Sudhu Tewari: YEMRS

Yasmin Electro-Mechanical Rhythm Sequencer

2017

The Yasmin Electro-Mechanical Rhythm Sequencer is a mechanical ryhthm sequencer built into a defunct Otari MX55 reel-to-reel tape machine. A simple analog electronic circuit generates rhythmic sequences that activate four solenoids that previously worked as tape lifting, tape pinching, and reel brake mechanisms. The action of the solenoids is amplified by a bevy of contact microphones attached to the surface of the device. A homemade mixer allows the user to bring out various sonic aspects of the physical movements. The output can be routed through external effects for additional processing.

YEMRS began as a machine intended to allow a friend to play intuitively with rhythms. It's based on a simple 4017 decade counter circuit that that I first encountered above the sales counter at Al Lasher's Electronics (R.I.P.) in Berkeley. I built the circuit on perf board and used the original wiring from the tape machine to make all the connections to the control switches and pots. There were so many connections to make! The project became a way for me to work quietly and stay out of my students' way. When they needed help I was happy to put aside the repetitive and tedious wiring to answer their questions. It took several months to do all the wiring, a few hours a week in the back of my Studio Maintenance classes.

Once it was finished I didn't fully realize how much fun YEMRS could be until I watched Daniel Yasmin, percussionist extraordinaire, have a ton of fun with it, so I named it after him.

YEMRS "gam jam" with Ben Carpenter and Daniel Yasmin:
improvising with the newly created YEMRS
and other amplified metal instruments.