Abstract
This paper presents a prototype system for adapting the bass guitar for one-handed musicians. We discuss existing solutions to accessible musical instruments, followed by the results of an online survey of bass guitarists, which informed the design of a prototype bass guitar adaptation. The adaptation comprises a foot-operated MIDI controller with a solenoid-actuated fretting mechanism, providing access to six frets across two strings of the bass. A study involving six bassists rehearsing and writing a bass guitar accompaniment with the adapted bass highlighted unexpected facets of bass guitar playing, and provided insights into the design of future accessible string instruments.
Notes
Jacob Harrison. Centre for Digital Music, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK.
9 In particular, author and journalist Sarah Kovac provides video examples of her using her feet to type, apply makeup and play the piano: http://sarahkovac.com/popularvideos/