String synthesizer
A string synthesizer is a synthesizer designed specifically to make sounds similar to that of a string ensemble. They used a frequency divider architecture similar to that of electronic organs, with the addition of vibrato and chorus effects to mimic the ensemble effect of multiple string instruments playing at once.
Dedicated string synthesizers occupied a specific musical instrument niche between electronic organs and general-purpose synthesizers for some time, until advances in synthesizer technology made the existence of a separate type of instrument unnecessary.[1] The availability of string synthesizers was influential in adding string orchestration to popular music that would not otherwise be able to afford the use of a human string ensemble, and their characteristic sound, which was almost, but not quite, like that of a real string ensemble, was one of the distinguishing sounds of the era.
Classic string synthesizers included the Freeman String Symphonizer, Eminent 310,[2] Elka Rhapsody, Roland RS-202, ARP String Ensemble,[1] and Moog Opus 3.
See also
- Mellotron, an analog tape-based sampler also used to imitate string ensembles
References
- ^ a b Laughton, Jay (21 March 2016). "A Brief History of String Synths". reverb.com. Retrieved 2016-09-27.
- ^ Reid, Gordon (May 2007). "Eminent 310 String Synthesizer". Sound On Sound. Retrieved 2016-09-27.
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