The problem is that you have to SCALE the distance between the keyboard's octaves to match the pitch of an octave on whatever synth you're using. To do that, you need something like the Q125. Then, you can TUNE the instrument, this way. Go to the 3rd video for more info.
If you have a voltage control on your Korg, you may be able to use that as your pitch source.
hi! i just have one question, is it necessary to use it with a Q125 signal processor? or can i use another simple synth (Korg karma)? maybe with a string sound? and can you tell me how? thank you
Hi, I guess you could do that, but wouldn't it just be easier to buy a couple of pulleys?? For the ring, I just cut a piece of pvc pipe, that I got a Lowe's. I tried several sizes in the store, until I found one that fit my finger....
Hi, i really enjoy this, i plan on making something like yours, but the problem i have had is how to create a ring. I plan on not using a pully system, just a single string. Would you recommend cutting pieces of a guitar slide, then face them the opposite way, weld them, and put the the string through the slide before putting the string on?
This is probably a really dumb sounding question but is this something pretty much anyone could build? I'm just starting to get into electronic music so I don't know a whole lot about how things work. I'd love to have one of these, it sounds great. Nice work!
Very nice work. I'm a French Connection owner and I bow down to your resourcefulness. Getting the 'button' controller (VCA) right and proper scaling for the 'ring' is hard work. Check out one of my videos for the subtlety of the 'button'.
Have you considered using a multi-turn potentiometer, to get rid of that swing arm? That's the one thing that bothers me about your project, it seems too kludged together with that arm. Not only that, but with a multi-turn pot, you could reduce the size by an order of magnitude.
You're on the right track. I wasn't aware that multi-turn pots existed at the time, but that was suggested to me, and it will be work out better. So, I've abandoned the arcing arm, and I'm going with the multi-turn. We are working on a spring-loaded volume control right now, and it's a bit tricky.
It's true that the size can be greatly reduced by not building the undercarriage part. However it does add some stability to the project, as it's designed to support a midi keyboard, and properly affix the fingerboard to match up with the midi keyboard, all for visual reference.
Wow great project Dana - utterly envious of your studio too. So it's only $100 spend which is impressive, but I doubt I could get the modulars to make that lovely ondes sound! It does sound very like an ondes too. I'll give you a theremin lesson next time we meet - it's actually not so hard if you get a chance to play on a decent instrument. Look forward to hearing/seeing the finished invention! The ondes-moog?
The nice thing about this combination, is that (unlike the real Martenot), I will be able to set up ANY sound I can create on the modular, and have the continuous controller play it. And it's all control voltage, and not merely acoustic, like the Martenot.
I don't know what to call this thing: the Martenoller? Martenizer? Marten-o-later??
The French Connection is great. I tried one, briefly at Analogue Haven in Pomona, a couple of years ago. I thought I could do this cheaper, and more to my liking. I'll have lots of control voltages out. -dc
Man, if I could add that to an existing keyboard controller, right in back, just like a French Connection - that would be amazing.
One thing that has always interested me in the instrument, and others like the Ondioline, is being able to induce natural hand vibrato, which I think sounds the most natural.
Of course, this is something I've come to love with the Pitch Stick on my Nord...but it's a whole different thing. Cheers!
The big space, behind the controller is for a midi keyboard to fit (my DX-7). Then, the depressions I will drill into the "fingerboard", will line up (more or less) with each note of the keyboard for visual reference. -dc
Hey!!! im not your friend..jk..by the way that sounds like alien music or something..lol
OoDarkVoicesoO 1 year ago
The problem is that you have to SCALE the distance between the keyboard's octaves to match the pitch of an octave on whatever synth you're using. To do that, you need something like the Q125. Then, you can TUNE the instrument, this way. Go to the 3rd video for more info.
If you have a voltage control on your Korg, you may be able to use that as your pitch source.
happymoogman 2 years ago
hi! i just have one question, is it necessary to use it with a Q125 signal processor? or can i use another simple synth (Korg karma)? maybe with a string sound? and can you tell me how? thank you
abbeyroadlondon 2 years ago
this is great!
Fingermush 2 years ago
Hi, I guess you could do that, but wouldn't it just be easier to buy a couple of pulleys?? For the ring, I just cut a piece of pvc pipe, that I got a Lowe's. I tried several sizes in the store, until I found one that fit my finger....
happymoogman 2 years ago
Hi, i really enjoy this, i plan on making something like yours, but the problem i have had is how to create a ring. I plan on not using a pully system, just a single string. Would you recommend cutting pieces of a guitar slide, then face them the opposite way, weld them, and put the the string through the slide before putting the string on?
TheYoungMinds 2 years ago
This is probably a really dumb sounding question but is this something pretty much anyone could build? I'm just starting to get into electronic music so I don't know a whole lot about how things work. I'd love to have one of these, it sounds great. Nice work!
MitchGettman 2 years ago
Yes, really ANYONE can make one, but you do need a few basic synth modules to have a setup like mine.....
