What is it?

The Master Gaita is a controller that uses MIDI messages to emulate the bagpipe figering in order to create or record MIDI files, hear in the computer or sound module what it is being played on it, etc.

How does it work?

The controller's internal microprocesor samples the nine sensor several thounsand times per second. It detects what fingers are on each sensor and decodes the posture executed into the appropiate musical note. Known the note, it transmits the MIDI messages to the sound card, sound module or any other device responsible of the music generation.

Why are there nine sensors instead of the eight holes of the bagpipe chanter?

Because the one created for the right hand thum works as the bagpipe's bag. When the thumb is on it, the controller begins to sound (bag under presure). When no finger on this sensor, the sound ends (no presure in the bag). In this silent state, the controller goes into program mode and then the control commands are accesible performing the proper figering on the sensors.

Which is the best computer's program?

It depends on the task to be done. To get it just working, any progran admiting MIDI IN data is enough (from the simplest virtual piano to the most sophisticated profesional recording program). As an example, Encore, Cake Walk, CuBase, Midiox, etc. work fine. Many of this programs have demo versions and other are share or freeware.

Does it produce its own sound?

No. It is just a controller, not a sinthesizer.

Does it sound the same way in every computer or sound module?

No. The quality of the sound depends on the sound card, module or other device the controller is connected to.

Could it sound like a real bagpipe?

Yes. It is necesary a real or virtual sampler and the sample files recorded from a real bagpipe. There are some computer programs thar work fine with this controller: Reality and Reason. C tuned Galician bagpipe samples are included in the Master Gaita CDR.

Which key is it tuned up?

No a particular key is used to tune it up. Any tune and/or octave can be selected to play with.

How many octaves can it perform with?

Two complete chromatic octaves at one time. The default key comprises from B4 to C6. An alternate mode can be selected with one octave and a half (B4 to A4) ir order to obtain stacatto using the index finger and the thum of the upper hand.

What fingering style does it work with?

Galician, extended Galician, French, Scottish and Asturian.

Does it perform vibratto and/or glissando?

No.

Does it perform grace notes and thrills?

Of course, it does.

Can it be ordered for left handed people?

Yes. And also whith all holes lined as in the Great Highland Bagpipe.

How is the sensor's response?

Extremely fast.

Is it necesary to moist the fingers to make the sensors work properly?

No.

Are there drones?

Two. They can be switched on and of f independently. The tenor drone can sound tuned with the first or fifth grade of the scale.

How many MIDI chanels does it use?

Two. (numbers 1 and 2 by default)

Does it perform in a single MIDI instrument and voice?

No. Performs two diferent instruments (one on each chanel) that can be programmed via SYSEX (MIDI SYStem EXclusive messages). There are four predefined sound programs with those two instrumens each of them with its own volume, panoramic and default key. This variables can be programmed also via SYSEX. It is posible to switch betwen programs commanding the controller.

Does it always sound in the same tone (unisonous)?

No. It can generate duets by thirds from the musician's melody performance.

How are the commands handled?

Using the same sensors that are used to play. The upper hand finger's posture points to one from four commands. The four lower frontal sensors point each to a function within the command. A detailed explanation is included in the Master Gaita's manual.

How does it shut off?

After 2 or 10 (your chice) minutes of no activity.

Where can it be purchased?

Writing to mastergaita@arrakis.es

How long is the delivery delay?

Please ask: mastergaita@arrakis.es

May I ask another question?

Of course. Send a message to mastergaita@arrakis.es