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 Kyma Forum
 Tips & Techniques
 e-bowed piano
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flo Member |
posted 16 August 2006 04:12
 
Hi all, something completely different indeed: does anybody know if there exists something like a midi-controllable e-bow for the piano(-strings), out there on the market? Or does anybody know of downloadable samples (e-bowed piano) somewhere on the web? Thanks in advance. Best, flo IP: Logged |
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rlainhart Member |
posted 16 August 2006 09:43
I've written a couple of pieces for piano and 9 e-bows; here's a link to an article which discusses them to some extent, along with a picture: http://www.newmusicbox.org/page.nmbx?id=71hf02 I don't know of any MIDI-controllable device for bowing or activating the strings on a grand or upright piano, or any samples available online. I don't have any discrete e-bow/piano samples as such, but I'd be happy to make a copy of a recording available to you if it's of any use. There are some limitations involved in using e-bows on a piano - first, it isn't really possible to get them close enough together to be able to play a chromatic scale, so you need to think in terms of a diatonic scale. The e-bows only work on the middle range of notes, where you have three strings strung together, since you need all three to be able to balance the e-bows on the strings. The e-bows can't activate the notes much higher than about an octave above middle C or so, depending on the piano and the string tension. It can take a long time for the notes to begin to sound, so any kind of fast playing isn't possible. It also takes a fair amount of time to position each e-bow on its string to find the place where it will best sound, and that often requires adjusting the position of the other e-bows as well, since they're so close together. Having said all that, it's an interesting technique and worth pursuing, both in itself and as a sound source for processing. [This message has been edited by rlainhart (edited 16 August 2006).] IP: Logged |
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flo Member |
posted 17 August 2006 02:32
Thank you very much for all that useful info and for sending me that interesting link. I'd certainly be glad to receive a copy of that recording. Is it going to be downloadable on your website as mp3-file(s), or how can I get it? Thanks. Best, flo IP: Logged |
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rlainhart Member |
posted 17 August 2006 09:59
The piece is called "An Open Window In An Empty Room". Here: http://www.otownmedia.com/OpenWindow(Acoustic).mp3 is the original version, recorded at a performance at my home in May 2005 (hence the birds in the background). This version: is the same piece processed with granulation. I hope you enjoy them. [This message has been edited by rlainhart (edited 17 August 2006).] IP: Logged |
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photonal Member |
posted 17 August 2006 14:36
thanks for your music posting! i took the liberty of downloading your piece for my ipod  I love the transitions. This piece would play really well in the 'Wasserspeicher' in Prenzlauer Berg, Berlin, Germany - where sound/art installations are regularly held.[This message has been edited by photonal (edited 17 August 2006).] IP: Logged |
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rlainhart Member |
posted 17 August 2006 15:52
You're welcome, and thank you. I didn't say so explicitly, but anyone here is welcome to download and listen. How does one get in touch with the Wasserspeicher people? [This message has been edited by rlainhart (edited 17 August 2006).] IP: Logged |
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flo Member |
posted 21 August 2006 07:03
Just two more questions: you mentioned the upper limit of the e-bow ambitus, is there an +- lower one? And what would be the average attack time (until the strings are fully activated, vibrating) approximately...around 6 sec? IP: Logged |
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rlainhart Member |
posted 21 August 2006 07:40
The lower limit depends on the piano. First, the point at which the stringing changes from three strings to two, because you need three strings to be able to balance the ebow properly. The ebow rests on the outer two strings, muting them and allowing the inner string to vibrate freely - with only two strings, the ebow can't balance and allow free vibration. The point at which this stringing format changes from three to two is different on different pianos, so you'll need to find that out for the piano you want to use. On my 6 foot Steinway, this transition occurs at G and octave and a half below middle C. However, you couldn't use an ebow on that lowest note on my piano, because these strings run below the bass notes. The first usable bass note is C below middle C. So the lowest available note will also vary from piano to piano. Finally, the bracing of the frame will also vary from model to model, and there will be some notes in the middle of the usable range that you wouldn't be able to use because they're blocked by the cross-braces. As for the attack time, that depends on string tension, the position of the ebow on the string, and so on. 6 seconds is probably average, but it could be more or less. IP: Logged |
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photonal Member |
posted 24 August 2006 06:30
I visited the Wasserspeicher yesterday (not so far from where I live) hoping to chat with the organisers but it was closed - the whole area is currently being renovated. However, perhaps the following contact might help: FÖRDERBAND Kulturinitiative e.V. (Non-Profit organisation) Andrew IP: Logged |
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