GotGaMeR’s rig turns MIDI notes into physical key presses: a removable frame holds solenoids above an acoustic piano, and each solenoid pushes a key down. Its Arduino-compatible controller can address multiple actuators through shift-register daughterboards, but “any piano” describes the goal of avoiding permanent modification—not a guarantee of fit for every instrument. The documented build uses seven eight-key boards, or 56 actuator channels, so it is not a complete 88-key system as described.
How the rig plays an acoustic piano
Instead of generating piano sound electronically, the mechanism physically depresses the instrument’s keys. The frame rests over a conventional piano and aligns an actuator with each key it is designed to play. Because the piano itself is not permanently modified, the assembly can be removed.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
That approach is intended to work across pianos with full-sized keys. Fit still depends on the frame’s dimensions and alignment with the particular instrument; “any piano” should be read as the design aim, not a verified universal fit. The frame combines off-the-shelf aluminum rails with 3D-printed components.
What the electronics control
The documented controller is a WeMos LOLIN D1 Mini, an Arduino-compatible board. It connects to seven daughterboards, with each board controlling eight keys. Each daughterboard uses a 74HC595 shift register and eight TIP120 transistors, plus passive components, to drive its eight solenoids. That is 56 actuator channels in the described arrangement.
#1 Best Overall
- Master the Art of Soldering – Improve your technical skills by assembling this comprehensive kit featuring high-quality through-hole components. Includes clear paper instructions to ensure a successful and clean build for all hobbyists. (Note: Soldering iron required for assembly, not included).
- Create Lasting Memories through Music and Making – Experience the satisfaction of building your own electronic instrument from the ground up. Use our included STL files to 3D print an optional classic piano case or retro synth-style enclosure for a finished, professional look.
- Effortless Connection for Instant Creativity – This shield is designed to plug directly into an amomii ONE or Arduino UNO microcontroller. Load our provided code to jump straight to playing notes with responsive tactile feedback. (Note: Requires external microcontroller, not included).
- Feel Confident with Complete Support – Every kit comes backed by an included digital Getting Started guide, circuit diagrams, and three pre-written project examples: Record & Playback, a rhythmic Sequencer, and a more demanding MIDI Control project.
- High-Performance Audio & Visuals – Features an integrated amplifier IC and 3.5mm audio jack for external speaker connectivity, a custom passive buzzer, and a vibrant amomii Glow RGB strip. This combination ensures high-quality sound and bright visual feedback for your hand-soldered instrument.
Shift registers let the controller address many outputs without requiring a separate controller pin for every actuator. The TIP120s act as the transistor drivers for the solenoids. WS2815 RGB LEDs add lighting; they are not part of the key-actuation mechanism.
Choosing the solenoid
The component phrase most directly associated with this build is 12V JF-0826B push-pull solenoid. GotGaMeR reports using 12 V solenoids rated at 2 A and measuring about 1.6–1.7 A per solenoid while energized. A marketplace listing for the JF-0826B family describes a 12 V, 2 A unit with 20 N of force and a 10 mm stroke. Those listing figures are not guaranteed specifications for every variant or seller, so check the exact model’s datasheet and seller information before choosing parts.
Mechanical fit matters as much as the electrical rating. The actuator must sit over its key, move far enough to depress it, and be mounted so the assembly stays aligned without obstructing the rest of the keyboard. A frame that can be removed is useful only if it can also be positioned reliably.
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minutePC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Rank #2
- The most economical kit comes with everything compatible with Arduino to starting programming for beginners .
- This is the upgraded starter kits come with a 9V 1A Power Adapter (At least $5.99 on amazon) to replace a 9V Battery , and the Lcd1602 module come with pin header(not need to be soldered by yourself).
- Include High Quality Base Board base on Arduino UNO R3 compatible with Arduino IED and Sensors, Servo, Motor, ULN2003 driver board, lcds, etc.
- Free PDF Tutorial and Datasheet are available to download from our official website or you can contact our customer service.
- All of the Components and Integrated Circuits are individually packaged and labeled, and packing in a plastic box which is bigger enough for you.
How MIDI becomes a timed key press
The GotGaMeR rig receives MIDI using RTPMidi or UDP messages. But receiving a note event is not enough: a solenoid takes time to respond, unlike a software instrument that can begin producing sound at the scheduled MIDI time. The project’s software parses MIDI files and schedules actuator movement ahead of the nominal note time to compensate for that dead-time.
That timing adjustment is essential to the concept. Without it, notes can sound late relative to the MIDI sequence. The required lead time can depend on the actuator and mechanism; the documented account establishes that compensation is needed but does not provide a universal delay value.
