The Ekdahl FAR

Introduction

The Ekdahl FAR is a string based electro-acoustic instrument whose main way of generating sound is by utilizing a bowing wheel that rubs against the string and by very precisely controlling the speed of the wheel, emphasizing natural overtones in that string. The bowing wheel is situated on a controllable pivot which pushes the wheel more or less hard into the string in order to affect both volume and harmonic content. To further extend the capabilities of the instrument it also has a hammer, a variable mute and a electromagnetic pickup. While the audio path on The Ekdahl FAR is entirely analog-acoustic, the internals of the instrument is a highly sophisticated network of sensors, motors and a built-in computer running a complex firmware allowing for precision control and interfacing via USB-MIDI, MIDI, CV and USB-Serial.

Like all Knas instruments, the Ekdahl FAR - while a new and somewhat experimental concept - can be used for any regular musical composition and expression, but also allows for deep explorations of naturally occuring overtones within the realms of digital precision control and repeatability. The instrument is designed to perform excellently whether being in an improvisational setting, or being sequenced. All aspects of The Ekdahl FAR can be mapped to respond to any avaliable control mechanisms (USB, MIDI, CV etc.) and emphasis has been put on configurability and modification both from a software and a hardware perspective.

Getting started

The Control box

Basic MIDI Setup

Tuning

Limits

Automatic calibrations

Changing the string

Bowing wheels and changing them