Anyone help? proximity sensors and guitars

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the integration of proximity sensors into guitars to modify sound effects, such as altering pitch or functioning as a kill switch. Participants explore various types of sensors and their potential applications in electric guitars, as well as the technical requirements for implementing such modifications.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests building a sensor into a guitar to alter pitch or cut out sound, questioning the feasibility of such an idea.
  • Another participant mentions that capacitive switches are available as standard components, typically used in industrial automation, and can adjust sensitivity based on proximity.
  • A different participant proposes that distortion pedals could achieve similar effects, questioning if this aligns with the original idea.
  • One contributor explains the common types of proximity sensors, including capacitive, inductive, and ultrasonic sensors, suggesting reaching out to industrial automation companies for more information.
  • A humorous comment is made about using a vacuum to cut out sound, followed by a clarification request regarding whether the kill switch is for an acoustic or electric guitar.
  • The original poster expresses interest in the whammy pedal and describes their existing kill switch setup, contemplating the addition of a circuit board and sensor to enhance functionality, while questioning the complexity of the required circuitry.
  • A participant provides a link to a Wikipedia page on MIDI, indicating its relevance if the guitar is to be recorded directly into a computer.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the feasibility or specific implementation details of integrating proximity sensors into guitars, with multiple competing views and suggestions presented throughout the discussion.

Contextual Notes

There are uncertainties regarding the specific technical requirements for integrating sensors, such as the need for resistors or a separate power supply, as well as the relevance of MIDI in this context.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in guitar modifications, electronics in musical instruments, and those exploring sound effects and sensor technology may find this discussion relevant.

deadstar22
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hey guys, i don't know if I am in the right part of the forum, but i have an idea and i need your help... i know nothing about physics :confused:

my idea is to build a sensor into a guitar which could alter the pitch or cut out the sound, like a kill-switch for example.

anything is possible... right?
 
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You can buy capasity switches as standard component. (Most of them are made for industrial purposes and not for guitars.)

Some of them has the ability to adjust the sensivity.

When you move your hand near the switch or on to the switch it will operate depending on sensivity.

They are not very expensive as they are commonly used for industrial automation purposes.
 
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They have distrotion pedals that would have the same basic effect. Or am I totally off?
 
I have no idea about music instruments, but I know quite sure that proxy sensors are somethig quite common in industrial automation. There are basically two types capasic that reacts to any material coming near and inductive that reacts on magnetic metals. Then there is also some "a little bit simular design" that are using ultra sound that work on longer distances.

Make contact on a company related to industrial automation and take a look.
 
If you wanted to cut out all sound you could have a recycling scuba tank and play in a vacuum. Just kidding! When you said killswitch did you mean to cut the sound from an acoustic guitar or an electric guitar?
 
wow, thanks for the interest guys, all seems interesting.

There are pedals that do this, the one I am interested in is the whammy pedal (it can bend the pitch up and down)

http://www.digitech.com/products/whammy.htm

and yes, an electric guitar, much easier than acoustic for effects.

i have a kill switch already on my guitar, which basically disconnects a link between the power supply and the pickups (which pick-up the sounds the strings make)

im guessing i need to add things to this circuit, such as some kind of circuitboard chip thing that has the effect on it and link it to a sensor or a 'capacity switch', is it that easy? surely not... (will it need resistors and its own power supply?)

also does midi mean anything to you and do you think it is relevant to this?

thanks guys
 
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Midi" . It'd be relevant if you intend to record your guitar work inputting directly into a computer.
 
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