WO2013105846A1

WO2013105846A1 - Musical instrument

Info

Publication number: WO2013105846A1
Application number: PCT/NL2012/000084
Authority: WO
Inventors: Adrianus Johannes NEELEMAN
Original assignee: Neeleman Adrianus Johannes
Priority date: 2012-01-12
Filing date: 2012-12-28
Publication date: 2013-07-18
Also published as: NL1039292C2

Abstract

The invention relates to a strap-on musical instrument, comprising a keyboard (110) and an expression control unit (210), wherein the musical instrument is arranged to generate tone signals in response to input received via the keyboard (110) and manipulation signals in response to input received via the expression control unit (210). The musical instrument (1) further comprises a processing unit (300) arranged to manipulate the tone signals in accordance with the manipulation signals to form a music signal. The keyboard (110) is arranged along a first straight line (II), and the expression control unit (210) is arranged along a second straight line (12). The first and second lines (II, 12) are at an angle a with respect to each other, a being in the range of 20° - 80°.

Description

Musical instrument

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to a strap-on musical instrument.

STATE OF THE ART

Many musical instruments are known from the state of the art, such as wind instruments, stringed instruments and percussion instruments. Since more recent times, electrical instruments are known, such as synthesizers and the like. These electrical instruments usually are to be controlled by the keys of a keyboard. In addition to the electrical instruments music software is developed that, when loaded onto a computer, allows a user to generate all sorts of sounds, tones, rhythms and the like. This musical software, loaded onto a computer, also usually is to be controlled by the keys of a keyboard, connected to the computer. To enable a user to have freedom of movement strap-on keyboard instruments have been developed.

Playing tones or music on existing strap-on keyboard instruments has always had a major disadvantage: the limited possibilities provided by these instruments to model or manipulate the sound of a tone once this tone is being generated by the instruments, to obtain an expressive way of playing. Signal processors, or so-called effect units, have been developed to model or manipulate the sound of a tone once this tone is being generated, but the shape of the instruments these are to be controlled by do not provide easy, natural or ergonomically satisfying access for a user to the expression control members. Besides this, the expression control members are not designed to be operated in an intuitive and precise manner.

Another disadvantage of existing strap-on keyboard instruments is the limited tone range provided by these instruments, due to the limited maximum size of a strap- on instrument, and the minimum width of a key, that is needed, for a finger to stroke without accidentally touching adjacent keys. Patent US 5 463 925 A addresses the problem of strap-on keyboards providing only a limited number of tone keys, and it attempts to solve this problem by adding a second number of tone keys, attached to the first number of tone keys by means of a hinge, and directed at a players second hand. The instrument however is not arranged to add expression to the tones played, by modelling or manipulating the sound of these tones once they are being generated by the instrument, and it does not provide control members allowing to be operated in an intuitive and precise manner, which are easily and in an economically satisfying manner accessible for the fingers of a user.

Patent US 5 841 052 A addresses the same problem as US 5 463 925 A, and it also directs a separate number of sound trigger knobs at each of both hands of a user. These sound trigger knobs are designed for triggering percussion sounds however, and the arrangement of these within the instrument is not very suitable for playing melodies and chords, making the instrument impractical for this purpose. Besides this, the instrument is not arranged to model or manipulate the sound or the character of the percussion sounds once these percussion sounds are being triggered or generated by the instrument, and it does not provide control members allowing to be operated in an intuitive and precise manner, which are easily and in an ergonomically satisfying manner accessible for the fingers of a user.

Patent US 5 434 350 also describes a midi percussion trigger instrument. The instrument consists of a triangularly shaped front-panel and two or more adjacent panels slanting backwards from this panel, each of these panels providing buttons arranged to trigger percussion sounds. Although the instrument allows for the overall sound volume to be adjusted, the instrument is not arranged to model or manipulate the sound or the character of the percussion sounds once these percussion sounds are being triggered by the instrument, and it does not provide control members allowing to be operated in an intuitive and precise manner, which are easily and in an ergonomically satisfying manner accessible for the fingers of a user.

Patent US 2003/0209130 Al provides an alternative way of increasing the number of tone keys arranged in a keyboard: arranging them hexagonally. Although the instrument is equipped with two expression control areas (so-called "wing-controls"), both of these comprise only one control member for operating sound

modelling/manipulating effects: a slide controller. The other control members arranged in these wing-controls are arranged for generating additional sounds/tones and creating chords and arpeggios.

Although the slide controllers are programmable and can be used to operate various sound manipulating effects, the expression control potential of the instrument is limited to only these two control members. And because the wing-controls are situated at the utter left and utter right of the instrument, the involvement of one of both hands of a user in operating the tone keys, arranged in the middle of the instrument, leaves only one hand available for operating both control areas. This means only one control member is available for a user at a time while playing the instrument.

Besides this, the instrument is not a strap-on instrument, and it is not suitable for being operated when being strapped to the body of a user. The instrument is quite large: 90 cm x 40 cm, and basically consists of one rectangularly shaped panel, comprising all control members available - making it hard if not impossible for a user to

simultaneously operate both expression control members and the tone keys and keeping the instrument balanced in front of his body.

SHORT DESCRIPTION

Therefore, it is an object to provide an economically shaped strap-on musical instrument enabling a user to operate tone generation by means of a keyboard, which enables a user to model or manipulate the sound of the tones once these tones are being generated in an intuitive, precise and accurate manner, and which is shaped such that easy access is provided for the hands of a user to the control panels.

According to an aspect there is provided a strap-on musical instrument 1 , comprising a keyboard 110 comprising a plurality of tone keys 111 and an expression control unit 210 comprising a plurality of expression control members 211,

wherein the musical instrument is arranged to generate tone signals in response to input received via the tone keys 111,

wherein the musical instrument 1 is arranged to generate manipulation signals in response to input received via the expression control members 211,

the musical instrument 1 comprising a processing unit 300 arranged to manipulate the tone signals in accordance with the manipulation signals to form a music signal,

wherein the keyboard 110 is arranged along a first straight line II, the tone keys 111 neighbouring each other in de direction of the first straight line II,

and the expression control unit 210 is arranged along a second straight line 12, the expression control members 211 neighbouring each other in the direction of the second straight line 12,

the first and second straight lines II, 12 being at a first angle a with respect to each other, the first angle a being in the range of 20° < a < 80°.

By separating the two functions of the instrument (the operating of the generation of tone signals and the operating of the generation of manipulation signals for manipulating these tone signals), and assigning each of these functions exclusively to one of both hands of the user, in a design based upon the natural direction of the hands of a user in an operating position, an intuitive and ergonomically shaped musical instrument is provided. The embodiments provide easy access to the controls of both functions by directing them towards the separate hands of a user, making tone manipulation as important as tone generating. For instance, the expression control members 211 may be formed as levers, as levers allow for being operated

simultaneously and independently. Besides this, the effect of leverage may enable a user to accurately control the generation of manipulation signals, and because levers are mechanically able to follow the movement and the reach of a users fingers, operating expression control members 211 formed as levers may feel intuitive. And for instance, the tone keys 111 may be narrow and may be separated by wide gaps, to allow for the keyboard 110 to be compact, suited for being arranged in the limited maximum size of a strap-on instrument. The first and second lines II, 12 together may form a V-shape, where each line forms a leg of the V-shape. In use, the point of the V is directed in a downward direction.

