Toward a generalized friction controller: from the bowed string to unusual musical instruments

We present case studies of unusual instruments that share the same excitation mechanism as that of the bowed string. The musical saw, Tibetan singing bow, glass harmonica, and bowed cymbal all produce sound by rubbing a hard object on the surface of the instrument. For each, we discuss the design of its physical model and present a means for expressively controlling it. Finally, we propose a new kind of generalized friction controller to be used in all these examples.

• Type: Conference
• Year: 2004
• Where: NIME
• Authors: Stefania Serafin, Diana Young
• Keywords: Excitation Mechanism, Generalized Friction Controller, NIME 2004, Tibetan Singing Bow