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BOWBOW

Hardware & Software design for string bow expression

and live control.

H A R D W A R E   I N T E R F A C E

BOWBOW
Arduino

Bowbow hardware design with the accelerometer, gyroscope, temperature, and distance sensor with Teensy 4.0. 

S O F T W A R E   A P P L I C A T I O N

BOWBOWController-Max4LIVE.png

Max 4 Live plugin for live sound processing based on BOWBOW hardware data.

Real-time bow movement tracker for educational purpose based on BOWBOW hardware.

bowbowfeatures

BOWBOW Hardware

 

BOWBOW is a bow-based hardware designed to measure the motion and interaction of string instrument players with their instruments, enabling expressive real-time control by detecting nine parameters of bow performance, based on:

  1. Bow Speed: The speed at which the bow moves across the strings.

  2. Location: The position of the bow along the string length.

  3. Angle/Rotation: The tilt or rotational movement of the bow.

  4. Distance: The proximity of the bow to the strings.

BOWBOW captures the dynamic nuances of bow movement, which can then be mapped to specific software functionalities for live performance or studio recording.

BOWBOW Max4Live Plugin Bundle

The BOWBOW system connects seamlessly with Max for Live plug-ins, enabling artists and performers to control and adjust musical effects without the need for traditional MIDI controllers or foot pedals.

BOWBOW Controller
  • Mapping Functionality: Users can map specific effects, tracks, or parameters such as reverb, echo, distortion, and other sound properties to the motion of the bow.

  • Real-Time Control: The hardware transmits real-time bow data (e.g., speed, angle) to the software, enabling smooth, hands-free parameter adjustments.

  • Adjustable Parameters:

    • Speed

    • Motion

    • Temperature

    • Distance

These parameters can be tailored and fine-tuned using the BOWBOW interface, providing highly customizable sound design options.

BOWBOW Edu
  • Educational Feedback: Displays the current status of the bow’s interaction with the strings (e.g., bow position, movement, angle).

  • Audio Analysis: Allows users to upload audio files via drag-and-drop for practice and analysis.

  • Player Data: Automatically updates player statistics and performance insights to enhance technique and skill development.

This dual-functionality design supports both performance and education, making it ideal for musicians seeking to refine their craft while exploring new sonic possibilities.

 

*BOWBOW is a sole project designed and developed by Hyunkyung Shin.

Electroluminescence (2022)

Digital Musical Instruments Concert

Improvisation with Live Electronics

Composer / C. B.  Luhee Hyunkyung Shin

Project Link

© 2025 by Hyunkyug Shin

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