SynthAxe: Difference between revisions

The SynthAxe is a guitar-like synthesizer controller, mainly invented by Bill Aitken, and introduced to the market in the mid 80s. This means that it is shaped like and can be played by guitarists. However, it produces no sound of its own. All input is transferred electronically to its MIDI output, which is then sent to an external synthesizer sound module. While it shares some traits with a guitar, it also differs from a guitar in many respects. The SynthAxe features two sets of strings. The right hand set of strings is used to control note attack exclusively, much like a piano keyboard. The left hand strings cover the neck. The neck has an electronic circuitry which detects when a string is fretted. The neck strings can be set to trigger the sound by themselves, facilitating legato and tapping techniques. In addition, the body of the instrument featured keypads which worked very much like a synthesizer keyboard, except the pitch was determined by the left hand position. There were pads covering single and multiple strings. Allan favored these keypads, as the allowed him to play block chords, and to control dynamics after the initial attack. In addition, Allan purchased a breath controller, which allowed him to control dynamics by breath, finally fulfilling his dream of playing a wind instrument.