This is a long strip that is capable of measuring the position where you press it along its length, and the pressure used to press it. It can be used as an alternate keyboard or as a pitch bend controller, with the position determining pitch. Shorter versions also appeared sometimes as alternate controllers on synthesizers, such as the Yamaha CS-80.
Although often associated with the original Moog modular and CS-80, this controller was seen on many early attempts at electronic musical instruments, including the Ondes Martenot (1928) and Trautonium (1930). Its ability to create smooth portamento mimicked instruments ranging from the Theremin to the human voice.
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