Trastillo

Para qué sirve

Trastillo reimagines the ukulele for children with limited mobility, enabling them to play effortlessly without electronics. This inclusive innovation turns classrooms into accessible musical spaces where everyone can create and enjoy music together.

Qué te inspiró

Music has the power to unite, to inspire, to build unshakable confidence. For children with limited mobility, this experience often remains out of reach. Educators revealed a painful truth: while music programs existed, practical solutions for inclusive instrument play were absent. Their students deserved better. We engineered an adaptive solution where the ukulele, with its perfect size and inviting sound, could meet each player's needs. Our goal is simple: let every child experience the magic of making music, feel part of the group, and enjoy creating something beautiful together. Because music should be for everyone, no barriers allowed.

Cómo funciona

Trastillo reimagines how a ukulele can be played. The strings are tuned to a lower, chord-friendly pattern (C-F-A-D) that makes harmony accessible. A sliding mechanism moves along the neck, pressing all strings at once, like a capo, changing chords without finger pressure. By moving its handle sideways, players instantly switch between major and minor chords. Everything attaches to a regular ukulele without permanent changes or damages. Children interact naturally by sliding the chord selector up and down the neck while strumming normally. The system stays stable whether placed on a table or held by an assistant. Every component has safety-rounded edges and secure fasteners. What makes Trastillo special is that it delivers real musical results, not simplified sounds but actual chords vibrating through real strings. It removes physical barriers while keeping the authentic ukulele experience intact, proving adaptive tools can maintain musical integrity.

Proceso de diseño

When we discovered no solutions truly enabled children with limited mobility to play ukulele independently, we invented an entirely new system. Our goal was clear: create a mechanical device that attached easily to classroom ukuleles without permanent modifications: simple, non-damaging, and temporary. We started with rough cardboard and foam prototypes, testing proportions and movement mechanics. These quick physical models helped us visualize the interactions before refining the design in wood, a warm, sturdy material that’s easy to shape. Through iterative testing, we adjusted pressures, motions, and components to ensure smooth operation and effortless assembly. The capo became our biggest challenge. After countless redesigns, we landed on a minimalist shape that worked flawlessly. We then refined every detail: the structure for durability, attachment mechanisms for security, colors for appeal, and materials for comfort. The result? A robust, intuitive device ready for real-world use. The name Trastillo blends the Spanish words “traste” (fret) and “trasto” (rascal), a playful nod to freedom, creativity, and the joyful chaos children bring to music. It’s more than an adapter; it’s a key to unlocking independence, participation, and the pure fun of making music.

Qué lo hace diferente

Trastillo redefines inclusive music by solving what others miss: authentic play without compromises. While most adaptive tools replace real instruments with digital interfaces or simplified buttons, our mechanical design preserves the true ukulele experience. Kids press real strings to form chords through our innovative sliding system; no strength, finger dexterity or electronics needed. Others isolate players with pre-recorded sounds; we keep them connected to the music-making process. Our solution works on standard classroom ukuleles (supporting SDG 12's responsible consumption) while delivering inclusive music education (SDG 4) and breaking down participation barriers (SDG 10). Unlike expensive specialty instruments, Trastillo empowers students to play alongside peers using the same ukuleles, encouraging belonging rather than separation through technology. It's not adaptation, it's transformation.

Planes para el futuro

We're taking Trastillo to more schools to test it with children and teachers, using their feedback to make it even better. At the same time, we're working with disability organizations to help more people get access to the device and push for inclusive music programs everywhere. Our big next step is creating a 3D-printable version that's affordable and easy to make, so communities around the world can use it without high costs. Everything we do has one purpose: to give people with limited mobility the same chance to enjoy music, whether they're learning in class, playing with friends, or expressing themselves creatively.

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