De Vries Keyboard

I just got the latest issue of Music Notation News, put out by Tom Reed
and the Music Notation Modernization Association. Leo de Vries has an
article with pictures and diagrams of his VTSK (Variable Tone System
Keyboard) microtonal keyboard, which is reconfigurable for different
tunings (16 or 8 and 19-tet are illustrated). De Vries's keyboard
appears to be a variation of the generalized pattern with specially
shaped digitals and a novel mechanism to raise certain digitals in order
mark the octaves (very useful for keeping one's bearings when changing
tuning systems). He has also devised notations for various tunings which
correlate with the keyboard patterns.

De Vries also mentions a "Rotterdam Microtone Workshop" whose members
will finish the wiring and programming of the keyboard at end of
February, 1999. Perhaps Manuel knows something about this group.

Unfortunately, no further details are given about the workshop and as
far as I know, de Vries does not have a webpage or email. Too bad,
because his keyboard needs to be seen as well as heard.

Gjalt Wijmenga also has an article in this issue. He discusses various
keyboards including the von Janko, Siemen Terpstra, accordian, and
Bosanquet types, but appears to limit his interest to 12-tet.

--John

John Chalmers wrote:
> De Vries also mentions a "Rotterdam Microtone Workshop" whose members
> will finish the wiring and programming of the keyboard at end of
> February, 1999. Perhaps Manuel knows something about this group.

> Unfortunately, no further details are given about the workshop and as
> far as I know, de Vries does not have a webpage or email. Too bad,
> because his keyboard needs to be seen as well as heard.

The Rotterdam Microtonal group is an informal discussion group for
exchange of ideas. I know some of the members but haven't been to any of
their meetings.
Leo de Vries says he expects the wiring of the keyboard to be ready within
several months. It's ready for three quarter part now. He uses the STEIM
Sensorlab module. I asked if he'd mind if I gave his address and he said
he'd welcome any inquiries. It's

Leo de Vries
Merelhaven 321
2902 KE Capelle a/d IJssel
tel/fax: +31-104504138

Manuel Op de Coul coul@ezh.nl