SHORT DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings in which corresponding reference symbols indicate corresponding parts, and in which:

Fig. 1 schematically depicts a musical instrument according to an embodiment, Fig. 2a - 2b schematically depicts the mutual orientation of control panels according to an embodiment,

Fig. 3a - 3c schematically depicts different views of the musical instrument according to an embodiment,

Fig. 4 schematically depicts the mutual orientation of control panels according to an embodiment,

Fig. 5 schematically depicts the mutual orientation of control panels according to an embodiment, and

Fig. 6a - 6b schematically depicts a control panel according to an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION / CLAIMS

There is provided a strap-on musical instrument 1, comprising a keyboard 110 comprising a plurality of tone keys 111 and an expression control unit 210 comprising a plurality of expression control members 211,

the musical instrument 1 comprising a processing unit 300 arranged to manipulate the tone signals in accordance with the manipulation signals to form a music signal, wherein the keyboard 110 is arranged along a first straight line II, the tone keys 111 neighbouring each other in de direction of the first straight line II,

The instrument will be further explained with reference to Fig. 1.

The musical instrument 1 is a strap-on instrument, i.e. it is arranged to be operated while being strapped to the body of a user, in front of or against his or her body in between his or her arms, and the controls comprised by the instrument are arranged such that they are accessible for the hands of a user when the instrument is strapped to his or her body. To enable a user to hold the instrument via the shoulders, the instrument may be arranged to be connected to a strap belt, for instance like a guitar strap belt or the like. To enable a user to additionally hold the instrument via the waist or the chest, the instrument may be arranged to be connected to one or more additional belts. The musical instrument is an electronic instrument comprising a keyboard 110 and an expression control unit 210, or control panels, which allow a user to play the instrument.

The keyboard 110 comprises input members 111, such as buttons, keys, or the like, each being arranged to receive user input upon which the musical instrument 1 is arranged to generate a tone signal corresponding to a specific tone when stroke.

The expression control unit 210 comprises input members 211, such as buttons, keys, levers or the like, each being arranged to receive user input upon which the musical instrument 1 is arranged to generate a manipulating signal when stroke. The manipulating signals may comprise bending signals, distortion signals and the like, that can be used to manipulate the tone signals.

As can be seen in Fig. 1, when seen in a plane perpendicular to both straight lines II, 12 the first and second straight lines II, 12 together may form a V-shape, wherein each line forms a leg of the V-shape, and the keyboard 110 and the expression control unit 210 may each be arranged along a respective leg of this V-shape. In use, the point of the V may be directed in a downward direction. The V-shape may be an unevenly balanced V-shape, i.e. the different legs of the V may have different sizes. The keyboard 110 may be longer than the expression control unit 210. In case the leg of the V-shape arranging the keyboard 110 is longer than the leg of the V-shape arranging the expression control unit 210, the V-shape may in use be tilted sideways, such that the keyboard 110 is tilted towards the horizontal direction, and the expression control unit 210 is tilted towards the vertical direction.

The V-shape allows a user to position the instrument in between both arms and hands and provides easy access with one hand to the keyboard 110 and with the other hand to the expression control unit 210. As the keyboard 110 and the expression control unit 210 have distinct functions, i.e. tone generation and tone manipulation functions, the instrument can be played in a real-time manner, i.e. allowing live performances and the like.

The keyboard 110 and the expression control unit 210 may be at a mutual angle a, as indicated in Fig. 1. The first angle a serves to provide easy and natural access to the keyboard 110 and the expression control unit 210 when the musical instrument 1 is strapped to the body of a user, wherein the control panels 110, 210 may be reached by the hands of a user from the outline of the V-shape.

It has been found that the indicated range for the first angle a comprises the angles that provide the most comfortable orientation of the keyboard 110 and the expression control unit 210. In fact, the first angle a may be chosen from the range 20° - 80°, or 40°- 60°, for instance 52°, as these angles provide the most comfortable orientation of the keyboard 110 and the expression control unit 210 for most users.

The preferred range of the first angle a may be in the range from 20° - 80°, wherein a first angle a closer to 80° may provide easier access to the control panels 110, 210 for the hands of this user when the instrument is strapped to the body of a user at a higher position, and a first angle a closer to 20° may provide easier access to the control panels 110, 210 for the hands of a user when the instrument is strapped to the body of a user at a lower position. The most natural angle a may thus be between 20°- 80°, between 40°-60°, close to 50°. The musical instrument 1 is arranged to not allow movement of the control panels

110, 210 with respect to each other while the control panels 110, 210 are being operated by a user, thus providing stability for a user and enabling him or her to focus on operating the controls 111, 211. The fact that the musical instrument is arranged to be used in a using position in between the arms of a user implies that the dimensions of the musical instrument are such that this is possible.

The first and second straight lines II, 12 may be intersecting lines or skew lines. How to determine the first angle a in case the first and second straight lines II, 12 are intersecting lines or skew lines is well known to a person skilled in the art.

According to an embodiment, the musical instrument is arranged to provide easy access for the respective hands of a user to the control panels 110, 210 when the instrument is being strapped to the body of a user at heights varying from pelvis height to just below chest height. The most natural angle a according to this embodiment for the control panels 110, 210 with respect to each other to be operated by the hands of a user is found to be in the range from 30°-70°. This range may be the preferred range according to this embodiment.

According to an embodiment, the musical instrument is arranged to provide easy access for the respective hands of a user to the control panels 110, 210 when the instrument is being strapped to the body of a user at about navel height. The most natural angle a according to this embodiment for the control panels 110, 210 with respect to each other to be operated by the hands of a user in the most natural way is found to be in the range from 40°-60°. This range may be the preferred range according to this embodiment. According to a further embodiment, the first and second straight lines II, 12 form a V-shape, and the keyboard 110 and the expression control unit 210 are each arranged along a respective leg of the V-shape, wherein the tone keys 111 and the expression control members 211 are arranged on an outward side of the respective legs of the V- shape.

As can be seen in Fig. 2a, 3a, 3b, when seen in a plane parallel to the first and second straight lines, the first and second straight lines II, 12 may form a V-shape, and the keyboard 110 and the expression control unit 210 may each be arranged along a respective leg of the V-shape. The tone keys 111 and the expression control members 211 may be arranged to be operated by the fingers of a user from the outline of the V- shape. Being arranged this way, orientations suitable for the control panels 110, 210 for being operated by the fingers of a user may be provided by arranging the tone keys 111 and the expression control members 211 on an outward side of the respective legs of the V-shape II, 12, the keyboard 110 and the expression control unit 210 facing in a direction away from the V-shape.

Embodiments wherein the keyboard 110 and the expression control unit 210 are arranged to face away from each other may be most suitable, as these directions do not require a user to excessively bend his or her wrists to enable his or her fingers to reach the controls.

According to a further embodiment, the tone keys 111 have initial operating surfaces which define a tone control plane PI, and the expression control members 211 have initial operating surfaces which define an expression control plane P2.

