RLFX

Thanks for all of your replies, comments, and memories. I have played them all in my 55 years as a keyboard player. The ribbon controller was not as precise when trying to raise or lower pitch. I understand you could raise the pitch, with touch sensative keys, but how do you lower it? Do you slide your finger forward and backwards? Awkward. The main goal here was to replace the proliferation of the pitch/mod wheels or joystick with something that did not require a second hand. Not only for multikeyboardists, but those who don't have another hand. Did you know that 50,000 people a year in the USA have amputations? Did you know that there approximately 4 million upper limb amputees in the world? Imagine someone with only one arm being able to still express themself on a keyboard after a tragedy. I am no virtuoso on the keyboard, but I find this very satisfying when soloing. Remember, is not the number of notes you play, but which ones, when and where.....and as guitarists, saxophonists, and all solo instrumentalists, the feeling you give the note. This was a proof of concept/prototype. If manufactured as part of the keyboard, it would be much less "ungainly", as many noted. The controller arms could protrude on either side of the keys, if they just redesign the enclosure. This was originally conceived for solo synths, 49 keys or less. But, who said the Thumb Bar Controller had to run all of the way across? It could be on the right side only, controlled with the right hand, so as not to be impeded by the left, which is perfect for keyboard splits. I have contacted most every keyboard/synth manufacturer in the world.. They are the ones keeping us stuck in old technology...it is up to them to try something new. This is why I spent 9 years developing this. If you watch the complete 5 minute demo, you should understand a change is long overdue. Contact you favorite keyboard/synth manufacturer and request one on your next purchase. https://youtu.be/i1bsDtDARD4

If you haven't watched the whole video demo....Imagine trying to express this wth foot pedals or any other controller. https://youtu.be/ziLmxmiXZ7k

You grasped the concept immediately, and that is how this prototype is attached. There is an alternate way, by making an adjustable, attachable/detachable unit for a variety of keyboards...that is in development.

The Thumb Bar Controller

I am sorry if the post went awry. Please refer to www.rlfx.com I will try to fix. Try not to think about the synth being redisigned....only the enclosure. Any 49 key or less synth or controller manufacturer could include this controller, if slots for vertical movement was accommodated.

I am the inventor. This is a prototype/modified Yamaha MX49. It is patched into the circuitry, replacing pitch and mod wheels. The prototype required certain accommodations, as no parts were specifically manufactured for this version. I envision a much smaller, sleeker version of the horizontal bar, and as far a two-handed playing, this was designed for 49 key or less keyboards. The patent covers retrofits, as well as, a keyboard manufactured with opening slots on either side of the keyboard to accommodate the vertical movement needed. If there is a better place to show this, please tell me. I am not selling, this, I am looking for feedback for licensing and manufacturing. Other versions will make it possible for larger keyboards and two-handed playing. Soon, when MIDI 2.0 is more common, a cabled or wireless retrofit would be possible. Thank you for your questions.

I find it very natural. If you think about it, most articulations of this type (bending a note or adding vibato, effects, etc.) are done when sustaining a note. Everyone since Bach has planned fingering.

Thumb Bar Controller video https://youtu.be/i1bsDtDARD4