Eviola project

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Re: Eviola project

Post by ManFromGlass »

Very cool!
Right now it’s a wired connection? We’re you considering wireless?
An abnormally long bow would allow for less re-bowing and go beyond the traditional. The few times I’ve messed with cello I’ve never been able to coordinate bowing and fingering. Oh wait - that’s what practising is for!
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Re: Eviola project

Post by BJG145 »

It's wireless-ready, but I haven't tried it yet. (It has a rechargeable USB battery and MIDI DIN that I can use with my wireless MIDI kit.)

I've always been interested in trying an electric cello, but I think I'm happy just to work on this now. At least for now...
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Re: Eviola project

Post by BJG145 »

This morning I've been messing around using a Genki Wave MIDI ring to add vibrato to the Eviola. We recently sorted out a couple of bugs in the firmware (this is what was crashing MidiOx in my earlier post) and it's playing well. Now I need to put in some practice time and prepare a demo for Guthman 2023. Next video will be with tuxedo in a woodland glade. Or something. :D

https://youtu.be/Y-NIRcrj3es
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Re: Eviola project

Post by Drew Stephenson »

Very impressive. What are you using for the actual sounds?
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Re: Eviola project

Post by BJG145 »

Thanks! That's SWAM Violin.

https://audiomodeling.com/strings/solo- ... am-violin/

I've been a fan of Physical Modelling synthesis for years. SWAM are one of the best, alongside products like Modartt Pianoteq.

When you do it right, physical modelling delivers sample-like authenticity along with nuances of performance. An acoustic instrument like a violin has a ton of performance techniques that I'll never understand, but SWAM will get you closer than anything else.
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Re: Eviola project

Post by Drew Stephenson »

Very interesting. Very interesting indeed.
[insert chin-stroking emoji]
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Re: Eviola project

Post by Martin Walker »

BJG145 wrote: Sat Aug 13, 2022 1:49 pm This morning I've been messing around using a Genki Wave MIDI ring to add vibrato to the Eviola.

You may be interested in this video of the Nova Twins, who use a lot of MIDI ring techniques - they introduce it at this point:

https://youtu.be/Exot5ESgqR4?t=74

Martin
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Re: Eviola project

Post by BJG145 »

...ah, that's a Hot Hand, now discontinued.

The other option was the Enhancia Neova, also recently discontinued; Roland picked it up, and then dropped it. I think that leaves the Genki as the only current option. It's not perfect, but it's not bad.
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Re: Eviola project

Post by BJG145 »

I recently sent the Eviola back to Wales for an upgrade, asking John Dingley if he could replace the buttons with capacitive-touch sensors. As usual, he did a brilliant job of it, 3D-printing a replacement bow handle with new wiring and programming. He also added a fourth touch sensor on top of the bow which I'm using to control vibrato.

Image

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I've been practising The Swan by Saint-Saëns. Still need to work on this some more, but it's getting there. Here's this morning's practice.

The Swan - Eviola (Soundcloud)

I'm lucky that he still makes time to work on experimental projects like this. A few years ago I picked up one of his early prototypes for a MIDI hurdy-gurdy, and this has since developed into a flourishing business.

Image

Image
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Re: Eviola project

Post by resistorman »

Wow, great :clap:
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Re: Eviola project

Post by Drew Stephenson »

Sounds like progress is being made. :thumbup:
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Re: Eviola project

Post by Martin Walker »

Indeed, and you're lucky to be able to get one-off upgrades! :thumbup:
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