Thanks Cazaq. I am writing "Ondes Martenot MIDI controller project: Part 3" on my blog. In this article, I will show the code and the schematic. After that, I will translate important things. I hope these will help you. Please wait for a moment.
Really really gorgeous performance. You should separate it out so I can listen to it on repeat easily! Probably my favorite DIY thing I've seen in a long time. Excellent construction, really inspiring result!
I have a steel guitar I made with the e-bow tech built in and from the beginning I have put a short motion variable volume control at the end of the bar that that makes an elegant one handed affair, either hand. That pressure sensor hopefully can be wired to the end of a short rubber tube which is the "ring", bending your fingertip to express! Now your other hand is free to play on another keyboard. Half as much hemispherical computation to do.
Depends on the MIDI pitch bend range of the moog synthesizer you mentioned. +-24 MIDI pitch bend range must be needed for 4 octave control. If the pitch bend range is +-12, you can control only 2 octaves. Please check about it.
Amazing! I've been trying to figure out how make a midi controller that would have the sliding note ability of the Martenot. The pitchbend idea is brilliant! Thank you for the plans!
awesome, this is the best one i've seen yet,... i've made one but it didn't really come out as good but this seems to work well i had thought of using an fsr but thought it wouldn't be as accurate, you've demonstrated it can be
Just to jump in, if you have a patchable synthesizer, such as Thor in Reason, you could extend it beyond 4 octaves. I've just put together a patch that lets you use a 10 octave range on the pitch bender. Excessive, I know, but it could be useful. It all depends on how the synth's patching system works though.
Thanks for your watching. The answers are 1: MIDI Pitchbend range is not 0 to 127. It has -8192 to 8191. Total range is 16383.... And multi turn pot gives the number 0-1024. Therefore my ondes martenot has 256 resolution for each 1 octave. That is not bad for smooth glissando. 2: It costs about 150$ :-)
Awesome for sure! Hey, I have a suggestion for a better way to give the user more control over the vibrato sensitivity, which will allow even more realism to this great instrument. Although there are many ways this can be done, I will describe one that is easy to visualize from text, but you could hack a laser mouse to do the same thing if you hacked the driver code. I will describe a more old school approach though. A major advantage will be to allow the player to do vibrato by wiggling the finger perpendicular to the string, more like how it's done on fretted instruments. It's actually an easier vibrato method to master. Unfortunately I am not aware of how you have your multi-turn potentiometer in this circuit, but if the output resistance is being converted to, or controlling digital, I am assuming you could write code to make the vibrato more or less sensitive based on the rate of changes the string makes. Either way, here is a possible approach for adding another simple control sensor that could be used to change pitch, volume, or both. MORE ACCURATE VIBRATO SENSING- SInce I have built many guitar effects and have repaired lots of organs ( I play both) the idea came to me that you could use a simple LDR circuit to vary vibrato by simply taking a piece of the stiff grey 'mica like' spacer cardboard like what you find in all types of electronics to protect shorting etc ( I'll call it 'greyboard')... DYI BEGIN...just a start, you can go on this and add to it: -So cut square piece of this greyboard about 30 mm and pass the string through two 10 mm slits which are 5 mm from center ( and so 10 mm from one another). Next pass the string through one slit and back down into the other slit so that the cardboard is flat against the string. The string should have no resistance by the cardboard pinching it, but enough to move the cardboard with the string as the string moves FWD,REV, and PERP. (DO NOT PASS STRING THROUGH ANYTHING YET, test ok) - Next, using the same grey cardboard make a small shallow 'fort like' square perimeter [ a topless/bottomless box] that is just slightly ( maybe 5 mm) larger than the square. Now label sides of box F,B,L,R (front,back,left,right). - Next, on two sides- L and R, cut a 15 mm slit horizontally from center. The width of the slit should allow string to pass through freely with plenty of space above & below the string. - Next, get a piece of thin black felt and that is enough to cover the L & R both inside and out ( so 4 pieces of felt). With light glue adhere the felt over the two L & R slits,* *BUT FIRST* lay felt on hard surface and with a sharp utility knife or razor cut a slit into the felt that is the same 15 mm length as the L & R slits. NOW you can line up the slits in the felt to