# 8-Bit String Instruments Ranjit Bhatnagar Creates a Playable Pixelated Violin By Francis Tiangson | Published 2011-02-25 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ranjit-bhatnagar References: [gizmo.do](http://gizmo.do/fTpwqp) & [moonmilk](http://www.moonmilk.com/2011/02/22/instrument-a-day-20-21-8-bit-violin/) Ranjit Bhatnagar is an incredible creative mind that has crafted a playable violin with the aesthetics of old video games. The 8-bit look gives this string instrument a truly distinct and bizarre appearance. If the original Super Mario game featured a violin, this Ranjit Bhatnagar piece is exactly what it would like. This incredible pixelated instrument is constructed out of maple and oak wood, giving the rigid structure a slightly natural look. It would be pretty sweet if Ranjit Bhatnagar made a whole collection of 8-bit instruments. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 0.9/10 - Popularity: 10% | Activity: 9% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Pixelated Instruments:** Opportunity for creating a collection of 8-bit musical instruments with a unique and nostalgic aesthetic. - **Retro-inspired Design:** Disruptive innovation opportunity in incorporating vintage video game aesthetics into traditional instruments. - **Craftsmanship Fusion:** Opportunity for merging traditional woodworking techniques with modern digital artistry in instrument making. ### Who This Affects Most - **Musical Instruments:** Potential for creating a new market segment of retro-themed instruments for music enthusiasts. - **Design and Art:** Opportunity for artists and designers to explore the fusion of nostalgia and craftsmanship in their creations. - **Digital Retro Gaming:** Potential for collaboration between the gaming industry and instrument makers to create innovative products for gamers and musicians alike. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Skeletal 3D-Printed Violins](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/karen-ultralight-electric-violin.md) - [Braille-Covered Electric Guitars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vitar-guitar.md) - [Quirky Strummable Synths](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/electronic-synth.md) - [Futuristic Abstract Musical Instruments](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/zeta-electric-guitar.md) - [Sustainable Hand-Crafted Keyboards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/working-synth.md) - [Shreddable Steampunk Guitars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/steampunk-guitar.md) - [Electronic String Instruments](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/harmoni.md) - [Interactive Display-Equipped Synthesizers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/love-hultn-x-lirona-synthboi.md) - [Nostalgic Gaming Console Radios](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nintendo-radio.md)