electronics for a diy ribbon controller

[Puentstein at aol.com]

In a message dated 98-02-25 13:37:07 EST, clark at andrews.edu writes:

<<   Incidentally I built a joystick controller utilizing strain gages.  
 Took four pairs to get x and y, but it worked like a charm!  Since it was 
 built out of a solid aluminum bar, the joystick didn't move at all and 
 could take quite a bit of abuse.  Perfect for those "power" gamers who 
 trash Sega controllers.  :) >>

Or for "power" ribbon playing!    <g>
This is just the thing I hope to build eventually- a "touchplate" ribbon (But,
having to start somewhere, I'm experimenting with the tape type).
Thanks to all for the excellent ideas (some are over my head but enlightening
nonetheless)! 
 Randy