User Manual

SWAM Solo Strings v2.1.0 - User Manual – rev. 1

How to perform the main articulations

Almost all articulations are performed by the combination of the three principal controls: note-on

velocity, expression, bow-pressure. The instrument is so versatile that multiple articulations can be

combined together; for example, tremolo/vibrato, tremolo/glissando, glissando/vibrato are

possible. A short list of main articulations follows.

Détaché

Detaché are performed by separating the notes while pressing the Sustain pedal: the note-off of the

first note must happen before the note-on of the second note. A Slurred Legato is performed when

the notes are overlapped while pressing the Sustain pedal.

There are three types of behavior controlled by the “NoteOff Sust.” Parameter [also mapped to

KeySwitch G]:

- Hold: the first note is sustained by the pedal.

- Acc.: a short accent is performed at the end of the first note, then a fading release occurs.

- Fade: a fading release occurs immediately at the end of the first note.

Martelé

Set the “BowLift” parameter to “On String” and use high velocities and high expression at note-on,

then decrease the expression.

If you want to obtain a scratchier attack, set the “BowPressure” to a high value (0.65 – 0.80) just

before the attack. Then quickly decrease it to the desired value while decreasing the expression.

Spiccato

Set the “BowLift” parameter to “Off String” and play short staccato notes.

Legato

Slurred legato

A pure “slurred” legato is performed overlapping the second note to the first, using a high value of

note-on velocity for the second note, when the second note is selected on the same string as the

first one.

Cross-string legato

A “cross” legato is performed overlapping the second note to the first, using a high value of note-

on velocity for the second note, when the second note is selected on a different string than the first

one.

The choice Slurred vs Cross-string legato is mainly determined by the “Alt.Fing” parameter. Setting

the “Alt.Fing” parameter BEFORE pressing a note determines which string is selected for the

pressed note.