Microtonal Keyboard: was Re: [tuning] Re: Comparing Microzone and Scalatron

In a message dated 10/19/02 2:52:01 AM Eastern Daylight Time,
fndsnd@rcnchicago.com writes:

> Could let more of the "cat out of the bag" (I can only see it's head
> poking out) Is there a website, phone number, or any other information?

You are at the epicenter of further information right now.

> What is the availability of these "kittens"? Are they going to be made
> on a "Production Line" or are they custom built?
>

There will be a prototype and several others made for the full grant. Orders
for the next 10 will be filled by the builders. After that, they will be
made to order (or stock) by a third party. I wanted it well underway before
announcing it. It should be available by summertime.

> Could your give a link to a reference for the keyboard layout (I am not
> familiar with Sieman Terpstra)?

Siem does not have a web site and lives in Amsterdam in Nederland. He has
written for 1/1 and other tuning oriented periodicals.

I would be interested in knowing if this >
> is a "generalized" keyboard?

Yes.

Is there a plan to release a version with > more than 5 octaves?
>

It would be diminishing returns: it would be physically too large, harder to
transport, harder to move around, and even with an arc, it would destroy the
symmetry offered by Siem's design. Besides, you could use a macro (even a
pedal) to switch everything an octave lower or higher.

> Do you know what the starting price is going to be?

I hope the starting price will be under $2,000 US.

Also, is it >
> something that will just be a MIDI controller, or will it have its own
> synth?

It will not have its own synth. Any synth compatible with SCALA will work.
Also, you won't need a synth because it can be plugged directly into the
computer and work with SCALA in that manner (though the choice of timbres is
more limited).

>
> Thanks,
>
> Mike

You most welcome. Johnny Reinhard

p.s. Thanks Carl!