In recent years we’ve seen a variety of new technologies that aim to offer a more expressive synth playing experience than you’d get with a traditional keyboard. From poly-aftertouch and MPE, to devices like Expressive-E’s Osmose and the multi-touch Morphé controllers found on Artura’s PolyBrutes – it’s fair to say expressivity is hot right now.
One avenue few designers have explored is the idea of ‘bowing’ a synth engine, in the manner you would stringed instruments like a violin or cello. DIY-minded Japanese musician Washiyama Giken has taken it upon themselves to address this with their homemade ‘Key-bowed’ instrument.