the slits on the L & R slits ( felt inside & out) [ the felt will keep outside light from getting into the box, but will all string to pass freely]. Next, place the thin piece of greyboard in the inner perimeter of the 'topless/bottomless box'. Now thread the string through L slit into the two slits on the square piece as described at the beginning, and finally out of the R slit. The LDR arrangement- Essentially the freely moving square will act like a shutter which as it moves will change the level of light passing from one side to the other side which has the photo resistor. Since a guitar or violin is more apt to have a 'tighter vibrato' the higher up the neck (toward the bridge) you go, then you SHOULD place this LDR system on the HIGH SIDE of the keyboard this will have the same effect. As far as analog to digital LDR circuits, that's fairly easy to deal with. I am simply providing a way to do the 'hardware' of the device. You can look at how the Morley foot pedals use these shutter arrangements. The Gulbransen Organs of the late fifties and early 60's used this system as well. In fact if you wipe the dust off of the light bulbs you can increase the volume of these organs:) In the case of the Morley Wah, Volume, etc. pedals, if the red indicator light is off the pedal won't operate. I used to get them for a steal in this condition. Good luck and of course in 20 minutes I'll have thought of an even easier way to do it. The key is to get the brain thinking:)
Would you consider putting English instructions on your blog? I would really appreciate it. I am looking to build this myself but am not experienced enough to make my own plan - yours looks/sounds best compared to other projects!!
I am building this instrument off the plans you provided off your website. The musical group I am in is doing some arrangements off the score from the movie "There Will be Blood". It was written by Radiohead's Jonny Greenwood, who plays the Ondes Martenot. Any suggestions or help you could give me would be much appreciated. I am super excited!
Dear Misushi Abe, this is fantastic! :) I'm eager to see these schematics as well. Could you just answer 2 questions: 1. how do you translate this 'infinite" glissando to midi (0-127)?? or can you only control a self-oscillating filter? 2. How expensive are the parts to make this? Thank you for your time!
The digital ondes martenot made by Louis Martenot (model 8) had around 8000 values for 6 octaves (which is 1333 values for an octave). Your glissandos sound very smooth, although 'only' 256 values for on octave (which is 5 times less precise). Are you sure no additional adc's with higher resolution are involved in your project? : )
small request :) Could you maybe upload a movie showing this controller with soniccouture's "Ondes" library, this gives the perfect sound of a sampled ondes martenot
I've been dreaming of playing an ondes martenot or a french connection but they're near impossible to get in my country (philippines) and too expensive. I'm heading to Tokyo this December and I would be so glad if I could order one from you. :)
Could you explain how you programmed the Ondes Martenot patch on your VST? The image on your blog is poor quality and I can't see exactly whats going on. Thx!!
hello, you could share me a circuit diagram? I can not understand the pages you wrote in the description, please. What are the components I need? Please.
One of my dreams is play an ondes martenot, and it can be possible thanks to you... just a little question Is it a preset from MonoPoly?? or you created that one?? Can you please share it with us??
Hi.... Totally in love with the controller u did.... i went to see the details on your website but out of some draw... it's a fact, i don't really understand as i'm not familiarized with japanese... I'm really, really .. really interested in building the same controller. do you think there would be a way for you to send me de schematics of your realization and/or programming in details? best to you and once again: bravo :)
Could you translate the info pages into english ? Google translate does not really do a great jub at translating japanese to english , so I only understand about half of what you wrote. Also , would it be possible for you to upload the arduino code you used? I've been wanting to build an Ondes du Martenot controller for years , but I'm not very good with arduino yet.
thank you! Last question: do you think it's possible to control a moog analog synth with midi this way? It would be nice to control the pitch using this ring-controller. Unfortunately there's no "pitch" knob on the synth, the "fine tunings-knob can alter the pitch but it's range is limited as there is an octave switch to set bigger intervals..I understand you use a self oscillating filter but I would like to use this controller as a replacement of the piano keyboard for all sounds :) possible?
