-1 modular stand | part 2

Posted by on Sep 7, 2016 in Case Studies, Design, Ergonomics, People, Places | No Comments
Rear view and StEEEzo sketches in overlay
Rear view and StEEEzo sketches in overlay

I keep on working with StEEEzo on the Modular OP-1 Rack project via email. We send each other pictures and sketches, about what begins to take shape as “The Giant Lunchbox Project” for 5+ OP-1 synthetizers.

this piece is shaped like Sicily
this piece is shaped like Sicily

After my first model and sketch, StEEEzo sent me some very useful notes about his dream OP-1 rack: all he would like to get regarding connectors, angle, distribution and mount system. This kind of custom work saves the Client a lot of time, as you just need to exchange few pictures and emails, and it is quite inspiring for the Designer, because you can get a lot of immediate feedback. Well, it is immediate for us, because I work at night and StEEEzo seems to be doing the same, and regardless the time zone difference we manage to get an answer from each other in seconds.

Side view: sketching out connections and structure.
Side view: sketching out connections and structure.

I am building a rack system which must be very sturdy once assembled, but is also separable in smaller units, to take it to a gig and also to experiment with different setups. Mount system is based on StEEEzo sketches (screwstops on a connecting bar) as well as distribution and operating angles. Setup is minimal to get best access to all the connectors. You can see in the pictures how the sides are made lighter through holes, which are shaped according to best performance of the material (wood) and cutting technique (laser). About the connections, for now I have an idea of textile/soft hinging (inspired by Alvar Aalto and my years in Finland; Alvar Aalto designed that dreaming of Japan).
When I sent pictures of the model to StEEEzo, he seemed to like it quite much, though he’s got a major upgrading request which I did miss from his sketches: the mount system needs to work also as a case for the OP-1 when travelling (as a lunchbox, to be opened in all its beauty when it’s time to play). Next updates will be about the case-mount system!

Modular synth options: 2, 4, 6 OP-1
Modular synth options: 2, 4, 6 OP-1s

Elisa

Related articles:
· Study for an OP-1 modular stand | part 1
· Study for an OP-1 modular stand | part 2
· Study for an OP-1 modular stand | part 3
· BentoBox OP-1 Modular Synth Stand
· Do.Your.Thing. | STEEEZO In The Tower Of Funk

Related links:
• Steeezo’s Instagram
• Steeezo’s Soundcloud
• Bento lunch box