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From: dijk~orldaccess.nl
Date: Sun, 01 Sep 96 21:39:38 GMT
Subject: Antw: RE: MIDI Harmonica

Aan 1-09-96 21:22, in bericht
, Mike Curtis
schreef:

>
>
> Roland makes a pitch-to-MIDI converter that will probably work with single
> note harp. I haven't yet tried it, but it's on my list of "wants".
>
> For chorded harp, we'd probably need something along the lines of the
> guitar synths, where each string is processed separately. Of course, we'd
> need each hole separately. I think the action will work out to be
> different from "normal" harp, but that's true of anything of this sort.
>

> -- IronMan Mike Curtis
> New Cassette available - email for details
>
Mike, I think you didn't understand my idea of the MIDI harmonica and if you do, I
don't understand your reply.

The MIDI harmonica I have in mind, does not make any sound at all. There are no
reeds, no reedplates and the slide is only a switch (on & off). Each channel of the
chromatic harmonica has its own air pressure sensor. Al sensors do generate an
analog signal constantly. When you don't play a certain sensor, it will still be
generating a signal, but it will be a constant. When you blow or draw, the signal
changes. These changes are interpreted by the external interface. The interface
recognises which sensors are played and wether the slide is used yes or no.
The interface calculates the desired pitch and generates the MIDI data. This MIDI
data is send to a MIDI sound module. This sound module does generate the actual
pitch.
So, it depends on the programmed interface, which pitch will be generated with each
sensor and slide combination.
I want to program the interface, to be able to play in different tuning systems
with only one MIDI harmonica.
The programming of the interface is quit complicated but, you do only have to make
the program once. The data is in MIDI file format (using system exclusives), so you
can send the file to the interface by using a sequencer program on any computer!

It will be a great tool to learn more about tuning systems.

I hope this dream is realisable.

Wim Dijkgraaf
The Netherlands