The second virtual instrument is called Bowed Guitar, and, as the name suggests, it was created from playing an acoustic guitar with a cello bow. The Bowed Guitar is also implemented in Kontakt 5 sampler, and offers five distinct patches: sul pont; long; tremolo; pad; and harmonic.
On the Bowed Guitar the dynamic expression of each patch is controlled by the modulation wheel (or mod wheel). All patches can hold the notes for an undetermined amount of time, as the samples are looped. To avoid the loop being recognizable and sounding artificial, each sample is at least 25 seconds long, and when looped they are played in reverse, creating an even longer pattern, providing a natural and organic sound to the instrument.
The sul pont patch consists of the guitar being played with the cello bow really close to the nut, producing a similar effect as the sul ponticello technique used in bowed string instruments. This results in a more harsh and airy sound, producing different harmonic partials, giving also a more organic feel as it has a constant variation.
The long patch presents long bowed acoustic guitar notes. The next patch features a fast tremolo articulation, and it is played close to the nut producing a similar tone to the sul pont patch. The speed of the tremolo articulation is not always constant, and the subtle variations give the patch more character and singularity.
The pad patch is the most different from the others, as the sample is already processed to achieve a heavy pad sound. To reach the pad sample as used in the instrument the software PaulStretch (mentioned in section 2.4.2) was used. A sample from the sul pont patch was extremely stretched and layered with different octaves and harmonics. The last patch features a bowed harmonics patch, where the guitar strings were lightly stopped to produce a high and light airy harmonic, and the sound of the bow sliding across the string can be clearly heard.
The sul pont, tremolo and harmonic patches have a special feature, presenting two different options. When played from low up to medium velocity the normal articulation sample is triggered. However, when played with high velocity a different sample is triggered, where the left and right channels are out of phase, creating a wide stereo effect of movement, simulating two instruments playing and moving in the stereo field.
Please Note: The full version of Kontakt 5.5 or above is required. Not for Kontakt Player
