Mechanical Music Digest  Archives
You Are Not Logged In Login/Get New Account
Please Log In. Accounts are free!
Logged In users are granted additional features including a more current version of the Archives and a simplified process for submitting articles.
Home Archives Calendar Gallery Store Links Info
MMD > Archives > October 2006 > 2006.10.14 > 04Prev  Next


MIDI-played Bagpipes
By Mike Knudsen

I haven't heard the MIDI bagpipes yet, but as odd as it seems, bagpipes
are an ideal instrument for a simple MIDI project.  There really isn't
any expression to worry about and the wind pressure is constant, unlike
a flute, recorder, or tuba.  Incidentally, there's a computer-controlled
robot tuba in Germany).

So all you really need are magnet-controlled pads to open the chanter
finger holes and some simple electronics logic (or firmware) to convert
single MIDI notes into fingerings.

I don't know why the MIDI-fied pipes don't do proper ornaments and
trills, except that whoever prepared the file just didn't edit these in.
It would  be really hard to make a MIDI system play mechanically and
evenly if the stored notes weren't that way to begin with.  So the
problem is with the "roll" editor, not the equipment, or so I would
guess.  Imagine a player piano that could take a hand-played roll coded
with expression, and make it sound mechanically even.  It would be
difficult to do!  Instead, you'd have to prepare such a roll on the
drafting table.

Disclaimer: I received my Ph.D. in Computer Science from CMU, so I know
the place.  I also built a MIDI interface into my Raffin 31er crank
organ, and I'm glad I chose such a simple instrument (organ) to
interface, and not something with more nuances.

Now to find the bagpipe website for a look and listen.

Mike Knudsen


(Message sent Sat 14 Oct 2006, 02:44:35 GMT, from time zone GMT-0400.)

Key Words in Subject:  Bagpipes, MIDI-played

Home    Archives    Calendar    Gallery    Store    Links    Info   


Enter text below to search the MMD Website with Google



CONTACT FORM: Click HERE to write to the editor, or to post a message about Mechanical Musical Instruments to the MMD

Unless otherwise noted, all opinions are those of the individual authors and may not represent those of the editors. Compilation copyright 1995-2024 by Jody Kravitz.

Please read our Republication Policy before copying information from or creating links to this web site.

Click HERE to contact the webmaster regarding problems with the website.

Please support publication of the MMD by donating online

Please Support Publication of the MMD with your Generous Donation

Pay via PayPal

No PayPal account required

                                     
Translate This Page