The Exbow MetaSax: Compositional applications of bowed string physical models using instrument controller subsititution

Physical models of musical instruments are interesting from different perspectives. The scientist, being able to reproduce the sound of a particular instrument, shows that the physics of that instrument has been understood. The performer can take advantage of the virtual instruments which are often easier to play than real ones. The composer can use physically modelled instruments to obtain sonorities that cannot be created on the physical instrument. In this paper we explore the boundaries of a physical model by abstracting a bowed string physical model from its analog material controller, and implementing this model within another instrumental controller, the metasaxophone. We focus on different effects that can be obtained through extending the possibilities offered by a physical model of bowed string instruments through the use of alternate controllers.