Subject:Playing synthesizer strings

Posted by: VMP

Date:11/24/2006 7:28:31 PM

Hi, beside Acid pro 6 I have a Yamaha Motiv 6 synthesizer.
I especially bought that model for its Strings.

But I can't really seem to play the strings very wel, especially the transitions between the notes dosent really sound natural and smooth.

What I do to solve this problem is to use the volume and eq envelopes to tweak the tones so that there are variations between the notes.

But I still think it can be better.
I can't seem to find any tutorial or books on playing strings with synthesizer.

Listen to the link below for example those are indeed real strings
but then you know what I am talking about.
Listen to the 'high' string after 00:09 how smooth the transitions are between the notes.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/music/wma-pop-up/B000002OXG001024/ref=mu_sam_wma_001_024/105-0798566-2806068


I think it is possible to play similarly as the example with my synth.
Atleast the transition between the notes

Thanks for any reply,
V

Subject:RE: Playing synthesizer strings

Reply by: VMP

Date:11/25/2006 3:50:10 PM

Anyone?

Subject:RE: Playing synthesizer strings

Reply by: JohnnyRoy

Date:11/25/2006 9:01:55 PM

I would use a sustain pedal to hold the notes while you reposition your fingers and then release it right after you play the next note. This should give you more continuity between notes. A lot of the expression comes from changes in dynamics which can be achieved with a MIDI volume pedal used at the same time.

~jr

Subject:RE: Playing synthesizer strings

Reply by: VMP

Date:11/26/2006 6:45:29 AM

Hi JohnyRoy,

I have found some pedals here

http://www.yamahasynth.com/products/motif/options.html

Do they have the same function as the 2 wheels whitch control the pitch etc?

V

Subject:RE: Playing synthesizer strings

Reply by: JohnnyRoy

Date:11/26/2006 1:51:35 PM

> I have found some pedals here

The FC4 & FC5 are both sustain pedals that I was talking about. I prefer the FC4 because it has a more tactical feel like a real piano damper pedal. I have also used the FC5 on synthesizers and it gets the job done but it feels strange to me. The FC7 and FC9 are volume (expression) pedals. You only need the FC7 but the FC9 looks like it will also control the volume of other analog devices via attenuation.

I would get the FC4 and FC7 and I think you'll see a big difference in your playing once you get use to using them. I started on piano and using a damper pedal is quite natural to me now. I don't know how long it will take you to get use to it but I would practice on a piano setting at first to get use to the subtle movement that is required to blend notes seamlessly. Then move on to strings.

> Do they have the same function as the 2 wheels whitch control the pitch etc?

Yes, these are all controller functions. The wheels and the volume pedal are "continuous" controllers while the sustain is just an on/off switch controller.

~jr

Subject:RE: Playing synthesizer strings

Reply by: VMP

Date:11/26/2006 3:23:57 PM

Thanks JohnnyRoy.
V