LIRA KORBOWA - STARTER (Pack 1) 

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Lira Korbowa - Pack 1 for Kontakt is a creatively sampled custom-built Polish hurdy-gurdy. It features 1.5 octaves of melodic strings sampled together with C/F drones in Lydian mode, as well as its original C drone with melodic strings sampled separately for more melodic flexibility. This is an authentic recording, sampled with very little post-processing for higher authenticity and to preserve its genuine overtones. This is the first instalment of the hurdy-gurdy collection starting from simple, playable patches - delivering the authentic sonic enjoyment of this unique instrument, to more complex extended techniques and unique playing styles. It is said that "there are no two hurdy-gurdies with identical sound". Having in mind that on an actual hurdy-gurdy, we will hear 'open melodic string' in the keyboard's 'resting' state, I have placed "open-G" just a 5th apart from the drone so your left ‘pinky’ can hold the drone and your thumb press 'Open G' whenever 'all melodic notes are released'. Piotr recorded key-attack noise and all the hurdy-gurdy noises without 'synthesizing it' - the key 'clicks' you hear are the real thing!

LIRA KORBOWA - BUZZDOG (Pack 2) 2 Elements

1. buzzDog - The Loop Host is synchronised loops of trompette - a small wooden bridge resting on the soundboard, without being permanently attached. The technique required to induce a rhythmical vibration against the soundboard relies on sudden attacks (accents) while turning the wheel. A trompette string is usually tuned in unison with a melodic string but its pitch is constant. Here, the Loop also delivers something that can't be easily achieved on a single hurdy-gurdy: the trompette string, originally tuned in G, has been extended to include all twelve notes. So to play a chord using trompette sound you need at least three hurdy-players with each one tuned differently OR you can just buy the buzzDOG - simple! The Trompette is only found on a hurdy-gurdy. Loops are recorded in 80 and 120 BPM and variations of rhythmical patterns are spread across two to four velocity layers. All loops are using Time Machine Pro, so they are easily syncing the tempo with your host.

2. buzzDOG - Percussion/SFX is percussion sounds obtained from knocking, bending, stretching, turning, squeezing, and bouncing bits and pieces of the instrument. All the sounds are very organic - delivering the very essence of structural frailty of a hurdy-gurdy.

SÄCKPIPA- AUTHENTIC SWEDISH BAGPIPE 

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Swedish Bagpipe ('Säckpipa') is a little known traditional Scandinavian instrument. This particular pipe set has been hand-crafted from a unique combination of olive tree wood. It is a single-reed instrument with its drone open "E" matching the octave of its 'closed' chanter. Piotr also managed to capture its unique 'flutter/tremolo' ornament available only for some parts of the chanter. This library includes four patches (with 3 expressive velocity layers): 1.Säckpipa - Swedish Bagpipe: Instrument sampled in its natural scale of E/A - every note has been sampled accordingly including characteristic three-hole drone. 2.Säckpipa - Swedish Bagpipe Chrom: As above but with more notes added for more melodic/tonal flexibility in your project! 3.Säckpipa - Swedish Bagpipe Chanter Legato: Just a chanter (extended with chromatic notes) and equipped with a legato script 4.Säckpipa - Swedish Bagpipe Drone - Just a drone - extended, twisted, lowered, “didgeridoo'ed” - but also including the original three notes. The instrument is using 3 velocity layers assigned to different levels of performance expressiveness: Low velocity gives us smooth natural note : Medium velocity gives us more attack with a slight touch of grace notes : High velocity gives us more 'grace note' kick with a dash of tremolo "flutter". Note : This is the very first library of Swedish Bagpipe in E/A for Kontakt!

WHISTLEHOLE – RUSTIC TIN WHISTLE HUMMING

The idea of this sound appealed to Piotr for the first time when recording an experimental soundtrack for a short film - "The Journey" (soundtrack nominated to the "Best Soundtrack Album 2013" awards by Screen Australia/APRA). Basically humming/singing into the tin whistle while playing it. Chaotic interference of air and sound waves is always bringing fresh results - no two takes were identical! This library captures that sonic experience: fragile, imperfect yet persistently sustained sound. Haunting yet border-lining with comical. Industrial yet spiritual. Ugly yet beautiful. The instrument consists of two patches: Polyphonic : Left hand: Tin whistle in 'C' "hummed into" an octave below : Right hand: Another tin whistle in 'C' plus unison humming Legato utilising SIPS Legato Script Happy blowing/humming!