Quantizer

[JWBarlow at aol.com]

In a message dated 4/9/99 11:47:13 PM, tpaddock at seanet.com writes:

>I was thinking more of an alternative tuning scheme than 
>picking notes on the standard keyboard.
>Using some *eastern* type scaling, if that makes any sense.

The obvious (as well as expensive + labor intensive) idea is A/D to micro to 
D/A. Then write a whole bunch of different temperament tables for the micro 
and load the particular temperament via MIDI. This way you could quantize to 
chromatic, diatonic, pentatonic Western tempered systems. With enough bits 
(16?) you could also quantize to nonWestern (ie, micro tonal and unequally) 
tempered systems like: just intonation (with transposing ability), any number 
of "ethnic musics," and the strange temperaments of Harry Partch (48? tones 
per octave) and Ivor Darreg. I'm under the distinct impression that Paul S. 
is beginning to work on such a quantizing sequencer for MOTM.

>I really don't know what I'm talking about here,
>it's all just assumptions. But if there is an idiot
>proof scale, I want one.

And you ain't the only one! Anyways, how about a quantized (ie, idiot proof) 
theremin CV output? A sort of a Star Trek space harp?


In a message dated 4/9/99 3:33:18 PM, jlarryh at iquest.net writes:
>Guitar players know the pentatonic scales well.  It allows them to be
>somewhat musical in leads without really know where it is going. 

Hey Larry! With practice we guitar players can reduce that "somewhat musical" 
to practically zero!

Going to practice some more!
John B.