Check out my 3rd video, in particular, where I go into more detail, and show the refinements I've made...
happymoogman 2 years ago
Ok thanks. I figured I'd probably need the modules to get it going. Thanks for the help though and I'll check out your other two videos.
MitchGettman 2 years ago
Nice.
Good looking modular too ...
victotronics 3 years ago
Very nice work. I'm a French Connection owner and I bow down to your resourcefulness. Getting the 'button' controller (VCA) right and proper scaling for the 'ring' is hard work. Check out one of my videos for the subtlety of the 'button'.
genxtargetmarket 3 years ago
Do you know where i can buy a French Connection or if there is a simple way to build one like his without the synth?
FreedomIsAJoke 3 years ago
This is awesome. Keep us updated on the progress. Can't wait to see the final product (and then convince you to make me one :).)
zyoung1982 3 years ago
Have you considered using a multi-turn potentiometer, to get rid of that swing arm? That's the one thing that bothers me about your project, it seems too kludged together with that arm. Not only that, but with a multi-turn pot, you could reduce the size by an order of magnitude.
How are you planning on doing the volume button?
I really want to build my own Ondes.
bb5196 3 years ago
Hi,
You're on the right track. I wasn't aware that multi-turn pots existed at the time, but that was suggested to me, and it will be work out better. So, I've abandoned the arcing arm, and I'm going with the multi-turn. We are working on a spring-loaded volume control right now, and it's a bit tricky.
happymoogman 3 years ago
It's true that the size can be greatly reduced by not building the undercarriage part. However it does add some stability to the project, as it's designed to support a midi keyboard, and properly affix the fingerboard to match up with the midi keyboard, all for visual reference.
Thanks --
happymoogman 3 years ago
Sounds like you could make some great unusual variation from the modular, more crunchy as well as smooth analogue sounds.
The Martenoller sounds good.
Or how about the Countryman Martenoller?
misshypnotique 3 years ago
Fantastic!
ScottStites 3 years ago
Man that's awesome! So simple and neat!
hardwaremister101 3 years ago
Wow great project Dana - utterly envious of your studio too. So it's only $100 spend which is impressive, but I doubt I could get the modulars to make that lovely ondes sound! It does sound very like an ondes too. I'll give you a theremin lesson next time we meet - it's actually not so hard if you get a chance to play on a decent instrument. Look forward to hearing/seeing the finished invention! The ondes-moog?
misshypnotique 3 years ago
Hi MH,
The nice thing about this combination, is that (unlike the real Martenot), I will be able to set up ANY sound I can create on the modular, and have the continuous controller play it. And it's all control voltage, and not merely acoustic, like the Martenot.
I don't know what to call this thing: the Martenoller? Martenizer? Marten-o-later??
-dc
happymoogman 3 years ago
Brilliant well done - i am currently saving for a french connection... your controller looks fantasticly simple - am keen to see how this develops.
ygoleu 3 years ago
The French Connection is great. I tried one, briefly at Analogue Haven in Pomona, a couple of years ago. I thought I could do this cheaper, and more to my liking. I'll have lots of control voltages out. -dc
happymoogman 3 years ago
Great job, Dana!
JohnLRice 3 years ago
Dana! I love it! I absolutely love it!
That's great! I WANT ONE!!!!
Man, if I could add that to an existing keyboard controller, right in back, just like a French Connection - that would be amazing.
One thing that has always interested me in the instrument, and others like the Ondioline, is being able to induce natural hand vibrato, which I think sounds the most natural.
Of course, this is something I've come to love with the Pitch Stick on my Nord...but it's a whole different thing. Cheers!
mootbooxle 3 years ago
Hey Moot,
The big space, behind the controller is for a midi keyboard to fit (my DX-7). Then, the depressions I will drill into the "fingerboard", will line up (more or less) with each note of the keyboard for visual reference. -dc
happymoogman 3 years ago
This is awesome, Dana!
FYI - I put up a post on this at Synthtopia.
Looking forward to the update.
ellewebb 3 years ago
Thanks! I'm continuing to work on, and improve this thing. I'll be using it on my current solo synth CD, to play MUSIC and not just weird sounds.
-dc
happymoogman 3 years ago
Amazing Dana! Keep posting updates. Love it!
thebranflakes 3 years ago
Love the studio mess Dana! Looks and sounds good and only a pot and a bit of string!
mee3d 3 years ago
Studio mess is what I do best!
Hey, that sort of rhymes!
-dc
happymoogman 3 years ago
Very cool -- thanks for the update!
tyhodson 3 years ago
Great project Dana !
Will you publish the blueprints on your site ?
yusynthman 3 years ago
Absolutely! I'm taking lots of photos, during the construction process. I'll post them, and the plans on a special web page, eventually.
Anyone is welcome to use my modifications of this instrument, which is out of patent now.
happymoogman 3 years ago
Fantastic!
Congratulations!
angelometz 3 years ago