Eviola project

[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!

[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...

[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.

https://youtu.be/Y-NIRcrj3es

[Drew Stephenson]

Very impressive. What are you using for the actual sounds?

[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.

[Drew Stephenson]

Very interesting. Very interesting indeed.
[insert chin-stroking emoji]

[Martin Walker]

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

[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.

[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.







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.

[resistorman]

Wow, great

[Drew Stephenson]

Sounds like progress is being made.

[Martin Walker]

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

[BJG145]

Finally, some decent weather...and a proper demo, recorded yesterday via MIDI by the riverbank. (Flipping uncomfortable sitting on the branch.)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fDQtE2f6xUA?vq=hd1440

[BWC]

Nice!

[Martin Walker]

Agreed - bravo Ben!

[Drew Stephenson]

Good work

[ManFromGlass]