Stay analog! I have an ARP and will wire in a 10 turn pot and be able to dial it to perfection. It's just making a good board for the cable and pulleys.
What computer are you using? If it's the apple iBook is it good? I'm thinking about getting one since i'm on a budget for good music production laptops.
+Christien Ayers I used old MacbookPro for this filming, and software synthesizer was Korg Mono/Poly(www.korg.com/us/products/software/korg_legacy_collection/page_3.php). Maybe you can use iBook, but please check compatibility your OS and CPU with the synth in advance.
You, sir, are a genius! Thank you
Thanks Cazaq. I am writing "Ondes Martenot MIDI controller project: Part 3" on my blog. In this article, I will show the code and the schematic. After that, I will translate important things. I hope these will help you. Please wait for a moment.
Great "Blade Runner" cover. Fantastic job on making a MIDI version of this amazing electronic instrument
素晴らしすぎます。
You people amaze me. Still there can be hope on earth!
Ok , thank you very much for your kindness in sharing all of this information.
That's fucking insane, man. Best Ondes Martenot recreation I've seen so far. Can't wait to build mine!
i'm following your project, thanks.
Really really gorgeous performance. You should separate it out so I can listen to it on repeat easily! Probably my favorite DIY thing I've seen in a long time. Excellent construction, really inspiring result!
I have a steel guitar I made with the e-bow tech built in and from the beginning I have put a short motion variable volume control at the end of the bar that that makes an elegant one handed affair, either hand. That pressure sensor hopefully can be wired to the end of a short rubber tube which is the "ring", bending your fingertip to express! Now your other hand is free to play on another keyboard. Half as much hemispherical computation to do.
Depends on the MIDI pitch bend range of the moog synthesizer you mentioned. +-24 MIDI pitch bend range must be needed for 4 octave control. If the pitch bend range is +-12, you can control only 2 octaves. Please check about it.
Amazing! I've been trying to figure out how make a midi controller that would have the sliding note ability of the Martenot. The pitchbend idea is brilliant!
Thank you for the plans!
This is BRILLIANT! BRAVO!!
thanks!!!
Great rendition of "The swan", by Saint-Saens!
Bravo, la musicalité.
This is a really well made instrument! Great work! First time seeing this video, just now. You play very expressively.
awesome, this is the best one i've seen yet,... i've made one but it didn't really come out as good but this seems to work well
i had thought of using an fsr but thought it wouldn't be as accurate, you've demonstrated it can be
Great work, man! :)
Just to jump in, if you have a patchable synthesizer, such as Thor in Reason, you could extend it beyond 4 octaves. I've just put together a patch that lets you use a 10 octave range on the pitch bender. Excessive, I know, but it could be useful. It all depends on how the synth's patching system works though.
Thanks for this Mark!
Thanks for your watching.
The answers are 1: MIDI Pitchbend range is not 0 to 127. It has -8192 to 8191. Total range is 16383.... And multi turn pot gives the number 0-1024. Therefore my ondes martenot has 256 resolution for each 1 octave. That is not bad for smooth glissando. 2: It costs about 150$ :-)
This is just perfect
Please make these available for sale! Oh please!! :D
It's the closest I've ever seen anything get so close to the real deal.
Thanks Libelle156!
