Harpsichord?

CounterpointFTW · #1 03-13-2009, 02:45 PM

so i was wondering if there was at any way possible to make a bass sound like a harpsichord. i dont even know if it is possible and im just asking out of curiosity not expecting it to be true. i just think it would be cool.

kevteop · #2 03-13-2009, 03:58 PM

Start looking at the EHX HOG or POG. The main feature of the Harpsichord you'd have trouble emulating is the short note decay.

rasthedoctor · #3 03-13-2009, 04:00 PM

The note decay can be addressed with the EHX HOG, so that part wouldn't be a problem.

I'd say you could get a pretty interesting version of a harpsichord, though when you play complex chords with the HOG, you'll get some VERY... odd sounds.

EADG mx · #4 03-13-2009, 04:16 PM

MIDI pickup and Harpsichord VSTI. Other than that, don't count on it.

kevteop · #5 03-13-2009, 04:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EADG mx

MIDI pickup and Harpsichord VSTI. Other than that, don't count on it.

Oh I don't know. The HOG's upper harmonies tend to sound a bit thin and chorussy, I can imagine it would be well suited to aping a harpsichord.

Silver Hammer · #6 03-13-2009, 07:04 PM

If you pitch shifted an octave up and slapped and popped wouldn't it sound harpsichord-ish?

fightthepower · #7 03-13-2009, 09:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kevteop

Oh I don't know. The HOG's upper harmonies tend to sound a bit thin and chorussy, I can imagine it would be well suited to aping a harpsichord.

With the envelope section you can also set it for a very short decay time, and with the filter section wide open, it can be quite chime-y. Ive heard clips of the roland GR20 doing a saxophone, so I think it could probably do harpsichord as well.

Brandon Tuomiko · #8 03-13-2009, 09:28 PM

Well thats a different question.... - buy a harpsichord. Roland makes a digital one. Round $4k! Thats the only way I think you can get a harpsichord sound! LOL. Not sure about making a bass sound like one!

rasthedoctor · #9 03-14-2009, 08:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kevteop

Oh I don't know. The HOG's upper harmonies tend to sound a bit thin and chorussy, I can imagine it would be well suited to aping a harpsichord.

Heh - I said, "interesting version of a harpsichord" for a reason (stress on "interesting")

EADG mx · #10 03-18-2009, 10:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Silver Hammer

If you pitch shifted an octave up and slapped and popped wouldn't it sound harpsichord-ish?

I think that's called 'auditory slow death'.

paganjack · #11 03-18-2009, 11:00 AM

i approach this question differently. play right next to the bridge with your fingernails and palm mute a tiny bit. Don't let the notes sustain either - release your fretting fingers quickly.
It sounds to me like a bass harpsichord.
Roundwounds help, EQ up the treble too.

rbbrchkn · #12 03-18-2009, 11:03 AM

I went to a harpsichord recital last night, and it was awesome! (strangely not kidding)

That sound comes from really thin strings plucked with a thin piece of quill, which is just not gonna happen if you're trying to reproduce it with thick bass strings.

I'd go MIDI pickup and VST as well.

Brandon Tuomiko · #13 03-18-2009, 11:08 AM

I have played harpsichords many times over. I just cant see a bass producing its sound.

Chronicle · #14 03-18-2009, 06:19 PM

GR-20.