The Virtuoso Violin has a note range which extends from G2
to G5, the same as a real violin. Each
note is adjustable in drive (volume) from 0 to 127.
There are a number of reasons why note drive may need to be
adjusted from note to note. For
example, the higher notes need more drive to produce the same volume as a mid
or lower note. A note which is
sympathetic with the instrument may need to be turned down to match the
surrounding notes. Or a weak note may
need to be turned up. As there is only
the single “string” (blade) some notes ring truer than others. The Note Calibration and Balance system
compensates for these differences to create a smooth scale throughout the range
of the violin.
- Attach a computer to the violin via a MIDI cable.
- Load the instrument’s Note Calibration and Balance MIDI
File into the computer’s MIDI Sequencing Program (such as Cakewalk or
Performer). Typically the MIDI File
will have a name like Cal_105_070602.
In this example the Cal = Calibration, the 105 = violin #5, and 070602
is the date.
- Hit PLAY to run the calibration (note balance) scale.
(See below for instructions on using the calibration
software to calibrate the violin.)
Here is a typical Calibration MIDI
File for reference. You can use
this to build a custom drive curve.
(Use “Save As” feature of MIDI File Player to save file to disk.)
Controller 87 opens the violin EPROM to write new values.
Controller 87 = ON = OnLine (ready
to play)
Controller 87 = OFF = OffLine
(ready to write new note balance numbers)
The opening scale in the software MIDI file (measures 1-40)
begins with a controller #87 set to 0 (off), which takes the violin OffLine and
allows writing to the EPROM.
Note volume balance numbers (controller #27) can be changed
for each of the violin’s 37 notes. For
example, if C3 is set to Controller #27 = 50, then changing Controller #27 to
55 for that note will make it play louder during a performance. While changing Controller #27 to 45 will
make it play softer. (Note that simply
changing the value does not write the new value to the EPROM. After the number is changed, the scale must
be played again to write the new number to memory.)
By playing the scale again, these new values are written to
the violin’s RAM where they are stored for future performance. They will not change unless a new value is
entered for the note and the scale played again.
Measure 40 contains a Controller #87 = 127 (ON) which closes
the memory and takes the instrument back OnLine, making it ready for
performance.
The scales starting at measure 50 are useful for evaluating
note balance. Like with a professional
piano tuner, practice makes perfect, and it helps to have a good ear.
Each violin is constructed slightly differently and will
require its own custom note balance curve.
Cal_101 (Violin #1) and Cal_103 (Violin #3) are stored here at PML for
future reference.
Whenever a violin is built, rebuilt, modified, regulated or
otherwise worked on, it may need rebalancing.
The technician that works on that particular violin should have the
instrument’s note balance curve and means for playing it into the violin and
adjusting the values (ie: a computer).
Alternatively, note balance curves can be created from the “standard”
note balance curve file by an experienced technician without too much
difficulty.
Note: A standard note balance curve of x=50 (ie: each note =
50 drive) is automatically written to memory when the instrument is started for
the first time and the memory is blank.
In addition a standard default bow angle is also written.
I find it useful to have a scale chart available when running the
calibration scale. I use UP or DOWN
arrows in pencil to indicate whether the note drive for a particular note
should be raised or lowered. Then I can
make all the changes at once to the #27 controllers in the scale, then run the
scale again to evaluate. You will hear
the new values take effect as the scale is running.
Repeat this process over and over until the end scales
(measure 50) sound smooth and balanced.
Individual notes can be changed using the above
methods. (In fact, this is how I
typically use the software.) But make
sure to always run the scale from the beginning to the end to open the memory
and close it with the #87 controller.
Alternatively, I often “leave the memory open” as I continue to adjust a
single note or series of notes, then “close the memory” when I am finished by
playing the entire scale.
Obviously, you can open the memory at any time by simply
playing a controller #87 = off (0) or close the memory at any time by playing a
controller #87 = on (127). Just make
sure to close it when finished to prevent possible problems during performance.