The controls 111, 211 may be arranged to be moved from an initial rest position towards an end position by a user in the act of respectively triggering the generation of tone signals or manipulation signals. The surfaces arranged in the controls 111, 211 to receive a users fingers while being actuated may be referred to as operating surfaces. The operating surfaces arranged in the controls 111, 211 to receive a users fingers in the act of moving this control 111, 211 away from their initial rest positions towards their end positions in the act of triggering the generation of respective tone signals or manipulation signals may be referred to as the initial operating surfaces. The initial operating surfaces arranged in the tone keys may define a tone control plane PI, and the initial operating surfaces arranged in the expression control members 211 may define an expression control plane P2.

According to a further embodiment, the tone control plane PI is at an angle βΐθ with respect to a plane parallel to both legs of the V-shape, with 5° < βΐθ < 50°, such that the initial operating surfaces arranged in the tone keys 111 are facing away from a support side of the musical instrument, which is, in use, suited to be positioned against a users body.

Being a strap-on instrument, the musical instrument 1 is arranged to be operated in a suspended position, in front of or against the body of a user in between his or her arms. While being suspended, the musical instrument may be arranged to utilize a users body as a means to counterbalance the force exerted upon the instrument by the fingers of a user while this user is operating the controls 111, 211. One side of the instrument may thus be arranged to be positioned against a users body when the instrument is in use, transferring the operating forces onto a users body. This side of the instrument may be referred to as the support side SI of the instrument, or support side SI. As can be seen in Fig. 2a-2b, 3a-3c, when seen in a plane parallel to both legs of the V-shape the side of the V-shape facing towards a viewer may be referred to as the instruments operating side S2, and the opposite side may be referred to as the instruments support side SI.

The tone keys 111 arranged in the keyboard 110 may be pushed in a direction towards the support side SI of the musical instrument by a user in the act of receiving user input upon which the instrument is arranged to generate tone signals. This obviously means the initial operating surfaces arranged in the tone keys 111 are facing away from the support side SI of the instrument. As can be seen in Fig. 2a, 3a, the operating plane PI, being arranged along the first leg of the V-shape II, may be at an angle βΐθ with respect to a plane parallel to both legs of the V-shape II, 12, the initial operating surfaces of the tone keys 111 facing away from the support side SI of the instrument. The angle βΐθ may serve to provide a natural direction for the hands of a user to operate the tone keys 111. It has been found that the indicated range for the angle βΐθ comprises the angles that provide the most comfortable orientation of the keyboard 110. In fact, βΐθ may for instance be chosen in the range 5° - 50°, possibly 5° - 30°. Angles in the range 30°- 50° may be arranged in case the hand operating the tone keys 111 is also needed to support the instrument in an upward direction. Any angle βΐθ in between may be selected as well. Thus, the preferred range for the angle βΐθ may be 5° < βΐθ < 50°.

According to an embodiment, the instrument is arranged to not require support from a users hand in an upward direction while it is being operated, and the keyboard 110 has been arranged to enable being operated in an energetic manner by a user.

Angles βΐθ close to but slightly larger than 0° may enable a user to firmly press the tone keys 111 in a direction towards the support side SI of the musical instrument 1 without accidently moving the musical instrument 1 in an upward direction, while at the same time providing a more comfortable orientation for the keyboard 110 to be operated by a users fingers than the angle β 10 being 0°. According to this embodiment, the preferred range for the angle βΐθ may thus be 5° < βΐθ < 30°.

According to a further embodiment, the expression control plane P2 may be at an angle β20 with respect to a plane parallel to both legs of the V-shape II, 12, with 5° < β20 < 85°, such that the initial operating surfaces of the expression control members 211 are facing away from a support side of the musical instrument, which is, in use, suited to be positioned against a users body. As can be seen in Fig. 2a, 3a, 3b the expression control plane P2 may be at an angle β20 with respect to a plane parallel to both legs of the V-shape, the initial operating surfaces of the expression control members 211 facing away from the support side SI of the instrument. The angle β20 may serve to provide a natural direction for the hands of a user to operate the expression control members 211. It has been found that the indicated range for the angle β20 comprises the angles that provide the most comfortable orientation of expression control unit 210. In fact, β20 may for instance be chosen in the range 5° - 85°, or in the range 5° - 30°.

At an angle β20 closer to 85° the expression control members 211 may be accessed by the hands of a user in a direction more from the side of the instrument when seen in a plane parallel to both straight lines II, 12. This means easier access to the expression control members 211 for a users hand is provided in case the arm, the hand of which is involved in operating the expression control members 211, is held closer to his or her body when operating the expression control members 211.

At an angle β20 closer to 5° the expression control members 211 may be accessed by the hands of a user in a direction more from the front of the instrument when seen in a plane parallel to both straight lines II , 12. This means easier access to the expression control members 211 for a users hand may be provided in case the arm, the hand of which is involved in operating the expression control members 211, is held farther away from his or her body when operating the expression control members 211. Angles in between may be preferred by individual users. The preferred range for the angle β20 thus may be 5° < β20 < 85°.

According to an embodiment, the angle β20 may be 10° < β20 < 35°. Angles β20 between 5° and 35° may enable a user to operate the expression control members 211 mostly from the front of his or her body. It has been found that these angles allow the widest range of possible positions for a user to keep his arm, the hand of which is involved in operating the expression control unit 210, while operating the expression control members 211. These angles may thus allow the arm operating the expression control members 211 maximum freedom of movement while operating the expression control members 211. The preferred range for the angle β20 according to this embodiment thus may be 5° < β20 < 35°. According to an embodiment, the first and second straight lines II, 12 form a V- shape, and the expression control unit 210 is arranged along the second leg 12 of the V- shape,

wherein the expression control members 211 are provided on an inward side of the second leg 12 of the V-shape,

wherein the expression control members 211 have initial operating surfaces which define an expression control plane P2,

wherein the expression control plane P2 is at an angle β21 with respect to a plane parallel to both legs of the V-shape, with 5° < β21 < 50°,

such that the initial operating surfaces of the expression control members 211 are facing away from a support side SI of the musical instrument, which is, in use, suited to be positioned against a users body.

As can be seen in Fig 2b, 3 c, the expression control unit 210 may thus be provided on an inward side of a V-shape which is formed by the first and second straight lines II, 12, and the expression control members 211 may have initial operating surfaces facing away from the support side SI of the musical instrument. These initial operating surfaces may define an expression control plane P2, which may be, according to this embodiment, at an angle β21 with respect to a plane parallel to both legs of the V-shape, with 5° < p21 < 50°.

This embodiment may be preferred in case the musical instrument 1 is arranged to, in use, be strapped to the body of a user in a way providing the expression control unit 210 in a position close to the side or to the side of a users body, while providing the tone keyboard 110 in front of a users body. Positioning the instrument as such may enable a user to shift some of the weight of the instrument away from his or her chest or belly and fit part of the instrument in his or her armpit. In case the expression control unit is, in use, arranged to be positioned this way, the angle β21 may enable easy access for the fingers of a user to the expression control members 211.

It has been found that the indicated range for the angle β21 comprises the angles that provide the most comfortable orientation of expression control unit 210. In fact, β21 may for instance be chosen in a range 5° - 50°, possibly 5° - 30°. Angles close to 50° may be preferred if the expression control unit 210 is arranged to be positioned close to a users back at the side of a users body. Angles close to 5° may be preferred if the expression control unit 210 is arranged to be positioned close to a users front when being positioned at the side of a users body . The preferred range for the angle β21 may thus be 5° < β21 < 50°.

