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Chapter 17 Vintage Electric Piano 454
Vintage Electric Piano Tremolo eect
A periodic modulation of the amplitude (level) of the sound is known as a tremolo. This
modulation is controlled with an LFO in Vintage Electric Piano. The Fender Rhodes suitcase piano
features a stereo tremolo. Other electric pianos have a simple, often obtrusive, mono tremolo
that can introduce an unusual polyrhythmic feel to performances.
Tremolo eect parameters
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On/o button: Turns the Tremolo eect on or o.
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Rate knob: Rotate to set the speed of the tremolo eect (LFO frequency). The rate is set in Hz
values, or bar/beat values when the Sync button is turned on.
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Sync button: Turn on to synchronize the Tremolo eect to the host application tempo. The Rate
knob sets bar and beat values, including triplets.
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Intensity knob: Rotate to set the amount of amplitude modulation.
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Stereo knob: Rotate to determine the relative phase shift between the left and right channels.
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A value of 0 changes the level of both channels—in phase.
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A value of 180 (out-of-phase modulation), results in a stereo tremolo eect that is also
known as auto panning. This is similar to manually turning the pan pot from side to side.
Tip: The original Wurlitzer Piano has a mono tremolo with a xed modulation rate of 5.5 Hz.
For an authentic Wurlitzer sound, select a Stereo value of 0 degrees. For Rhodes sounds, set
the Stereo value to 180 degrees. The settings in between result in spacious eects—especially
when low Rate knob values are used.