I just discovered this interesting video (awesome in fact)
and in addition the guy has a good groove !!! 
Code :
https://github.com/deanm1278/Arduino-ribbon-synth
Schematic :
Build progress :
Video explanation :
6 Likes
As Hannibal was often saying, " I love it when a plan comes together!"
It really plays well.
I’ve been put off building one of these because the soft pots are just too expensive for what they are. But that said, building something like this with better parts (not sparky boards and bits of drum machine) might prove to be a better instrument. Adding a comb or ridge to bow might be fun. (Note: add bow to growing list of odd stuff to put through my synth)
I’ve been planning to make a new double neck guitar for ages but never could decide what two necks I want. A ribbon neck might solve this.
I do like the wee midi usb hack!
2 Likes
The softpot pricing is painful, but they work well and should stand up to use better than e.g. VHS tape. In the absence of any really good substitute, sometimes you just have to pay out or go home.
Kind of like Befaco Knurlies, IMHO.
5 Likes
You’re absolutely right @analogoutput!
I guess I’ll have to buy some now.
“Sorry kids, no Santa this year. Rich persuaded me to buy some ribbon controllers.”
Cheers.
Though the quest for a DIY alternative will continue.
5 Likes
Just buy a couple of cs80s and rip out the ribbon controllers from there.
4 Likes
Effectively the softpot’s price is horrible !
for that i searched an alternative when I wanted to build a diy ribbon.
the velostat (very cheap) it turned out to work, but over time (especially the heat) I had some problem because of its small thickness.
I don’t know if it exists in thicker
I finish my new case and I will look at it again.
my 1rst test to improve it didn’t work very well for now
I’ll let you know
3 Likes
Not ribbon but excellent too
his Servo Bender !!!
3 Likes