Re: carillon

>>Don't mess with MIDI. Direct electric connection is better, unless
>>you've got a lot of money to spend.
>
>OK. So other than the cost, what is the disadvantage of using midi? I can
>think of several advantages --particularily the ability to compose with a
>software sequencer where compositions could played on a timer, or a
>compositon could provide a background for live improvisation with the
>carillon or other instruments.

None other than cost. Just be aware that if you want midi to control the
sound, you'll need to pay all kinds of attention to stuff like latency to
get it as responsive as a direct analog connection. Although it sounds
like you won't be using velocity or aftertouch, and with only two octaves
there should be enough note numbers to go around...

>>>I was planning to use old computer keyboard switches. Any thoughts on
>>>this type of switch?
>>
>>Don't use it.
>
>What type of switch would you use? I have tactile switches that have a
>very short throw, but they feel kind of stiff and unresponsive. This may
>not be the case once they get wide keycaps.

I don't know what types are available. There's a lot of variety in the
feel of computer keyboards... although I realize this may not be due
entirely to the type of switch. At least check a Jamco catalog, before
re-using keys from discarded keyboards as Denny was planning to do.

Carl