Adapting the Bass Guitar for One-Handed Playing. Issue 3 (3rd July 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Harrison, Jacob; McPherson, Andrew P.
• Is Part Of: Journal of new music research. Volume 46:Issue 3(2017)
• Page Start: 270
• Page End: 285
• Publication Date: 2017-07-03
• Subjects: instruments -- interfaces -- performance -- social aspects; Music -- Periodicals; Musicology -- Periodicals; 780.72
• DOI: 10.1080/09298215.2017.1340485
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0929-8215

Abstract

Abstract: This paper presents a prototype system for adapting the bass guitar for one-handed musicians. We discuss existing solutions to accessible musical instruments, followed by the results of an online survey of bass guitarists, which informed the design of a prototype bass guitar adaptation. The adaptation comprises a foot-operated MIDI controller with a solenoid-actuated fretting mechanism, providing access to six frets across two strings of the bass. A study involving six bassists rehearsing and writing a bass guitar accompaniment with the adapted bass highlighted unexpected facets of bass guitar playing, and provided insights into the design of future accessible string instruments.