Quadrofeelia - A New Instrument for Sliding into Notes

This paper describes a new musical instrument inspired by the pedal-steel guitar, along with its motivations and other considerations. Creating a multi-dimensional, expressive instrument was the primary driving force. For these criteria the pedal steel guitar proved an apt model as it allows control over several instrument parameters simultaneously and continuously. The parameters we wanted control over were volume, timbre, release time and pitch. The Quadrofeelia is played with two hands on a horizontal surface. Single notes and melodies are easily played as well as chordal accompaniment with a variety of timbres and release times enabling a range of legato and staccato notes in an intuitive manner with a new yet familiar interface.