According to a further embodiment, the expression control unit 210 is, in use, arranged to be positioned to the side and close to the front of a users body. For a user this may allow for the most comfortable position for his or her arm, the hand of which is involved in operating the expression control unit 210, while operating the expression control members 211. The angle β21 of the expression control plane P2 with respect to a plane parallel to both straight lines II, 12, enabling the most natural access for the fingers of a user to the expression control members 211, may in this position be 10° < β21 < 30°. This range may be the preferred range for this embodiment.

The angles βΐθ, β20, β21 are defined as the smallest angle between a plane parallel to both legs of the V-shape and the respective first and second operating pi; P1, P2.

According to an embodiment there is provided a musical instrument 1 , wherein the musical instrument 1 comprises a first part 100 comprising the keyboard 110 and a second part 200 comprising the expression control unit 210, wherein the keyboard 110 is arranged along the first straight line II and the expression control unit 210 is arranged along the second straight line 12, wherein the first part 100 and the second part 200 are connected to each other by a rotatable connection member, such that the first angle a between the first straight line II and the second straight line 12 can be adjusted and secured.

As can be seen in Fig. 4, the rotatable connection member allows a user to adjust and secure the first angle a in accordance with ones wishes before playing the instrument, thus allowing him or her to adjust and secure the orientation of the control panels 110, 210 with respect to each other. It will be understood that many possible alternatives for providing the rotatable connection member can be used, such as a joint or a hinge with securing means. The rotatable connection member does not allow other movements, such as lateral movements or the like.

According to an embodiment there is provided a musical instrument 1 , wherein the musical instrument 1 comprises a first part 100 comprising the keyboard 110 and a second part 200 comprising the expression control unit 210, wherein the keyboard 110 is arranged along the first straight line II and the expression control unit 210 is arranged along the second straight line 12, wherein the first part 100 and the second part 200 are connected to each other by a rotatable connection member, wherein the rotatable connection member enables at least one of both parts 100, 200 to rotate around an axis respectively being parallel to the first or second straight line II, 12, such that the angle of the side of this part 100, 200 respectively comprising the keyboard 110 or the expression control unit 210 with respect to a plane parallel to both straight lines II, 12 can be adjusted and secured.

As can be seen in Fig. 5, the rotatable connection member may enable a user to adjust and secure the angle of at least one of the operating planes PI, P2 with respect to a plane parallel to both straight lines II, 12 in accordance with ones wishes before playing the instrument. The first part 100 comprising the keyboard 110 may be rotatable around an axis parallel to the first straight line II, and/or the second part 200 comprising the expression control unit 210 may be rotatable around an axis parallel to the second straight line 12. It will be understood that many possible alternatives for providing the rotatable connection member can be used, such as a joint or a hinge with securing means. The rotatable connection member does not allow other movements, such as lateral movements or the like.

According to a further embodiment, both the keyboard 110 and the expression control unit 210 may be arranged along the outline of the instrument, when seen in a plane parallel to both straight lines II, 12. In use, the control panels 110, 210 may be reached by the hands of a user from the outline of the V-shape formed by the first and second straight lines II, 12. Providing the control panels 110, 210 along the outline of the instrument may provide the most direct access possible for a users fingers to the instruments controls 111, 211, and may enable him or her to freely move the hand involved in operating the respective control panel 110, 210 along the control panel 110, 210 while operating the controls 111, 211.

The control panels 110, 210 may be arranged along respectively the first and second straight lines II, 12, and the first and second lines II, 12 together may form a V- shape. Arranging both the control panels 110 and 210 along the outline of the instrument may thus result in at least part of the outline being parallel to the first straight line II, and at least part of the outline being parallel to the second straight line 12. This means the first angle a may define at least part of the shape of the outline of the musical instrument 1.

Keyboard 110

The musical instrument 1 may comprise a keyboard 110, comprising a plurality of tone keys 111. The musical instrument 1 may be arranged to generate tone signals in response to input received from a user via the tone keys 111. A tone signal may be a binary signal that can be processed by the schematically indicated internal processing unit 300 and/or remote computer 500 to produce a predetermined tone. The tone signal may also be an analogue or digital signal representing a tone. A tone may be a periodical signal having a predetermined frequency or a predetermined number of frequencies. The keyboard 110 may also be referred to as a tone clavier, or a tone keyboard. Of course, the tone keys 111 comprised by keyboard 110 may also be used to trigger samples or sounds unrelated to a tone scale, like the keys in any other keyboard.

The keyboard 110 may be any type of keyboard, such as a traditional piano- clavier, and may for instance be formed by a plurality of longitudinal parallel keys, defining a longitudinal direction. The tone keys 111 may be longitudinal keys having a key straight line being perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The tone keys 111 may be formed as any type of key, depressible lever, knob or button. The keyboard 110 may be made of any kind of material, such as metal, synthetic materials, wood or the like.

According to a further embodiment, the tone keys 111 are arranged in such a manner, that gaps 112 have been provided in between the keys 111, such that 2_*W_gap 1120 + W_key 1110 = W_st_rike 1130, wherein 14 mm < W_strike 1 130 < 28 mm, wherein Wg_ap 1120 is the width of the gap 112 measured in the direction of the first straight line II , key 1 110 is the width of the keys 1 11 measured in the direction of the first straight line II and Wstrike 1130 is the room available for a finger to strike a key 111 between its two adjacent keys 1 11 measured in the direction of the first straight line II , wherein the following relation may apply: W_gap 1120 > Wk_ey 1110.

According to this embodiment the keyboard 110 may comprise relatively narrow keys 111 and relatively wide gaps 112 between keys 1 11. As can be seen in Fig. 6a / the two gaps 112 alongside each key 111 may virtually expand the key 111 to both sides, increasing the amount of room for a finger to stroke without accidently touching adjacent keys. Because each gap 112 borders two keys 111 at a time, each gap 112 may serve this goal of providing room for a finger for two adjacent keys 111 at a time. This means the amount of room needed to arrange a key 11 1 may be smaller than the amount of room needed to arrange a finger- wide key, as can be seen in Fig. 6a I- II. The number of keys 111 shaped this way, may, in case of being arranged in a keyboard 110, be considerably larger than a number of finger-wide keys when arranged in a keyboard of the same size, while providing a similar amount of room for a finger to strike. This allows for a compact keyboard 110, providing both a wide tone range and the ability to be operated in an accurate manner, suited for the limited size of a strap-on instrument.

So, the first keyboard 110 may comprise a plurality of relatively narrow, elongated and parallel keys 111 with relatively wide gaps 112 in between the keys 111. The keys 111 are considered narrow as the width of the keys Wkey 1110 is smaller than the width of the gaps W_gap 1120 in between the keys 111, as is indicated in Fig. 6b.

