Re: plans/ schematic for a guitar/ instrument string sustaining device??

From: Sam Waterston (waterstons345tg_at_bam.net)
Date: 10/23/04 

Date: Sat, 23 Oct 2004 19:44:37 GMT

"ChrisGibboGibson" <chrisgibbogibson@aol.com> wrote in message
news:20041023141004.03855.00004612@mb-m19.aol.com...
> "Sam Waterston" wrote:
>
> >I'm trying to locate a schematic for a circuit that allows a sustained
> >resonance of guitar or instrument strings. There is already such a
device
> >called an Ebow, found here:
> >
> >http://www.ebow.com/ebow/brochure.htm
> >
> >However, this unit doesn't allow the oscillator to be varied, and I'd
like
> >to vary the string frequency this way.
> >
>
> Varying the frequency of the e-bow will not vary the frequency of the
string so
> the note will remain the same. The tonality will change though.
>
> You have to appreciate how the e-bow works. It is *not* a feedback device.
It's
> a very fast, very mild plucking device. It's more like *very* quickly
plucking
> the string with a *very* soft plectrum.
>
> It effectively, magnetically, gives the string a lil gentle thump at a
lowish
> frequency.
>
> The frequency of the e-bow is *very* carefully chosen. If it's too high it
> intermodulates with the strings' natural frequency and produces a
disgusting
> sounding mess.
>
> If it's too low it sounds like a bee strumming the string. I've changed
them
> and whatever you do they sound worse. They are more or less as perfect as
they
> can be as they are.
>
> >If anyone knows where I could locate a circuit schematic or plans for
either
> >the above device or something similar, please share it if you would.
> >
>
> I think you want more of a controlled feedback device. If that's the case,
this
> is how you do it. (I have a box of these somewhere from days gone by).
>
> Get a small relay with a round coil (cube automive relays work well) and
remove
> the coil. Connect it to a small guitar practice amp speaker output. You
need
> about 10 to 20 watts. Hold it near the strings just like an e-bow. Dead
simple.

Thanks for this suggestion! However, what am I using for the amp input- the
guitar or can I use a separate oscillator? What will be the effect on the
strings?

Sam

> Gibbo

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