Soundbytes has released a public preview of HurdyGurdy v1.0, a sample based VST instrument for Windows that recreates the sound and playing technique of the Hurdy Gurdy.

Features:

• Four voices (chanter, drone1, drone2, trompette).
• The integrated StringVerb audio effect models a cluster of six sympathetic strings. StringVerb is also included as a separate VST effect.

True drone instrument behavior:

• Chanter and drones will sound continuously as long as the instrument is playing.
• The trompette buzz action is controllable through keyboard range, pitch wheel or continuous MIDI controller.
• The volume of the chanter string attack noise is velocity sensitive and can be adjusted through a panel control.
• The trompet action will raise the overall pitch and volume of the instrument to model the effect of the wheel acceleration.
• Pitchbend can be applied on the chanter string only to simulate the bending of the chanter string as applied through the tangent keys.

StringVerb:

• Six voices (sympathetic string resonators).
• The resonator string material can be set anywhere between a damp gut/nylon like sound and a brilliant metallic tone.
• A special width control spreads the resonators in the stereo field.
• The Stringverb offers advanced pitch controls to facilitate the usage of ethnic, historic or experimental tunings.

HurdyGurdy is available for a discounted introductory price of €25 until November 15th. After the release of v1.0 the regular price will be set at €38.

Soundbytes are celebrating the imminent release of their first commercial VST plugin with a number of special introductory bundle offers with their sample libraries. More info here.