The decrease of the width of the keys 111 and at the same time increase of the width of the gaps 112 is done in such a way that the width of the key Wk_ey 1110 extended with the width of both gaps W_gap 1120 alongside it at least equals the width of a finger. It is assumed that the width of a finger is approximately 15 mm or more. The following relation may apply: W_gap 1120 > Wk_ey 1110. In a keyboard 110 comprising keys 111 separated by gaps 112, wherein the width of a gap 112 W_gap 1120 is equal to the width of a key 111 Wkey 1110, the number of keys 111 is 1,5 times the number of keys provided by a keyboard of the same size wherein the keys are not separated by gaps and the width of a key Wk_ey 1110 equals the room for a finger to strike W_strike 1130 , or Wk_ey 1110 = W_strike 1130, in case the room for a finger to strike Wstri e 1130 for both keyboards is equal. This means in a keyboard 110 wherein the following relation applies: W_gap 1120 > Wk_ey 1110, the tone range is more than 1,5 times the tone range of a keyboard of the same size comprising finger- wide keys. The operating surface provided by a key 111 according to this embodiment is one third of the total striking room W_strike 1130, which is assumed to be a comfortable operating surface for a finger.

Technical explanation: W_gap 1120 > Wk_ey 1110, wherein Wstrike 1130 = Wk_ey 1110 + 2.W_gap 1120. In case W_gap 1120 = W_key 1110, W_strike 1130 = l*W_key 1110 + 2*W_key 1110 = 3* Wkey 1110, and W_key 1110 = l/3*W_stri_ke 1130. In a row, the width required to arrange each successive key 111 + the adjacent gap 112, in case W_gap 1120 = Wke_y 1 HO, is Wkey 1110 + W_gap 1120 = W_key 1110 + W_key 1110 = l/3*W_strike 1130 + l/3*W_strike 1130 = 2/3*W_strike 1130. This means in case W_gap 1120 > W_key 1110, the room required to arrange a key of this type is less than 2/3 times the room required to arrange a finger- wide key. This means more than 1,5 times the number of keys 111 can be arranged in a keyboard of the same size, in case the room for a finger to strike a key Wstrike 1130 for both keyboards is equal.

According to an embodiment, the following relation may apply W_gap 1120 > 2_* W_key 1110 In a keyboard 110 comprising keys 111 separated by gaps 112, wherein the width of a gap 112 W_gap 1120 is twice the width of a key 111 W_key 1110, the number of keys 111 is 1,66 times the number of keys provided by a keyboard of the same size wherein the keys are not separated by gaps and the width of a key Wk_ey 1110 equals the room for a finger to strike W_strike 1 130 , or W_key 1 1 10 = W_strik_e 1 130_s in case the room for a finger to strike W_strik_e 1130 for both keyboards is equal. This means in a keyboard 1 10 wherein the following relation applies: W_gap 1 120 > 2* Wk_ey 1 1 10, the tone range is more than 1,66 times the tone range of a keyboard of the same size comprising finger- wide keys, while at the same time the operating surface of a key 111 for a finger to strike is one fifth of the total striking room W_strike 1 130 , which is assumed to be comfortable for a finger.

Technical explanation: W_gap 1 120 > 2* W_key 11 10, wherein W_strik_e 1130 = Wk_ey 1 110 + 2*W_gap 1120. In case W_gap 1120 = 2_* W_key 1 1 10, W_strik_e 1 130 = l*W_key 1 1 10 + 2*2*W_key 1 1 10 = 5* W_key 1 1 10, and W_key 1 1 10 = l/5*W_strike 1130. In a row, the width required to arrange each successive key 1 11 + the adjacent gap 1 12, in case W_gap 1 120 = 2* W_key 1 1 10, is W_key 1 1 10 + W_gap 1 120 = W_key 1110 + 2*W_key 1110 = 1/5* W_strike 1130 + 2/5»W_strike 1130 = 3/5*W_strike 1130. This means in case W_gap 1 120 > 2_* W_key 1 1 10_, the room required to arrange a key of this type is less than 3/5 times the room required to arrange a finger- wide key. This means more than 1,66 times the number of keys 1 1 1 can be arranged in a keyboard of the same size, in case the room for a finger to strike a key W_strike 1130 for both keyboards is equal.

According to an embodiment, the following relation may apply W_gap 1 120 > 4* Wkey 1 110. In a keyboard 1 10 comprising keys 1 1 1 separated by gaps 1 12, wherein the width of a gap 1 12 W_gap 1 120 is four times the width of a key 1 1 1 Wk_ey 11 10, the number of keys 11 1 provided by this keyboard 1 10 is 1 ,8 times the number of keys provided by a keyboard of the same size wherein the keys are not separated by gaps and the width of a key Wk_ey 11 10 equals the room for a finger to strike W_strike 1130 , or Wkey 1 1 10 = Ws_tnke 1130_, in case the room for a finger to strike Ws_trike 1 130 for both keyboards is equal. This means in a keyboard 1 10 wherein the following relation applies: W_gap 1 120 > 4* W_key 11 10, the tone range is more than 1 ,8 times the tone range of a keyboard of the same size comprising finger-wide keys. This keyboard may thus provide a tonal range almost twice the tonal range provided by a keyboard providing finger- wide keys of the same size, providing an equal amount of room for a finger to strike. Technical explanation: W_gap 1120 > 4_* W_key 1110, wherein W_strike 1130 = W_key 1110 + 2_*W_gap 1 120. In case W_gap 1120 = 4* W_key 1110, W_strike 1130 = l_*W_key 1110 + 2_*4_*W_key 11 10 = 9. W_key 1110, and W_key 1110 = l/9*W_strike 1 130. In a row, the width required to arrange each successive key 111 + the adjacent gap 112, in case W_gap 1120 = 4_* W_key 1110, is W_key 1110 + W_gap 1120 = W_key 1110 + 4_* W_key 1110 = 1/9_* W_strike 1130 + 4/9_*W_strike 1130 = 5/9»W_strike 1130. This means in case W_gap 1120 > 4_* W_key 1110_; the room required to arrange a key of this type is less than 5/9 times the room required to arrange a finger- wide key. This means more than 1,8 times the number of keys 111 can be arranged in a keyboard of the same size, in case the room for a finger to strike a key W_strike 1130 for both keyboards is equal.

According to a further embodiment the following relation may apply: 14 mm < Wstrii e 1130 < 18 mm. Limiting the amount of room for a finger to strike may even further increase the tone range provided by the keyboard. A width of 18 mm is found to be the smallest W_strj_ke 1130 still providing sufficient room for a users fmger to strike a key without accidently touching adjacent keys.

Expression control unit 210

The musical instrument 1 may comprise an expression control unit 210, comprising a plurality of expression control members 211. Actuation of an expression control member 211 will generate a manipulation signal, which is used to manipulate the tone signals generated upon actuation of the tone keys 111. The manipulation signal has a level which determines the amount of manipulation of the tone signal. The level of the manipulation signal can be controlled accurately by a user as it depends on how far the expression control members are moved from their initial rest position.

The expression control members 211 may be moved from an initial rest position towards an end position, in between these two positions, the level of the manipulation signal will increase towards the end position from a minimum to a maximum level.

The manipulation signals may comprise bending, distortion, filtering signals and the like. The expression control unit 211 may therefore also be referred to as a filter unit or expression unit.

According to a further embodiment, the expression control members 211 may be arranged to be pushed from an initial rest position towards an end position in the act of receiving a users input,

wherein the manipulation signals generated upon pushing the expression control members 211 have a level which determines the amount of manipulation according to which the tone signals are manipulated,

wherein the level of the manipulation signals can be controlled accurately by a user as it depends on how far the expression control members 211 are pushed from their initial rest position, wherein pushing an expression control member 211 from its initial rest position towards its end position increases the level of the manipulation signal from a minimum to a maximum level,

wherein the centres of separate expression control members 211 measured in the direction of the second straight line 12 are less than 4 cm apart from each other.

