C-Thru Axis 49 x2 - Fur Elise Main Theme

This is me playing the main theme of Fur Elise by Beethoven using my dual Axis 49 MIDI controller setup. The hexagonal note layout is known as the harmonic table, in my opinion it makes the relationship between notes a lot clearer than a traditional piano. I'm a big fan of the Axis MIDI controllers, I got my first Axis 49 about 6 months ago, and added the second one 3 months ago. As you will notice, I play the bass parts with my right hand and the treble parts with my left, but you can set these up to whatever makes you comfortable. If you are interested in learning more about the Axis 49, check out c-thru-music.com. The piano samples are from Steinberg Halion One, recorded using Cubase 5.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• C-Thru
• Axis49
• Axis64
• MIDI
• Harmonic
• Table
• Beethoven
• Fur
• Elise

[frogb0tter]

Did you learn this on piano first? I'm transitioning fur elise from piano to axis today- I'm surprised how fast it's going (literally taking only minutes). I think it's odd that you reversed the "roles" of the hands though, having the right hand play the lower octaves. Any particular reason? Left handed?

[joeshabadu2000]

@frogb0tter I don't play piano. I'm right handed, but the left hand feels more natural to me for the melody. I play guitar, maybe that has something to do with it. The Axis is a very natural instrument, if you have musical training on really anything it doesn't take long to pick up. Good luck on picking up the Axis, make sure you post a video when you get Fur Elise ready.

[felipescalador12]

what do you think is better 2 axis 49? or one 64?

[joeshabadu2000]

@felipescalador12 I guess I would say one 64, but I don't have a 64 so I can't confirm for sure. I started with one 49, and then decided to pick up another one later on, but I might recommend just starting with a 64 if you are going to be serious about learning and performing with the Axis. Good luck!

[LonelyWalker11]

is it velocity sensitive? Can you do dynamics on it?

[joeshabadu2000]

@LonelyWalker11 It is velocity sensitive. No aftertouch, though. You are saying my playing isn't dynamic enough for you? :)

[JLMoriart]

The point is that the piano layout lacks ergonomic consistency. It introduces load on the user (different fingerings in different keys for example) that is musically unrelated, and therefor makes it harder to play with no musical payoff. Instruments that are "Isomorphic" (same fingering-->every key) reduce that load on the user and reveal patterns allowing one to move past the ergonomics of the instrument sooner (like learning all your patterns 12 times on the piano) and onto musical expression.

[pokat29]

amazing kold heated



[mallets2012]

i have never seen an axis before....it looks awesome

[frogb0tter]

@0megaD I always thought that was clever. Everyone knows how to type to some extent- QWERTY keyboards make a brilliant controller imo (although they lack that "cool" factor of using a custom controller I'm afraid =P)

[0megaD]

Might be better for the hands than a piano, but a generic piano tends to consist of a lot more than just a bucket 'o chips. I'd like to see if an actual piano-ish instrument has ever been made using that key layout.

Looks and sounds nice though. At the moment I do not have any midi controllers whatsoever so I'm forced to use my 2 keyboards (which depending on how I set up the keys can basically have a similar layout)

[LonelyWalker11]

Thanks mate. i didnt mean to insult you, I just wasnt sure. You play this excellent.

[44eelz]

looks like accordion keys

[Palmheroes]

Play it in all 12 keys, and you'll blow everyone away)

Great demo!

[sukrat69]

I rather be an idiot instead to be a gay like you playing Rick Astley songs, not to say that none of your videos cannot reach 3 digits of views... hahaaha

BTW, I can express my opinions all that I want it, I can be worng but there is no needed to insult people out there... Asshole!

[Vipmaxp]

you are wrong

[Vipmaxp]

you are an idiot

[uk761]

Oh, thatt's useful!

I wanna try it too.

Thank you.

[joeshabadu2000]

One computer. Using Cubase (and most other DAW programs)  you can set them up to control the same instrument or two separate instruments, in this case they are both playing the same virtual piano. Thanks for looking.

[uk761]

Thank you for your posting.

Using two instruments is interesting.

Do you connect them to a single computer or two?

[sukrat69]

phrasing with the left hand and playing the base with the right hand??? looks for me like, at least the right hand, it's fake, he's just mimicking.... may be wrong though

[parasite34]

Nice video im thinking about getting another axis!

[geoffreyefloyd]

WOW! you should upload more of these!

[bjam2424]

what is the point of this?? if you want to play the piano buy a keyboard !!