Hexaphonic Guitar
A hexaphonic guitar provides six discrete audio outputs, one for each string. This multi-channel output can then be processed and spatialized to a loudspeaker array, transforming a standard electric guitar into a new instrument for the performance of spatial music.
The easiest way to obtain a hexaphonic signal from an electric guitar is to use a Midi pickup, as these can be non-destructively added to an existing instrument.
Most popular Midi systems for guitar use Roland's 13-pin connector system, which passes a hexaphonic signal to an external device for conversion to Midi.
To access these signals for audio processing, a simple breakout box can be constructed which simply connects the wires from pins one to six to six 1/4 inch jack sockets.
For an excellent tutorial on how to construct such a breakout box goto www.unfretted.com
For a more detailed look at different types of Midi pickups for guitars and strings, and a look at some other composers who have used polyphonic pickups in their work, please have a look at this paper.
Adapting Polyphonic Pickup Technology for Spatial Music Performance.pdf
To hear some music written for hexaphonic guitar please go to the music page by clicking here.