The expression control unit 210 may be arranged to enable a user to

simultaneously operate the separate expression control members 211 by the fingers of a single hand. This may enable a user to combine the manipulation signals generated upon actuation of these expression control members 211 operated simultaneously, and to in real-time improvise with the levels thereof, while operating the tone keys 111 with the other hand. Expression control members 211 arranged to be pushed may be easily operated simultaneously and independently by the fingers of a single hand. Separate fingers may be able to accurately control how far separate expression control members 211 are being moved from their initial rest positions, and because pushing may be the most basic and natural manner for a finger to operate, operating the expression control members 211 by means of pushing may feel intuitive and natural to a user.

The expression control members 211 may be arranged such that the centres of separate expression control members 211 measured in the direction of the second straight line 12 are less than 4 cm apart from each other. 4 Cm may be the maximum distance spannable by two adjacent fingers of the four fingers naturally moving in the same direction of a single hand, without being uncomfortable for these fingers.

Obviously, the thumb has more freedom of movement and allows a user to span much larger distances. Thus, arranging the expression control members 211 in this manner may enable a user to simultaneously operate up to 5 possible expression control members 211 with the five separate fingers of a single hand.

According to an embodiment, the expression control members 211 are formed as linear potentiometers, wherein "linear" describes geometry of the device, being rectangular, not the electrical characteristic, and is used to distinguish the shape of the device from the shape of rotary potentiometers. The relation between the slider position and the resistance may in fact be either linear or logarithmic. Linear potentiometers thus defined may enable a user to control the level of the manipulation signals in an accurate and precise manner. Besides this, separate linear potentiometers can easily be operated simultaneously and independently by the fingers of a single hand.

According to a further embodiment, the expression control members 211 may be formed as levers. The effect of leverage may enable a user to accurately control the level of the manipulation signals generated upon actuation of the expression control member 211. Besides this, separate levers can be operated simultaneously and independently by the fingers of a single hand, and because levers can be arranged to mechanically follow the movement and the reach of a users fingers, operating levers may feel intuitive.

According to an embodiment, the lever arms arranged for receiving user input measured between the pivoting points and the end of the lever arms may be at least 3 cm. 3 Cm may be about half the length of a users fingers. Lever arms having a length of 3 cm may enable a user to deliver input onto the lever arms in an accurate and intuitive manner. Lever arms of this length may enable a user to easily move separate lever arms simultaneously into initial rest positions and end positions with the lingers of a single hand. The maximum distance the end of a lever arm being 3 cm may be moved from its initial rest positions and its end positions is 6 cm, that is when the lever arm is being rotated around its pivoting point at an angle of 180°. This possible maximum distance may easily be spanned by separate fingers of a single hand of a user. Levers arms being longer than 3 cm measured between the pivoting points and the end of the lever arms may allow a user to even more accurately deliver input onto the lever arm because he or she may benefit more from the effect of leverage. According to an embodiment, the lever arms arranged for receiving user input measured between the pivoting points and the end of the lever arms may be at least 4 cm. The maximum distance the end of a lever arm being 4 cm may be moved from its initial rest positions and its end positions is 8 cm, when the lever arm is being rotated around its pivoting point at an angle of 180°. It is assumed this is the maximum distance sparmable by the four separate fingers of a single hand naturally moving in the same direction, while moving separate levers simultaneously in initial rest positions and end positions. Levers arms being longer than 4 cm measured between the pivoting points and the end of the lever arms may allow a user to even more accurately deliver input onto the lever arm because he or she may benefit more from the effect of leverage.

According to an embodiment, the lever arms arranged for receiving user input measured between the pivoting points and the end of the lever arms may be at least 5 cm. It is assumed 5 cm may be almost the length of a users fingers. Lever arms having a length of at least 5 cm may enable a user to extremely accurately deliver input onto the levers, because the maximum distance the end of a lever arm being 5 cm can be moved from its initial rest positions and its end positions is levers may be close to the maximum distance the tip of a users finger can be moved. Levers arms being longer than 5 cm measured between the pivoting points and the end of the lever arms may allow a user to even more accurately deliver input onto the lever arm because he or she may benefit more from the effect of leverage.

According to an embodiment, the end of the lever arm arranged to receive user input can be moved at least 3 cm between its initial rest position and its end position. An operating range of at least half a finger may allow a user to deliver input onto the lever arm in both an accurate and intuitive manner. The expression control members 211, in case being formed as linear

potentiometers or levers, may be arranged to hold their position after stopping the transfer of user input onto them, thus keeping the level of the manipulation signal unchanged after removing the fingers transferring the input. This enables a user to concentrate on operating other expression control members 211, while keeping the level of the manipulation signal generated by actuation of this expression control member 211 unaltered.

According to a further embodiment, at least one of the expression control members 211 may comprise a reverse mechanism, counterbalancing the force applied by the user in the act of operating this expression control member 211, reversing it towards its initial rest position when the operating force applied by a user decreases towards a minimum force, thus reversing the level of the manipulation signal generated by actuation of this linear potentiometer or lever towards its minimum level. The reverse mechanism may for instance be formed by or comprise a spring or a rubber equivalent of this, or the like, and may cause the expression control member 211 to function like a pedal in a car, returning to its initial rest position after stopping the transfer of input onto it without the need to receive a reverse user input. The

engagement of a reverse mechanism causes the manipulation signal of an expression control member 211 to be a temporary signal: any movement of the control member 211 away from its initial rest position is reduced to zero once the transfer of input is stopped and a users finger is removed - and accordingly the level of the manipulation signal generated upon actuation of this expression control member 211 is reversed to its minimum level. The arrangement of a reverse mechanism makes it easier for a user to simultaneously operate several expression control members 211 , as he now has to operate them from one side only to control both the increase and the decrease of the level of the manipulation signals generated by actuation of these expression control members 211. According to a further embodiment, the reverse mechanism may be connected to the expression control member 211 by means of a securing system. This securing system may enable a user to operate the expression control member 211 both with or without the engagement of the reverse mechanism. The securing system may for instance be controlled by the same expression control member 211 it is having its effect upon, and may be operated for instance by moving the expression control member 211 in a direction different from the direction arranged in the expression control member 211 for operating the generation of manipulation signals. The expression control member 211 may comprise one or more additional operating surfaces for operating the securing system.