Awesome for sure! Hey, I have a suggestion for a better way to give the user more control over the vibrato sensitivity, which will allow even more realism to this great instrument. Although there are many ways this can be done, I will describe one that is easy to visualize from text, but you could hack a laser mouse to do the same thing if you hacked the driver code. I will describe a more old school approach though. A major advantage will be to allow the player to do vibrato by wiggling the finger perpendicular to the string, more like how it's done on fretted instruments. It's actually an easier vibrato method to master. Unfortunately I am not aware of how you have your multi-turn potentiometer in this circuit, but if the output resistance is being converted to, or controlling digital, I am assuming you could write code to make the vibrato more or less sensitive based on the rate of changes the string makes. Either way, here is a possible approach for adding another simple control sensor that could be used to change pitch, volume, or both.
MORE ACCURATE VIBRATO SENSING-
SInce I have built many guitar effects and have repaired lots of organs ( I play both) the idea came to me that you could use a simple LDR circuit to vary vibrato by simply taking a piece of the stiff grey 'mica like' spacer cardboard like what you find in all types of electronics to protect shorting etc ( I'll call it 'greyboard')...
DYI BEGIN...just a start, you can go on this and add to it:
-So cut square piece of this greyboard about 30 mm and pass the string through two 10 mm slits which are 5 mm from center ( and so 10 mm from one another). Next pass the string through one slit and back down into the other slit so that the cardboard is flat against the string. The string should have no resistance by the cardboard pinching it, but enough to move the cardboard with the string as the string moves FWD,REV, and PERP. (DO NOT PASS STRING THROUGH ANYTHING YET, test ok)
- Next, using the same grey cardboard make a small shallow 'fort like' square perimeter [ a topless/bottomless box] that is just slightly ( maybe 5 mm) larger than the square. Now label sides of box F,B,L,R (front,back,left,right).
- Next, on two sides- L and R, cut a 15 mm slit horizontally from center. The width of the slit should allow string to pass through freely with plenty of space above & below the string.
- Next, get a piece of thin black felt and that is enough to cover the L & R both inside and out ( so 4 pieces of felt). With light glue adhere the felt over the two L & R slits,* *BUT FIRST* lay felt on hard surface and with a sharp utility knife or razor cut a slit into the felt that is the same 15 mm length as the L & R slits. NOW you can line up the slits in the felt to the slits on the L & R slits ( felt inside & out)
[ the felt will keep outside light from getting into the box, but will all string to pass freely].
Next, place the thin piece of greyboard in the inner perimeter of the 'topless/bottomless box'. Now thread the string through L slit into the two slits on the square piece as described at the beginning, and finally out of the R slit.
The LDR arrangement- Essentially the freely moving square will act like a shutter which as it moves will change the level of light passing from one side to the other side which has the photo resistor. Since a guitar or violin is more apt to have a 'tighter vibrato' the higher up the neck (toward the bridge) you go, then you SHOULD place this LDR system on the HIGH SIDE of the keyboard this will have the same effect.
As far as analog to digital LDR circuits, that's fairly easy to deal with. I am simply providing a way to do the 'hardware' of the device. You can look at how the Morley foot pedals use these shutter arrangements. The Gulbransen Organs of the late fifties and early 60's used this system as well. In fact if you wipe the dust off of the light bulbs you can increase the volume of these organs:) In the case of the Morley Wah, Volume, etc. pedals, if the red indicator light is off the pedal won't operate.
I used to get them for a steal in this condition.
Good luck and of course in 20 minutes I'll have thought of an even easier way to do it. The key is to get the brain thinking:)
Would you consider putting English instructions on your blog? I would really appreciate it. I am looking to build this myself but am not experienced enough to make my own plan - yours looks/sounds best compared to other projects!!
Thanks!
WOW!!!!!!!!
you inspire me!! :DD
Well done, this sounds fantastic. I'd almost buy one of these from you...
This is kinda like an Etherwave Theremin that you touch but with more than one synth sound.
Sorry for late reply. I created some voices like ondes martenot. Its not secret :-)and I will share the captured data soon.
you're a fucking genius!
Thanks Gialli!
