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Säckpipa as an iPad app

 
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Olle
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Joined: 21 Oct 2006
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Location: Uppsala, Sweden

PostPosted: Tue Apr 05, 2011 4:19 pm    Post subject: Säckpipa as an iPad app Reply with quote

Hej!

Michael Eskin, well known for his many iPhone/iPad apps which emulate various bagpipes and accordions, wrote to me today to announce that he will soon release an app (EDIT: for iPad) which emulate Swedish bagpipes. Demo here: http://www.tradlessons.com/Sackpipa.html.

Useful? Well, to be honest and if you ask me, no, probably not. But fun, for sure.

Olle
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Last edited by Olle on Tue Apr 05, 2011 9:02 pm; edited 3 times in total
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seisiuneer



Joined: 05 Apr 2011
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PostPosted: Tue Apr 05, 2011 5:28 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Hi y'all,

While Olle mentioned iPhone in the subject line, the app is for iPad and iPad 2 only.

Unfortunately, the iPhone and iPod Touch only support 5 simultaneous touches so a proper chanter emulation is impossible on the smaller devices. The iPad supports up to 11 simultaneous touches so it's a perfect platform for all kinds of bagpipes chanter emulations.

The first version of the app is just that, a first version. There will be free updates with additional sample sets, D/G tuning options and pretty much whatever anyone requests assuming I can make the underlying audio environment in iOS do what I would need it to do to accomplish what is required.

This app, like my Uilleann app for the iPad can handle both open and closed fingerings. Internal to the app there is a table of every possible finger combination mapping to a sound and any other parameters that should be associated with that fingering, for example an open C note with the right middle finger down is associated with finger vibrato for that note. The fingering chart shown in the app is just a tiny subset of the actual fingerings possible in the app.

I'm primarily an Uilleann piper and just becoming familiar with this instrument through a couple of local players and builders, so I'm extremely open to any suggestions or requests for future features. This will be an organic project evolving over time, and all updates will be free.

One question, is the standard to reference notation for the instrument to the key of D? Some notations examples I find appear to assume the instrument is in D, not E, and I'm guessing that its a de-facto standard, similar how Scottish highland piping notation is referenced to A. If that is true, I can change the fingering chart in an update to be based on D if that is what players would be reading from notation, independent of the actual pitch being sounded.

If anyone would like to have the sound of their particular instrument featured in a future update, all I would just need high-quality per-note recordings of each note on the chanter (without drones) as well as the drones, for at least 10 seconds each.

My friends here in San Diego are completing a few D/G instruments, once they are done, I'll be building a dry acoustic sample set from the sounds of their instruments and adding that to the first update.

Cheers and thanks,

Michael Eskin
http://www.tradlessons.com
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Olle
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PostPosted: Tue Apr 05, 2011 8:47 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Hello Michael and sorry for the iPad/iPhone mixup.

Actually Swedish pipes are usually in A or G, not in E or D. The one in your video is in A. Swedish chanters are named after the three-finger note, since that's where the tonic in the scale is, not the six-finger note. We could not play in a normal E scale, since there is no high D# (mixolydian E works, though).

A is the most common key, so when music is notated for Swedish pipes that's usually they key you would write it down in. There is no standard on how to write down music for G chanters since they are not that common and since Swedish traditional music is a "by ear" tradition anyway. Many Swedish trad musicians, including many of the most prominent ones, don't read music at all.

Using the right hand long finger for vibrato would not work well on a real instrument, except for one note - A. All the notes above A are usually vibrated using the right hand index finger. Top E sometimes, as an alternative, with the top hand index finger.

You don't have a thumb hole for the right hand thumb, do you? That is more or less standard on most instruments produced today. Would that be difficult to achieve in your case?
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seisiuneer



Joined: 05 Apr 2011
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PostPosted: Tue Apr 05, 2011 9:06 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Thanks for the clarification. I don't know what I was thinking with the E reference. I'm changing the descriptions accordingly.

Pretty much anything is possible going forward, right hand thumb holes, really anything wanted can be done if I understand the behavior desired.
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MatthewVanitas
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PostPosted: Tue Apr 05, 2011 9:38 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I don't think this is quite so traditional (not that we have much documentation of sackpipa tradition), but I think it'd be interesting to have an option to use a C, D, or E drone with any of the chanter keys. That is, rather than just have a D drone for the D/G settup, or E drone for the E/A, to be able to play a C drone against the D/G "chanter".

Olle, you do have at least one track where you do just that, C against a D/G, yes?

Additionally, if this is feasible given whatever limitations you have, if it's possible to have an option for some of the "new" bass drones some makers have built, that'd be cool. I think we have folks here who own sets with a Low E (one octave below the chanter), and the A and E below that. A bit outside the lines of trad, but if it's just a matter of you getting a sound sample of a few seconds of each low drone, and adding another little check-box on the screen, it might be cool to have a wide variety of drone options.
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Olle
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PostPosted: Tue Apr 05, 2011 10:39 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Quote:
Olle, you do have at least one track where you do just that, C against a D/G, yes?


