K-Bow

Bluetooth enabled sensor bow for string quartet with integrated software.

  • Dates: 2009
  • Location:
  • Role: Software Director, Lead Programmer
  • Collaborators:
    • Keith McMillen – Founder / President Keith McMillen Instruments, Hardware and Creative Director
    • Ashley Adams – Creative Advisor
    • Nick Bonardi – User Interface Design, Programmer
    • Don Buchla – Hardware Advisor
    • Chuck Carlson – Programmer
    • Justin Catalana – Electronics
    • Joel Davel – Electronics
    • David Hishinuma – Electronics
    • Sarah Howe – Tester, Documentation
    • Marielle Jakobsons – Creative Advisor
    • Conner Lacy – Programmer
    • Dan Maloney – Assembly, Electronics
    • Danishta Rivero – Tester, Documentation
    • Denis Saputelli – Electronics
    • Mike Zawitkowski – Business
K-Bow 1
K-Bow 2
K-Bow 3
K-Bow 4
K-Bow 5
K-Bow 6
K-Bow 7
K-Bow 8
K-Bow 9
K-Bow 10
K-Bow 11
K-Bow 12

The K-Bow, by Keith McMillen Instruments, is the worlds first stage-worthy wireless sensor bow for string instruments. The bows capture gestures from real-time performance, and transmit the data via a Bluetooth connect to a computer where it can be used to process sound, control an electronic composition, or manipulate video.

The bows give a detailed measure of every aspect of your playing. The bow contains a variety of sensors to capture your performance including a 3d accelerometer, hair tension sensor, grip pressure sensor, bow length and bow to fingerboard sensors.

By enabling the string quartet to access the unlimited sound world of the computer, the K-Bow advances western art music to places never before possible, and allows the interpretation of electronic scores by multiple ensembles.

Complete with integrated software, the K-Bow applications feature sophisticated DSP processing that allow performers to process their sound, recording multitrack loops, control surround panning, and communicate with other software; all from their familiar instrument.

Mention: