Kickstarter

Thanks to everyone who's supported this project so far... amazing! 

You've given me the energy to take a few hours and noodle around, in order to demonstrate how expressive the oneString can be. It's really turning out to be a VERY expressive and intuitive instrument.

The video has been placed on the main kickstarter page (replacing the old demo) and can also be found here: http://youtu.be/1mFMLxMdEss

Some more info about this video:

The setup is using various free VSTs (software synths) with default settings in a free stand-alone host called "Savihost" by Hermann Seib. There are no extra effects or tracks. The oneString and one software synth is generating all sound. 

I bought a new cheap camera (Creative Vado HD) as it has an audio input. I now realize that the Vado is auto leveling the audio, which is why you hear static swells in between notes, and very little variation in volume. There's actually quite a bit of volume range generated from the pressure sensor that the camera is killing. Regardless! -- you still get the idea!

I'm VERY excited to see some REAL musicians get there hands on this thing!

You'll also notice a set of dots along the length of the controller, which I'm using like pearls on a guitar neck to stay oriented. They've been very helpful to me, but are a matter of taste and style. Another musician who tested the controller suggested that I let users design marking strips from a template, and upload them to share. With this in mind, the first kits will go out with instructions on how to generate a useful pattern, so each user can make it their own. I'd love to get some feedback on this! This is really part of what takes this device out of the "Theremin" realm and into being a real useful instrument for the rest of us.

Any feedback on the design or video would be great (save dissing my lack of timing!). I'm VERY excited to see this get out to the world!

The prototype PCBs are back from the manufacturer and running smooth!

I will be making 2 minor changes to design to make it even easier to build, but as you can see; this is a VERY minimal circuit! The changes will be a for a new type of smaller sensor connector that will actually sit under the circuit board allowing for a much smoother mount. Also, one capacitor will be moved for a nicer fit. It looks like this one will be easier to build than the Bliptronome kit!

I've also been coding away, and have determined the modes that can be selected:

Retrigger Modes (4) :1 Octave Range, 2 Octave Range, 4 Octave Range, and a Full MIDI range Mode

     Each position mode creates a new note message governed by pressure for volume. The octave-range bass note can be tuned by the knob on the fly

Pitch Bend Modes (4) :1 Octave Range, 2 Octave Range, 4 Octave Range, and a Full MIDI range Mode

     Each position bends the pitch from the initial attack and is governed by pressure for volume. The octave-range bass note can also be tuned in this mode.

One Hand Mode (4) : 2 Octave Retrigger Mode, 4 Octave Retrigger Mode, 2 Octave Pitch Bend Mode, 4 Octave Pitch Bend Mode

     Each note is retriggered or bent from initial contact at full midi volume (127). This allows the Pressure Sensor to be mapped as a Modulation controller for other effects.

MIDI CC Mode (2) : Both sensors and the tuning knob are mapped to Midi Continuous Controllers allowing 3 variable of your choosing to be controlled at once. Think of this as a long skinny Chaos Pad with an extra knob.

Modes To Come (2) : The last modes will be dictated by high-donating Kickstart members as a support reward. Perhaps someone wants a modulation mode built in, or a midi arpeggiator with speed controlled by the tuning knob? Who knows! 

--Now that I have a truly portable fully functional instrument, it's time to explore the potential and tweak the code. I'd love some comments and feedback from supporters on the above settings. Look for some more video in the coming week.

Just a note to say that the first set of prototype PCBs have been ordered from the manufacturer. I should see them within 2 weeks and begin final testing on the build as well as being able to start creating the build instructions.

As you can see from the file above, there are only 2 major components and nothing is surface mounted. That means an easy kit for even a beginner builder. The final size of the PCB will be a bit smaller than 2.5" x 2". Though the prototype boards won't be that pretty green color... you'll see pictures of a fully built unit very soon!

Thanks again for all of the support! You've inspired me to put on the working gloves and roll at a faster pace!

The first video is a sample of 2 of the 16 audio modes, and some other features of the design. Though this is working from a "breadboard" circuit, the final design is nearly complete. It will live on a 2.5" pcb (printed circuit board) mounted directly on the instrument, or in a custom case as the builder sees fit.

The circuit is Arduino based, and can be updated via the usb cable as new open-source firmware is released. Different size sensor pads can be substituted with no change to the firmware or PCB. As an alternative, a pressure strip can replace the round pressure pad, making the ribbon pressure sensitive along its length.

Here's a link to the same video on youtube for folks to link:

http://youtu.be/KaMZBtpqijM