2009

Table Of Contents
Exploring the String in Sculpture
The string is the central synthesis element of Sculpture and is responsible for the basic
tone. It offers parameters that allow you to adjust its material—what it’s made of, in other
words—and to define the environment that it’s being played in—water or air, for example.
Tip: Before starting, Control-click the string (the green horizontal line in the Pickup display),
and then click enable string animation.” When active, the string vibrates when you play
a note, making it easier to visualize the impact of the objects and pickups.
Release button
Keyscale button
Media Loss slider
Tension Mod slider
Resolution slider
Keyscale slider
Keyscale slider
Keyscale slider
Ball
To set a basic tone
1 Click the Keyscale button at the bottom of the Material Pad ring.
2 Strike and hold or repeatedly strike middle C on your keyboard. Middle C is the default
pitch of the string.
3 While striking middle C, drag the ball around the Material Pad. Listen to the sonic changes
as you move between the Nylon, Wood, Steel, and Glass materials. Keep an eye on the
string (the green horizontal line in the Pickup display, to the left) as you’re doing so.
4 Release the mouse button when you find a basic tone that you like.
To change the string properties
1 Now experiment with the values of each of the sliders that surround the Material Pad—the
Media Loss, Tension Mod, and Resolution parameters—while continuing to strike middle C.
Note the changes that each makes to the sound, and also to the string animation in the
Pickup display. Play a few notes above and below middle C, again keeping your eye on
the string.
381Chapter 14 Sculpture