Power limits and simultaneous notes
Solenoids are the major electrical load. GotGaMeR reports roughly 1.6–1.7 A measured per energized solenoid, despite a 2 A rating, and says the chosen supply was sized for roughly 20 keys operating at once. That capacity excludes the lower-power controller and LEDs.
Rank #3
- TURN CODE INTO REAL-WORLD RESULTS — Follow 22+ guided lessons to make LEDs blink, read temperature and distance, move servo and stepper motors, control an LCD and respond to joystick or IR input; ideal for a family weekend build, homeschool unit, coding club or STEM classroom
- MORE PROJECT VARIETY IN ONE ORGANIZED KIT — Includes the UNO R3 controller, LCD1602 with pre-soldered header, breadboard power module, ultrasonic and DHT11 sensors, joystick, IR receiver and remote, SG90 servo, stepper motor, relay, DC motor, fan blade, displays, LEDs, buttons, resistors and jumper wires
- START WITHOUT SOLDERING — Plug-in modules, a solderless breadboard and the pre-soldered LCD help beginners focus on wiring, code and testing; the illustrated component list makes it easier to find each part and move from one lesson to the next
- LEARN THE LOGIC, THEN CREATE YOUR OWN — Use Arduino IDE and the included example code to understand digital input and output, analog sensing, timing, motor control and display functions, then change thresholds, speeds and sequences for alarms, environmental monitors, reaction games and motion projects
- CLEAR SETUP SUPPORT FOR FIRST-TIME BUILDERS — Download the latest tutorial and code, select the UNO board and correct computer port, check component polarity and breadboard rows, and keep power-module input at 9V or below; younger learners should work with an experienced adult
For a larger build, the number of keys that can actuate together depends on the supply and power distribution, not just the controller’s ability to address them. High-current actuators mean the wiring, supply, and driver arrangement must be planned around simultaneous operation. The reported 20-key figure describes GotGaMeR’s supply sizing; it is not a universal limit for every implementation.
What a similar 88-key build does differently
A standard full-size piano has 52 white keys and 36 black keys, for 88 total, according to the Arduino Team’s 2025 article. A separate Arduino 88-key project provides a useful contrast: it documents a USB-to-MIDI adapter feeding a MIDI-to-serial converter and an Arduino, with PWM and MOSFET control used to vary strike velocity.
| Design point | GotGaMeR solenoid rig | Arduino 88-key project |
|---|---|---|
| Documented key coverage | Seven boards with eight channels each: 56 actuator channels | 88-key build |
| MIDI path | RTPMidi or UDP messages | USB-to-MIDI adapter, MIDI-to-serial converter, then Arduino |
| Actuation and velocity | Solenoids physically press keys; velocity-control method is not stated | PWM/MOSFET control is used to vary strike velocity |
| Mounting approach | Removable frame over a conventional piano | Not stated in the cited project description |
The comparison is about the documented implementations, not every possible version of either design. In particular, the GotGaMeR description does not establish full 88-key coverage or variable strike velocity.
Rank #4
- 35+ Guided Electronics Projects: Progress from LEDs and buttons to RFID access, real-time clocks, motion and distance sensing, environmental monitoring, motor control and interactive displays for STEM learning, coding clubs and maker projects
- More I/O and Memory for Larger Builds: The MEGA 2560 R3 provides 54 digital I/O pins, including 15 PWM outputs, 16 analog inputs, 4 hardware serial ports and 256 KB flash for projects that combine more sensors, controls and displays
- 200+ Components for Prototyping: Includes LCD1602, RC522 RFID, RTC, DHT11, HC-SR501 PIR, ultrasonic and water-level sensors, GY-521, MAX7219, keypad, joystick, rotary encoder, relay, SG90 servo, stepper motor, DC motor, breadboard and more
- Learn, Modify and Create: Follow 35+ guided lessons with example code, then adjust sensor thresholds, timing, display text, motor behavior and control logic to turn structured exercises into access systems, monitors, alarms and interactive projects
- Organized for Repeatable Learning: Pre-soldered modules, a solderless breadboard, storage case and small-parts box reduce setup time and keep sensors, LEDs, ICs, wires and other components easy to find between projects
Cost and build trade-offs
GotGaMeR’s estimated build cost is $1,000–$1,500, as reported by Gareth Halfacree in a Hackster.io article whose publication year is not stated on the page. GotGaMeR identifies the solenoids as the main cost driver. That estimate belongs to the reported build and should not be treated as a current parts quote.
The project is a substantial electromechanical assembly rather than a simple Arduino accessory: it uses repeated high-current actuators, transistor drivers, shift registers, a 12 V supply, substantial wiring, and a frame that must align with the piano keys. The benefit is a removable mechanism that can play an acoustic instrument; the trade-offs include mechanical setup, actuator power requirements, and the limited 56-channel arrangement documented here.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteQuick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