Yes, but only whan I play tunes in C or F, which is possible on a D/G chanter with a thumbhole for the right hand. On my CD, the tune "Gammalvänster från Oviken" (track 17) is played like that (in C, with a C-drone). The tune "Jungfrun och Näcken" (track 8) is also played with the same kind of fingering, but on an E/A chanter (in D, with D and A drones). On my Web site there is another example - Bröllopsmarsch efter Nedergårds Lars is played in F on a D/G chanter.
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seisiuneer



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PostPosted: Thu Apr 07, 2011 2:36 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

I've decided to hold back the initial release until I can get some good pure acoustic samples integrated into the app, will post when it's done. I'll also see what other features I can include based on the suggestions given here.
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MatthewVanitas
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PostPosted: Thu Apr 07, 2011 4:13 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Minor thing, but are you married to the current background photo? That's by a Dutch artist, presumably a Dutch pipe.

If we could find you a better classic painting or photo with a sackpipa, or a modern Public Domain pic of a cool-looking sackpipa, would that not be better, more topical?
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seisiuneer



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PostPosted: Thu Apr 07, 2011 5:21 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

I use the same background for all my Bagpipes apps, that way everyone can be equally upset with me. Imagine how the Scottish Highland players feel. Smile

Of course if someone is inspired to send a more authentic artistic image to use for the app background, I would be happy to entertain any suggestions and would be happy to give credit for the image on the website and on the iTunes App Store description. Just need something at 1024x768 resolution.

Thanks,

Michael
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texasbagpiper
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Joined: 24 Oct 2006
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PostPosted: Thu Apr 07, 2011 12:29 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

The chanter in the photo is one of my Kingwood chanters. I like it. Seth
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seisiuneer



Joined: 05 Apr 2011
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PostPosted: Thu Apr 07, 2011 3:20 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

texasbagpiper wrote:
The chanter in the photo is one of my Kingwood chanters. I like it. Seth


It is indeed, edited somewhat to work on the iPad screen finger spacing.

I'm glad you approve!

I've added links to your website to the app related product and support sites in the internet resources section of the FAQ and credits for the image on both the website and iTunes App Store description.

I received some new chanter and drone samples last night and will be incorporating them into the app this weekend. Should be able to do both a G and A based instrument in the initial release. Leaning towards ditching the current effected samples entirely.

When the app is finally released I'll be happy to give away copies to anyone here who wants one. Apple gives me codes for up to 50 promo copies.

Cheers and thanks,

Michael


Last edited by seisiuneer on Thu Apr 07, 2011 4:12 pm; edited 1 time in total
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texasbagpiper
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PostPosted: Thu Apr 07, 2011 3:33 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

You may have already said it, but will it work on the I-phone. I think you mentioned that it wont. What all will it work on besides the I-pad, if any? I ask because I don't have an I-pad Sad Seth
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seisiuneer



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PostPosted: Thu Apr 07, 2011 3:56 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Just iPad and iPad 2 at this time. The iPhone and iPod Touch can only handle 5 simultaneous touch so you can't do a proper chanter simulation. The iPad handles 11 simultaneous touches.

I also have "toy" chanter apps for the iPhone where you just touch a hole to sound a note but they really aren't very realistic to play. Inevitably, no matter how good the app sounds, those who buy them are disappointed or confused because it doesn't work like a real chanter. Even if you explain the hardware limitation and charge only $0.99, they are disappointed. I could easily do one of those for the Sackpipa, but it would be pretty limited like the others.

Here's one of the "toy" apps:

http://www.tradlessons.com/BlowPipes.html

Additionally, I've done several bagpipes apps with keyboard based interfaces for the iPhone that have been pretty popular and not so confusing to users:

http://www.tradlessons.com/ePipesKeys.html

I certainly could do one of those for Sackpipa. I really prefer the "real" iPad versions over the toy apps on the iPhone/iPod Touch. That being said there are a lot more iPhone and iPod Touch devices in the world than iPad so from a pure economic motive, it's tempting to do something for the smaller device as well. A SackpipaKeys app might be handy.
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MatthewVanitas
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PostPosted: Thu Apr 07, 2011 5:44 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

As a nod to the limitations of the iPhone, have you considered doing a hurdy-gurdy emulator?

Only the highest key touched on a 'gurdy affects the chanter note, so you only need one touch for the left hand, and you could use the right hand to, say, cause a variance in wheel speed when tapped to imitate the barking of the "chien" buzzing bridge.
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Aaron K. Holt
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PostPosted: Thu Apr 07, 2011 6:15 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Matt,
While it's not a mobile app, you (and anyone else reading this) might want to check out the hurdy-gurdy VST plug-in on this site:
www.soundbytes.de

If you have a decent midi program, you can plug this bad boy into it and make some nice-sounding accompaniment tracks to practice with. I keep a handful of mp3s that I created using this VST on my iPod in case I get tired of playing solo.

