plucks

pluck strings

Figure 28 summary

• same synth as before with different program
• effects

another 3cos synth

Hardly any difference to the previous wrapper. Different delay and feedback times for the effects is all that is apparent at this level.

Figure 28: J1-plucks

J1-plucks.pd

random one of two

Figure 29 summary

half a chance

We keep using the technique of choosing an event based on a half probability. Let's make that an abstraction and choose a smarter way to do it. Instead of passing a values with a spigot after they are chosen (with certainty), remove events from a stream before they trigger anything. It's very simple, for each bang on the inlet choose [random 2], value of 0 or 1, and [select 1] to get only half of them.

Figure 29: J2-half-a-chance

J2-half-a-chance.pd

pluck sequence

Figure 30 summary

• sparse cycling melody

pizzy string motif

Notes 5, 6, 7 and 8 are taken from the chord and repeatedly play a little motif 8 beats long. Beats 1, 2, 4 and 7 always play, but beat 3 is occasionally missing.

Figure 30: J2-pluckseq

J2-pluckseq.pd

pluckstring wrapper

Figure 31 summary

• different parameters
• same synth as before

identical synth with different parameters

Now see the powerful reuse possible with abstractions. Synth [z-3cosynth] is the same one used for the bass line but a different set of parameters in the list makes it a plucked string sound instead.

Figure 31: J3-pluck-synth

J3-pluck-synth.pd

play the plucks

Figure 32 summary

slapback delay

An important part of bringing this sound alive is the rather short delay time and feedback, half a beat, a common effect on twangy guitar and short percussives and often called a "slapback" delay. Delays shorter than a beat mimic early reverb reflections instead of distinct echos and can add a closeness to the sound.

Figure 32: J4-pluck

J4-pluck-play.pd J4-pluck-play.ogg