The Lisbon-based modular maker has developed an entirely new family of modules – including mechanical plectrums, a rotary exciter and an ebow slider – built around four physical strings mounted directly in a Eurorack frame.
ADDAC System has announced the Four Strings Series, a family of Eurorack modules built around four physical strings mounted in a dedicated frame. The concept draws from instruments like the lap steel and dulcimer, without the fretboard. This leaves the strings free to clear underneath, so you can install other modules in the space below.
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The series spans seven modules, each addressing a different way of interacting with the strings. At the base is the ADDAC120 Headstock & Bridge, built from 2mm stainless steel with four locking tuners and string gauge support up to 0.055. From there, two pickup options are available: the ADDAC121 Humbucker, a straightforward pickup module with tone and volume controls, a low/high gain switch and an integrated preamp; and the ADDAC122 Quadraphonic Pickup, which uses four discrete pickups, one per string, each with its own preamp, independent volume control and output jack, plus a mono mix output.
For modular-focused players, there are more unusual modules to experiment with. The ADDAC124 Plectrums module uses a servo motor per string to pluck each one independently, triggered via push-button, CV trigger or MIDI. A Harmonic Mode moves the servo only ten degrees, lightly tapping the string to bring out harmonics rather than a full pluck. The ADDAC125 Strings Mute takes its cue from the foam mute system found on some Fender Jaguar and Bass VI guitars, using a servo to raise and lower a foam piece against the strings for automated dampening. The ADDAC126 Rotary Exciter runs a 7000 RPM brushless motor rotating four magnets in opposing poles, generating a rotating magnetic field that forces the strings to vibrate when the rotational speed matches their tuning frequency or harmonics. The ADDAC127 Ebow Slider creates a sliding harness for a standard ebow (modified using the PianoBow DIY mod to remove the feet) letting it travel back and forth beneath the strings.
Two physical attachments complete the system, including a bow arch that raises the two middle strings to give a bow access to each string individually, and small plastic resonators that clip to the strings to add harmonics, with each additional resonator introducing a new partial and the position of each determining its pitch. The resulting tone, ADDAC describes as resembling a bell.
All modules fit into the ADDAC120F Strings Frame, a custom-built 122HP enclosure with a dedicated power supply designed to isolate the system from motor noise. The entire series ships in July.
For local enquiries on ADDAC System, head to Found Sound.
