Penta on the AXiS-49

This is an improv using mainly the pentatonic scale. The pentatonic scale falls in a tight block in the center of the layout making for some really fun runs and glissandi.

I'm using the "Axis Tweaker" application which converts my axis-49 into a jammer (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jammer_keyboard).

Ken Rushton (aka MusicScienceGuy), who wrote the Tweaker software, is a leader in making the playing of jammers possible:
http://musicscienceguy.typepad.com/blog/

More about the wicki/hayden note layout here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wicki-Hayden_note_layout

And more about the keyboard I'm using here:
http://www.c-thru-music.com/cgi/?page=home

Category:

Music

Tags:

• isomorphic
• thummer
• jammer
• music
• theory
• song
• piano
• keyboard
• improvise
• penta
• pentatonic
• John
• Moriarty
• Wicki
• Hayden
• note
• layout
• C-thru
• axis
• 49
• 64

[felipescalador]

interesting what kind of layout are you using in your axis?

[JLMoriart]

@felipescalador I'm using the Wicki-Hayden Layout, check the description box for a link if you like.

[adXok]

I think that the shape and the form of the keys do not allow as much expression as it would be with a more long and oval shaped keys.

[JLMoriart]

@adXok Do you have an axis? I find the shape of the keys doesn't affect expression much. Maybe ergonomics, but I've found the strictly hexagonal layout without skewing or space between keys works pretty well for any layout. The beveling helps too.

The actual hardware beneath an instrument's keys does affect expression a good deal and, though the key technology on the axis is solid and very cost efficient, you certainly don't get the same feel on an AXiS that you do on a fully *weighted* piano.

[discoxxlemonade]

beautiful song :)

[JLMoriart]

@discoxxlemonade =)

[notepool2]

@JLMoriart Although I'm not the maker of axis instruments, their key size, shape and bevelled edges are my original design. I agree with you about the feel. To get closer to the feel of a weighted piano, you would need separate key-mechanics and velocity sensing to start with. It's not possible to get that feel where the velocity switch doubles as the key-return spring. The functions have to be separate and specific, which is more costly to manufacture.

[discotechwreck]

that was beautiful

[wjcroft]

John, this is great, reminds me of George Winston.

[MusicScienceGuy]

This piece really grows on one. Nice touch & with a little work, it could really fly. Don't forget about it.

Ken.