I am building this instrument off the plans you provided off your website. The musical group I am in is doing some arrangements off the score from the movie "There Will be Blood". It was written by Radiohead's Jonny Greenwood, who plays the Ondes Martenot. Any suggestions or help you could give me would be much appreciated. I am super excited!
Some manly tears were shed
Thanks for that! manly...:-)
Dear Misushi Abe,
this is fantastic! :) I'm eager to see these schematics as well. Could you just answer 2 questions: 1. how do you translate this 'infinite" glissando to midi (0-127)?? or can you only control a self-oscillating filter? 2. How expensive are the parts to make this? Thank you for your time!
The digital ondes martenot made by Louis Martenot (model 8) had around 8000 values for 6 octaves (which is 1333 values for an octave). Your glissandos sound very smooth, although 'only' 256 values for on octave (which is 5 times less precise). Are you sure no additional adc's with higher resolution are involved in your project? : )
good！是非売って下さい。
Thanks tttsss!
small request :) Could you maybe upload a movie showing this controller with soniccouture's "Ondes" library, this gives the perfect sound of a sampled ondes martenot
I've been dreaming of playing an ondes martenot or a french connection but they're near impossible to get in my country (philippines) and too expensive. I'm heading to Tokyo this December and I would be so glad if I could order one from you. :)
I need this....
Do you happen to have updated schematics on this project? I would love to try and build this, a forever dream of mine.
epic
Hi, how can I get the scheme, I adore Martenot and I would like to build me one, Thanks
What would it cost if i asked you to make a midi controller like that for me?
I wish you can buy an Ondes style midi controller
If anyone is looking to make this, i'd suggest using a softpot instead of a pulley system. String slippage is a real problem.
I'm thinking of of building mine. did you find a solution to the slipping problem? maybe a rubber band rolled around each pulley?
Could you explain how you programmed the Ondes Martenot patch on your VST? The image on your blog is poor quality and I can't see exactly whats going on. Thx!!
hello, you could share me a circuit diagram? I can not understand the pages you wrote in the description, please.
What are the components I need?
Please.
One of my dreams is play an ondes martenot, and it can be possible thanks to you... just a little question
Is it a preset from MonoPoly?? or you created that one??
Can you please share it with us??
Hi.... Totally in love with the controller u did.... i went to see the details on your website but out of some draw... it's a fact, i don't really understand as i'm not familiarized with japanese...
I'm really, really .. really interested in building the same controller. do you think there would be a way for you to send me de schematics of your realization and/or programming in details?
best to you and once again: bravo :)
Do you think you can share the schematic of your project with me?. Thanks in advance
Could you translate the info pages into english ? Google translate does not really do a great jub at translating japanese to english , so I only understand about half of what you wrote. Also , would it be possible for you to upload the arduino code you used? I've been wanting to build an Ondes du Martenot controller for years , but I'm not very good with arduino yet.
Does the pulley size matter in this project? Is it part of your calculations?
DIY guide?
thank you! Last question: do you think it's possible to control a moog analog synth with midi this way? It would be nice to control the pitch using this ring-controller. Unfortunately there's no "pitch" knob on the synth, the "fine tunings-knob can alter the pitch but it's range is limited as there is an octave switch to set bigger intervals..I understand you use a self oscillating filter but I would like to use this controller as a replacement of the piano keyboard for all sounds :) possible?
Stay analog! I have an ARP and will wire in a 10 turn pot and be able to dial it to perfection. It's just making a good board for the cable and pulleys.
What computer are you using? If it's the apple iBook is it good? I'm thinking about getting one since i'm on a budget for good music production laptops.
+Christien Ayers I used old MacbookPro for this filming, and software synthesizer was Korg Mono/Poly(www.korg.com/us/products/software/korg_legacy_collection/page_3.php). Maybe you can use iBook, but please check compatibility your OS and CPU with the synth in advance.
If this isn't steampunk af then I don't know what is.
blade runner!!!!!!!!!!
:-)
Shut up and take my money now.