It will be understood that many possible alternatives for providing the securing system connecting the reverse mechanism to the expression control member 211 can be used. The securing system may for instance connect the reverse mechanism to the expression control member 211 in a mechanical manner and may for instance be formed as a latch, such as a latch of the hook and eye type, or a latch of the type comprising a latch bolt, or the like. The securing system may be spring-loaded, requiring a user to only engage and disengage the system, and holding its

engaged/disengaged position without any user further input. The securing system may also connect the expression control member 211 to the reverse mechanism in an electrical manner, and may for instance be formed by or comprise an electromagnet for doing so. According to an embodiment the securing system comprised by the expression control member 211 may be for instance formed as a latch, comprising a latch bolt. A latch bolt is a spring-loaded bolt with a bevelled edge. The securing system may be arranged to connect the reverse mechanism to the expression control member 211 when the expression control member 211 is fully pushed into its initial rest position. The reverse mechanism may be positioned in line with the expression control member, and the tips of the expression control member 211 and the reverse mechanism may be arranged to meet each other. The tip of the expression control member 211 may comprise the bevelled edge arranged in the latch bolt, and the tip of the reverse mechanism may comprise a ridge. When the expression control member 211 is pushed into its initial rest position, the bevelled edge comprised by the expression control member 211 may force the latch bolt to retract, and make the latch bolt pass the ridge arranged at the tip of the reverse mechanism. Once the expression control member 211 has fully reached its initial rest position, the spring may engage and the latch bolt may fully extend, grabbing the ridge at the end of the reverse mechanism, thus connecting the reverse mechanism to the expression control member 211.

The latch bolt may be retracted upon user input, for instance by moving the expression control member 211 in a direction different from the direction arranged for operating the generation of manipulation signals. The retraction of the latch bolt detaches the reverse mechanism from the expression control member 211. A user will be enabled to detach the reverse mechanism from the expression control member 211 at any position between its initial rest position and its end position, thus taking away the force exerted upon the expression control member 211 by the reverse mechanism in a direction towards the initial rest position. This enables him to release the expression control member 211 while leaving its position unchanged, and thus leaving the level of the manipulation signal being generated at the moment of release unaltered. According to an embodiment, the number of expression control members 211 is at least 4. In case the expression control members 211 are arranged to be

simultaneously operable by the fingers of a single hand, a number of at least four levers may enable a user to make use of the operating potential of his or her hand and enable a him or her to operate a separate expression control member 211 with each of his or her four fingers naturally moving in a same direction. In case also a users thumb is arranged to be involved in operating the levers, five levers may be preferred.

Embodiments providing numbers of expression control members 211 larger than the number of a users fingers may provide a user with a more diverse palette of

manipulation effects, allowing him or her to model or manipulate the tone signals in a more diverse way.

According to an embodiment, the number of expression control members 211 may be at least 6. In case the expression control members 211 are arranged to be simultaneously operable by the fingers of a single hand, a number of 6 expression control members 211 may enable a user to at least switch positions with his or her thumb while operating the expression control members 211, while the other four fingers of his same hand are involved in operating the other 4 expression control members 211. Embodiments providing numbers of expression control members 211 larger than the number of a users fingers may provide a user with a more diverse palette of manipulation effects, allowing him or her to model or manipulate the tone signals in a more diverse way.

According to an embodiment, the number of expression control members 211 may be at least 8. In case the expression control members 211 are arranged to be simultaneously operable by the fingers of a single hand, a number of 8 expression control members 211 may enable a user to operate at least 4 expression control members 211 with his or her thumb, while the other four fingers of his same hand are involved in operating the other 4 expression control members 211. It is assumed the maximum span from the index finger to the thumb of a same hand is close to the maximum span from the index finger to the little finger of a same hand. Embodiments providing numbers of expression control members 211 larger than the number of a users fingers may provide a user with a more diverse palette of manipulation effects, allowing him or her to model or manipulate the tone signals in a more diverse way.

Processing unit

As indicated, the musical instrument 1 may further comprise a processing unit

300 arranged to receive the tone signals generated upon actuation of the tone keys 111 and the manipulating signals generated upon actuation of the expression control members 211 and to manipulate the tone signals in accordance with the manipulation signals to form a music signal. It will be understood that many variations can be conceived here. The processing unit is schematically indicated by 300.

The functions as described here may all be performed by the processing unit 300. However, the processing unit 300 may also be arranged to communicate with a remote computer 500 that may perform all or part of the functions. The communication may be via a wire or via a wireless connection, such as Bluetooth.

The musical instrument 1 is thus capable of generating tone signals upon user input and generating manipulating signals upon user input and use these two types of signals to generate a music signal. The music signal may be outputted, for instance to a loudspeaker or a mixing console or the like.

The processing unit and/or the remote computer 400 may be programmed with music software that provides the processing unit 300 and/or the remote computer 400 with the functionality to combine the tone signals and manipulating signals into a music signal. The manipulating signals may be used to manipulate the tone signals and apply sound effects like distortion and the like.

In order to connect the musical instrument to peripheral members, such as the remote computer 400 or a loudspeaker, the instrument 1 may further comprise input and output sockets. The input and output sockets are schematically indicated by 301.

According to a further embodiment, the musical instrument 1 may further be arranged to control the recording of audio signals. The recording of audio signals may be performed by the processing unit 300, or by a remote processing unit or a remote computer 500.

The audio signals recorded may comprise the music signals formed by the processing unit 300, being the tone signals generated upon actuation of the tone keys 111 being manipulated in accordance with the manipulation signals generated upon actuation of the expression control members 211, and audio signals from different sources. The audio signals recorded may instantly after recording is ended be available for being reproduced, wherein the reproduction may be controlled by the musical instrument 1, and may be combined with the musical signals generated upon user input. When being reproduced, the recorded audio signals may, for instance, be arranged to be manipulated in accordance with the manipulation signals generated upon actuation of the expression control members 211. According to a further embodiment, at least one control member arranged for operating the recording of audio signals is located at a distance of less than 10 cm away from the expression control members 211, thus enabling a user to simultaneously operate this control member arranged for operating the recording of audio signals and the expression control members 211 with the fingers of a single hand.

The control members arranged to operate the recording of audio signals may thus be operated by the hand of a player that is not involved in operating the tone keys 111. This enables a user to freely operate the tone keys 111, and not having to interrupt the playing of tones for operating the control members arranged for the recording of audio signals.

In musical instrument 1 , the hand that is not operating the tone keys 111 may be involved in operating the expression control members 211. In order to not disturb the operating of the expression control members 211, it is preferred that a user does not need to move his hand away from the expression control members 211 to operate the control member or control members arranged to operate the recording of audio signals. It is assumed distances up to 10 cm may be easily spanned by the fingers of a user of a single hand, making it possible to simultaneously operate the control members of both functions with the fingers of a single hand.

According to a further embodiment, at least one control member arranged for operating the recording of audio signals is formed as a lever, the lever arm arranged for receiving user input measured between the pivoting point and the end of the lever arm being at least 2 cm. Levers may allow for being operated in a both intuitive and accurate manner. Lever arms having a length of at least 2 cm have been found to provide the most intuitive feel for a user while operating the recording of audio signals.

The descriptions above are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Thus, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that modifications may be made to the invention as described without departing from the scope of the claims set out below.

Claims

1. Strap-on musical instrument (1), comprising a keyboard (110) comprising a plurality of tone keys (111) and an expression control unit (210) comprising a plurality of expression control members (211),

wherein the musical instrument is arranged to generate tone signals in response to input received via the tone keys (111),

wherein the musical instrument (1) is arranged to generate manipulation signals in response to input received via the expression control members (211),

the musical instrument (1) comprising a processing unit (300) arranged to manipulate the tone signals in accordance with the manipulation signals to form a music signal,

wherein the keyboard (110) is arranged along a first straight line (II), the tone keys (111) neighbouring each other in de direction of the first straight line (II),

and the expression control unit (210) is arranged along a second straight line (12), the expression control members (211) neighbouring each other in the direction of the second straight line (12),

the first and second straight lines (II, 12) being at a first angle (a) with respect to each other, the first angle (a) being in the range of 20° < a < 80°.