He also has a bagpipe VST that includes several different types of pipes, including the Swedish bagpipe - It's not bad, but the sound is just a little waspy to my ears.

Both plug-ins are loaded with dials that alter every imaginable aspect of the sound enabling a very realistic response.
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seisiuneer



Joined: 05 Apr 2011
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PostPosted: Fri Apr 08, 2011 9:34 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

A huge thank you to Jonathan Parker for the new audio samples from his 1986 Leif Eriksson D/G Säckpipa!

I've completely updated the app to use only Jonathan's samples, as well as added the ability to switch between major and minor scales in D/G and E/A.

Please check out the new screens and video at:

http://www.tradlessons.com/Sackpipa.html

The new demo video is on YouTube at:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NkNgPcPt2zg

The app is currently in review with Apple and should be available on the iTunes App Store by April 15th.

Cheers and thanks,

Michael
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Jonathan



Joined: 29 Oct 2006
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PostPosted: Sat Apr 09, 2011 1:30 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

I'm glad to be able to help, Michael.
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seisiuneer



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PostPosted: Sat Apr 09, 2011 6:18 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Also submitted a keyboard interface version for the iPhone/iPod Touch, based on Seth's images with links to his website:

http://www.tradlessons.com/SackpipaKeys.html

Uses the same D/G audio samples as the iPad version.

Here's the demo video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gx7dTPtb6vE

It's really more of a toy app, but sounds quite nice.

Cheers,

Michael
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seisiuneer



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PostPosted: Tue Apr 19, 2011 10:45 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Just got word that Apple approved Säckpipa and SäckpipaKeys for the iPad, iPhone, and iPod Touch:

Säckpipa for iPad:

For more information and demo video:
http://www.tradlessons.com/Sackpipa.html

Direct Link to iTunes App Store:
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/sackpipa-swedish-bagpipes/id430240471?mt=8&ls=1

SäckpipaKeys keyboard for iPhone/iPod Touch:

For more information and demo video:
http://www.tradlessons.com/SackpipaKeys.html

Direct Link to iTunes App Store:
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/sackpipakeys-swedish-bagpipes/id431454678?mt=8&ls=1

Again, the reason for the keyboard version is that the iPhone/iPod Touch hardware doesn't support more than 5 simultaneous touches, so you can't do a proper chanter fingering emulation. I've found, based on similar apps for the Scottish GHB and SmallPipes that the keyboards are an acceptable interface, easy to play and have been generally well received.

Cheers and thanks,


Michael
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seisiuneer



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PostPosted: Fri Apr 22, 2011 11:27 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

No need for codes anymore since the app is free...

Last edited by seisiuneer on Sun May 15, 2011 5:15 am; edited 1 time in total
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seisiuneer



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PostPosted: Sat Apr 23, 2011 8:38 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Both of the Säckpipa (iPad) and SäckpipaKeys (iPhone/iPod Touch) apps are available for free and will stay that way for the foreseeable future.

No ads, no up-sell, no tricks, no in-app purchases, just download and enjoy them!

Here's the direct links where you can get your free copies:

Säckpipa (iPad):

Website:
http://www.tradlessons.com/Sackpipa.html

iTunes App Store:
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/sackpipa-swedish-bagpipes/id430240471?mt=8&ls=1

SäckpipaKeys (iPhone/iPod Touch):

Website:
http://www.tradlessons.com/SackpipaKeys.html

iTunes App Store:
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/sackpipakeys-swedish-bagpipes/id431454678?mt=8&ls=1


Enjoy!

Michael
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seisiuneer



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PostPosted: Sat May 21, 2011 6:26 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Over 5,000 free Sackpipa apps have been downloaded from the iTunes store so far!
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seisiuneer



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PostPosted: Wed Jun 15, 2011 7:32 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

I think 10,000 free copies is enough, now charging a very reasonable price...
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seisiuneer



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PostPosted: Thu Aug 04, 2011 6:35 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

My friend Ian Law suggested adding Dorian mode drones to the app, until I get a chance to do that, here's two .mp3 files for G and A Dorian mode drones that you can play looped in the background on the iPad before launching the Sackpipa app:

G Dorian:
http://www.tradlessons.com/sackpipa/drone_g_dorian.mp3

A Dorian:
http://www.tradlessons.com/sackpipa/drone_a_dorian.mp3

Right-click and save the files to your hard drive, then sync them to your iPad using iTunes.

For Dorian mode, select the G or A major scale in the app, then play starting on the second scale tone.

Thank you to Ian for the suggestion!
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seisiuneer



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PostPosted: Fri Jul 10, 2015 7:36 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I've added the E Dorian and F# Dorian modes to the latest version 3.0 of the iPad app. I've also made it free until July 18, 2015.
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texasbagpiper
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PostPosted: Fri Jul 10, 2015 8:20 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Great news Michael, thanks Seth
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