RE: Notation/Sequencing Software

[Jack Ely <IMS_ELY@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Thomas "Tomcat" Colvin writes...

>     I've been following the software thread with interest.  At SPAH '94 I 
>     saw someone perform on chromatic accompanied by his own arrangements 
>     composed and played back through a laptop computer.  I think the setup 
>     was from computer thru a Roland Sound Canvas sequencer on to the PA.
     
>     That leads to a question:  for composition and self-accompaniment in 
>     performance, what is the smallest and easiest to setup and run 
>     configuration of hardware/software.  (I hate carrying lots of heavy 
>     gear around -- why do you think I took up harmonica in the first 
>     place?)  Does anyone on the list ever perform with such computer 
>     assistance.

Hi Tom,

You may want to look into the Yamaha Music Sequencers QY10 and QY20 (there is a 
newer model but I can't think of the numbers). These are NOT PC based. They are 
standalone - about the size of a VHS tape. I do not use one but I've seen them 
demonstrated. They put out incredible sound. You can do chords, drums or a full 
orchestration. (I tried to get our club to buy one but our vast majority of 
non-technocrat members were underwhelmed). I saw Ron Kalina use one at SPAH 
about 3 years ago and at BHF '94. Maybe Danny W. knows more about this device. 
I would still like to have one in my toy box -- let's see that comes after the 
ECH, Pentium, 60" TV, new Camcorder, etc., about 2005 I would guess, or 
whenever I pay off my HARP-START/HARP-L auction debt, whichever comes first. :)

The QY20 stores approx. 28,000 notes, 20 songs. You can dump data to a Yamaha 
MDF2 (or similar) midi data recorder for additional storage.

Cost of these boxes was under $500 list a year or so ago - could probably be 
bought for $300-$400, or may be some on the used market by now.

Really, if you don't want to pack a lot of gear I think this is it for a one 
man show. There's a bit of learning, but I think even I could hack it in time. 
Oh, it also has 108 voices and 100 preprogrammed patterns in various music 
styles you could use. 

>     Some related observations:  I once saw someone playing in a major harp 
>     competition with a self-composed audio cassette.  Unfortunately, the 
>     playback was a quarter tone off pitch, and nothing could correct the 
>     problem on site.  His performance was naturally an embarassing 
>     disaster.
8<---

I may have seen that same performance - a potentially good performance was 
ruined. Whoever was in control of the tape should have heard that and 
corrected it. Taped accompaniment is OK if...  You have a quality machine with 
pitch control ~You~ must have control of the machine - not the sound man (with 
a few exceptions). Mo Vint uses taped accompaniment very effectively and puts 
on a great show. He conceals his equipment, including a portable sound system, 
in a model train or car he rolls onto the stage. If I could offer an UET 
(uneducated tip) it would be to not over do it - mix up the act with some solos 
or intersperse with other types accompaniment.

Well, I'm getting too windy again - must be all the salads. I'm outta here.

        "What would a chair look like if our knees bent the other way?"

                                     d:-]

       Jack Ely - Columbus, Ohio  --Internet--> IMS_ELY@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx