Qwerty and the Sensory Fingerboard – Revolutionizing the Smart Violin

In 2016, we began collaborating with the visionary musicians Rafał Zalech and Alessandro Baticci from NIMIKRY Music OG to develop a sensory fingerboard for the Digitaize Smart Violin. This patented system, integrating precise touch and motion sensors, allows artists to combine the acoustic sound of the violin with digital capabilities, opening new horizons for musical expression.

In this article, we share the contribution of our team to this groundbreaking solution, the technologies we employed, and the challenges we overcame to meet the expectations of professional musicians.

What is a Sensory Fingerboard?

The sensory fingerboard is a multi-layered touch sensor that transforms a traditional violin neck into a precise digital interface. Installed directly beneath the strings, it tracks every finger movement and converts it into electronic signals without interfering with the natural playing technique.

Unlike conventional pickups or microphones, which only capture acoustic sound, the sensory fingerboard records finger position, pressure, and movement dynamics. This allows musicians to control not only pitch but also digital parameters—ranging from sound effects to real-time signal modulation.

The Technology Behind the Sensory Fingerboard

The system consists of two main components: the touch sensor integrated into the neck and an advanced signal processing unit. It works seamlessly with music software, creating a comprehensive solution that merges the acoustic violin with electronic instrument capabilities.

Precision at 4,000 Points

At the heart of the sensory fingerboard is a patented multi-layer touch sensor that tracks finger positions on each string with over 4,000 points of resolution (14-bit). Every subtle movement is captured with exceptional accuracy, enabling low-latency pitch-to-MIDI conversion.

The sensor is fully polyphonic, offering independent signal paths for each string. This allows musicians to create complex harmonies and dynamic arrangements in real time. Integration with DAWs via the Digitaize Receive plugin (VST3/AU) enables compatibility with popular software such as Ableton Live and Logic Pro, allowing musicians to record, edit, and manipulate sound instantly without additional audio interfaces.

Low-Latency Motion Processing

In addition to the touch sensor, the fingerboard features an advanced motion-tracking system using a gyroscope and accelerometer. Body movements, such as tilting the instrument or bow gestures, can be mapped to MIDI parameters, adding a new layer of expression. Our system can control up to four independent MIDI CC parameters, allowing musicians to modulate effects such as volume, vibrato, or filters in real time.

Challenges in Developing the Project

Work on the sensory fingerboard began in 2016, but mass production only started in 2019. Over three years, our team rigorously tested prototypes under concert conditions, collaborating closely with musicians to refine every detail. This process required not only advanced engineering knowledge but also openness to feedback from Zalech and Baticci, whose input helped improve both the hardware and its integration with the instrument.

Materials for Delicate Touch

One of the biggest challenges was selecting appropriate materials. Violinists exert surprisingly little pressure on the strings, requiring sensors with exceptional flexibility and sensitivity. Hundreds of tests were conducted to develop a material composition that is both responsive and mechanically durable.

Electrical contacts needed excellent performance—response speed and linear resistance were just two of many parameters that required fine-tuning. Each element was designed to minimize interference and ensure stable signal transmission.

Installing the Sensor in a Challenging Location

Positioning a delicate sensor under the strings presented unique engineering challenges. This area is exposed to constant vibration, mechanical stress, and potential damage during use. Our engineers developed a specialized mounting method that ensures a durable connection while allowing for serviceability.

Collaboration with Visionary Musicians

Rafał Zalech and Alessandro Baticci are not only musicians but also programmers and engineers. Their involvement was invaluable—they provided detailed guidance that helped us tailor the technology to the artist’s needs. Their experimental approach inspired innovative solutions and persistence in pursuit of perfection.

Digitaize Smart Violin – Technology for Innovative Artists

Equipped with the sensory fingerboard, the Digitaize Smart Violin enables seamless transitions between acoustic sound and synthetic effects. Musicians can apply traditional bowing techniques while generating electronic sounds, creating layered arrangements in real time.

This versatility makes the instrument suitable for both classical and experimental music. Artists can create unique sounds impossible to achieve with conventional methods.

The system operates fully wirelessly, eliminating stage limitations related to cables or additional interfaces. Musicians enjoy complete freedom of movement, using the entire stage as part of their performance. This technology has already proven itself in professional concerts, appreciated for both reliability and ease of use.

The Sensory Fingerboard – Qwerty’s Remarkable Contribution to Music

The sensory fingerboard project demonstrated that the best innovations emerge from combining engineering precision with artistic vision. When Rafał Zalech and Alessandro Baticci approached us with the idea of digitizing the violin, we didn’t anticipate a three-year development process requiring entirely new solutions and technologies.

Today, it is more than an electronic component—it is a tool that allows musicians to speak the language of the 21st century while preserving the depth and expressiveness of traditional instruments. Each of the 4,000+ sensitivity points in our sensor represents a creative opportunity, enabling sounds unattainable through conventional methods. We believe this is just the beginning of a revolution that will change how we think about musical instruments.

German Translation

Qwerty und das sensorische Griffbrett – Revolution der Smart Violine

Im Jahr 2016 begannen wir die Zusammenarbeit mit den visionären Musikern Rafał Zalech und Alessandro Baticci von NIMIKRY Music OG, um ein sensorisches Griffbrett für die Digitaize Smart Violin zu entwickeln. Dieses patentierte System integriert präzise Touch- und Bewegungssensoren und ermöglicht es Künstlern, den akustischen Klang der Geige mit digitalen Funktionen zu kombinieren und neue Horizonte musikalischer Ausdruckskraft zu eröffnen.

In diesem Artikel erläutern wir den Beitrag unseres Teams zu dieser bahnbrechenden Lösung, die eingesetzten Technologien und die Herausforderungen, denen wir uns stellen mussten, um die Erwartungen professioneller Musiker zu erfüllen.