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RLFX
(This is a proof of concept/prototype) U.S. Patent # 11,495,198 (PCT/US22/48947) I spent 9 years developing this, and finally received a U.S. patent.
For over 50 years most electronic music synthesizers have used two wheels or a joystick type of controller on the left side of the keyboard for manually changing the pitch (up and down), and adding MIDI effects such as modulation, tone, resonance, etc., while performing. Many of these keyboards are generally used for solos, and are played with the right hand only, but require the left hand to operate these controllers for articulation. Many musicians play multiple keyboards, and do not have a hand to spare. Keyboards already have numerous foot pedals for normal performance, so that is not really an option, and is also less precise for these effects.
The Thumb Bar Controller allows the performer to use the thumb of his playing hand to control both of these operations, leaving the other hand for playing another keyboard, visual expression, communication or direction, or other technical adjustments.
More importantly, it allows a person with only one arm to be just as proficient as a person with two. Finally, a keyboard has been adapted for these people, instead of one more thing in life for which they have to adapt.
The main goal of the Thumb Bar Controller is to replace the proliferation of the pitch/mod wheels or joystick with something that did not require a second hand. Not only for multikeyboardists, but those who don't HAVE another hand. Did you know that 50,000 people a year in the USA have amputations?
Did you know that there approximately 4 million upper limb amputees in the world? Imagine someone with only one arm being able to still express themself on a keyboard after a tragedy.
I am no virtuoso on the keyboard, but I find this very satisfying when soloing. Remember, is not the number of notes you play, but which ones, when and where.....and as guitarists, saxophonists, and all solo instrumentalists know, the feeling you give the note.
If manufactured as part of the keyboard, it would be much less "ungainly", as many others have noted.
The controller arms could protrude on either side of the keys, if they just redesign the enclosure.
This was originally conceived for solo synths, 49 keys or less.
But, who said the Thumb Bar Controller had to run all of the way across?
It could be on the right side only of 71, 76, and 88 key keyboards, controlled with the right hand, so as not to be impeded by the left, which is perfect for keyboard splits.
I have contacted most every keyboard/synth manufacturer in the world..
They are the ones keeping us stuck in old technology...it is up to them to try something new.
If you watch the complete 5 minute demo, you should understand a change is long overdue.
Contact your favorite keyboard/synth manufacturer and request one on your next purchase.