2. Musical instrument according to claim 1, wherein the first angle (a) being in the range of30° < a < 70°.

3. Musical instrument according to claim 1, wherein the first angle (a) being in the range of40° < a < 60°.

4. Musical instrument according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and second straight lines (II, 12) form a V-shape, wherein the keyboard (110) and the expression control unit (210) are each arranged along a respective leg of the V- shape (II, 12), wherein the tone keys (111) and the expression control members (211) are arranged on an outward side of the respective leg of the V-shape.

5. Musical instrument according to claim 4, wherein the tone keys (111) have initial operating surfaces which define a tone control plane (PI), and wherein the expression control members (211) have initial operating surfaces which define an expression control plane (P2).

6. Musical instrument according to claim 5, wherein the tone control plane (PI) is at an angle βΐθ with respect to a plane parallel to both legs of the V-shape, with 5° < βΐθ < 50°, such that the initial operating surfaces of the tone keys (111) are facing away from a support side of the musical instrument, which is, in use, suited to be positioned against a users body.

7. Musical instrument according to claim 6, wherein the angle βΐθ being in the range of 5° < pl0 < 30°.

8. Musical instrument according to any one of the preceding claims 5 - 7, wherein the expression control plane (P2) is at an angle β20 with respect to a plane parallel to both legs of the V-shape, with 5° < β20 < 85°, such that the initial operating surfaces of the expression control members (211) are facing away from a support side of the musical instrument, which is, in use, suited to be positioned against a users body.

9. Musical instrument according to claim 8, wherein the angle β20 being in the range of 5° < β20 < 35°.

10. Musical instrument according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and second straight lines (II, 12) form a V-shape,

wherein the expression control unit (210) is arranged along the second leg (12) of the V-shape,

wherein the expression control members (211) are arranged on an inward side of the second leg (12) of the V-shape,

wherein the expression control members (211) have initial operating surfaces which define an expression control plane (P2),

wherein the expression control plane (P2) is at an angle β21 with respect to a plane parallel to both legs of the V-shape, with 5° < β21 < 50°,

such that the initial operating surfaces of the expression control members (211) are facing away from a support side of the musical instrument, which is, in use, suited to be positioned against a users body.

11. Musical instrument according to claim 10, wherein the angle β21 being in the range of 10° < β21 < 30°.

12. Musical instrument according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the musical instrument (1) comprises a first part (100) comprising the keyboard (110) and a second part (200) comprising the expression control unit (210),

wherein the keyboard (110) is arranged along the first straight line (II) and the expression control unit (210) is arranged along the second straight line (12),

wherein the first part (100) and the second part (200) are connected to each other by a rotatable connection member,

such that the first angle a between the first straight line (II) and the second straight line (12) can be adjusted and secured.

13. Musical instrument according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the musical instrument (1) comprises a first part (100) comprising the keyboard (110) and a second part (200) comprising the expression control unit (210),

wherein the rotatable connection member enables at least one of both parts (100, 200) to rotate around an axis respectively being parallel to the first or second straight line (II, 12),

such that the angle of the side of this part (100, 200) respectively comprising the keyboard (110) or the expression control unit (210) with respect to a plane parallel to both straight lines (II, 12) can be adjusted and secured.

14. Musical instrument according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein both the keyboard (110) and the expression control unit (210) are arranged along the outline of the instrument, when seen in a plane parallel to both straight lines (II, 12).

15. Musical instrument according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the expression control members (211) are arranged to be pushed from an initial rest position towards an end position in the act of receiving a users input,

wherein the manipulation signals generated upon pushing the expression control members (211) have a level which determines the amount of manipulation according to which the tone signals are manipulated,

wherein the level of the manipulation signals can be controlled accurately by a user as it depends on how far the expression control members (211) are pushed from their initial rest position, wherein pushing an expression control member (211) from its initial rest position towards its end position increases the level of the manipulation signal from a minimum level to a maximum level,

wherein the centres of separate expression control members (211) measured in the direction of the second straight line (12) are less than 4 cm apart from each other.

16. Musical instrument according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the expression control members (211) are formed as linear potentiometers.

17. Musical instrument according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the expression control members (211) are formed as levers.

18. Musical instrument according to claim 17, wherein the length of the lever arms arranged for receiving user input measured between the pivoting points and the end of the lever arms being at least 3 cm.

19. Musical instrument according to claim 17, wherein the length of the lever arms arranged for receiving user input measured between the pivoting points and the end of the lever arms being at least 4 cm.

20. Musical instrument according to claim 17, wherein the length of the lever arms arranged for receiving user input measured between the pivoting points and the end of the lever arms being at least 5 cm.

21. Musical instrument according to any of the preceding claims 17 - 20, wherein the end of a lever arm arranged to receive user input can be moved at least 3 cm between its initial rest position and its end position.

22. Musical instrument according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the expression control members (211) comprises a reverse mechanism counterbalancing the force applied by the user in the act of operating the expression control member (211), reversing the expression control member (211) towards its initial rest position when the operating force applied by a user decreases towards a minimum force, thus reversing the level of the manipulation signal generated upon actuation of this expression control member (211) towards its minimum level.

23. Musical instrument according to claim 22, wherein the reverse mechanism is connected to the expression control member (211) by means of a securing system, the securing system enabling a user to operate the expression control member (211) both with or without the reverse mechanism being connected to the expression control member (211).

24. Musical instrument according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the number of expression control members (211) is at least 4.

25. Musical instrument according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the number of expression control members (211) is at least 6.

26. Musical instrument according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the number of expression control members (211) is at least 8.

27. Musical instrument according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the tone keys (111) are arranged in such a manner, that gaps (112) have been provided in between the tone keys (111), such that 2_*W_gap (1120) + W_key (1110) = W_strike (1130)_, wherein 14 mm < W_strike (1130) < 28 mm, wherein W_gap (1120) is the width of the gap (112) measured in the direction of the first straight line (II), Wk_ey (1110) is the width of the keys (111) measured in the direction of the first straight line (II) and W_strik_e (1130) is the room available for a finger to strike a key (111) between its two adjacent keys (111) measured in the direction of the first straight line (II), wherein he following relation applying: W_gap (1120) > W_key (1110).

28. Musical instrument according to claim 27, wherein the following relation applying: W_gap (1120) > 2_* W_key (1110).

29. Musical instrument according to claim 27, wherein the following relation applying: W_gap (1120) > 4_* W_key (1110).

30. Musical instrument according to any one of the previous claims 27 - 29, wherein the following relation applying: 14 mm < W_strike ( 1 0) < 18 mm.

31. Musical instrument according to any of the previous claims, the musical instrument further being arranged to control the recording of audio signals.

32. Musical instrument according to claim 31, wherein at least one control member arranged for operating the recording of audio signals is provided less than 10 cm away from the expression control members (211), thus enabling a user to simultaneously operate the expression control members (211) and this control member arranged for operating the recording of audio signals with the fingers of a single hand.

33. Musical instrument according to claim 32, wherein at least one control member arranged for operating the recording of audio signals is formed as a lever, the lever arm arranged for receiving user input measured between the pivoting point and the end of the lever arm being at least 2 cm.