K-Bow

Description: Bluetooth enabled sensor bow for string instruments with integrated software.

Date: 2009

Role: Software Director, Lead Programmer

Collaborators:

• Keith McMillen, Founder / President Keith McMillen Instruments, Hardware and Creative Director
• Ashley Adams, Creative Advisor
• Nick Bonardi, User Interface Design, Programmer
• Don Buchla, Hardware Advisor
• Chuck Carlson, Programmer
• Justin Catalana, Electronics
• Joel Davel, Electronics
• David Hishinuma, Electronics
• Sarah Howe, Tester, Documentation
• Marielle Jakobsons, Creative Advisor
• Conner Lacy, Programmer
• Dan Maloney, Assembly, Electronics
• Danishta Rivero, Tester, Documentation
• Denis Saputelli, Electronics
• Mike Zawitkowski, Business

Mention:

• The Art of Sound – Syracuse New Times, November 2011
• An Interview with Keith McMillen – Cycling ’74, March 2009
• Top 10 Products from Winter NAMM 2009 – Mix Magazine, February 2009
• Electronic Musician TV – February 2009
• K-Bow Instigates Symphonic Class Warfare – Gearwire, November 2008
• Keith McMillen Unveils String Instrument Interfaces – Electronista, November 2008

Media:

More information:

The K-Bow, by Keith McMillen Instruments, is the worlds first stage-worthy wireless sensor bow for string instruments. The bows capture gestures from real-time performance, and transmit the data via a Bluetooth connect to a computer where it can be used to process sound, control an electronic composition, or manipulate video.

The bows give a detailed measure of every aspect of your playing. The bow contains a variety of sensors to capture your performance including a 3d accelerometer, hair tension sensor, grip pressure sensor, bow length and bow to fingerboard sensors.

By enabling the string quartet to access the unlimited sound world of the computer, the K-Bow advances western art music to places never before possible, and allows the interpretation of electronic scores by multiple ensembles.

Complete with integrated software, the K-Bow applications feature sophisticated DSP processing that allow performers to process their sound, recording multitrack loops, control surround panning, and communicate with other software; all from their familiar instrument.