(c) Yvonne Schmedemann
Fello Sensors and 3D printed mounting device, STEIM 2015

Fello is Andi Otto's unique sensor-extended cello bow. It connects the cello and the computer as one instrument, using the bow as a special interface. The bow is used to play the cello in the traditional way, but in Fello it also holds a set of sensors that measure the movement and acceleration of the bow, as well as the applied finger pressure. This data is used to control audio software that tweaks the amplified cello sound directly in relation to Andi's hand and arm gestures. 

Fello has been developed at STEIM in Amsterdam since 2007, using their junXion software for the data-to-sound mappings. Byung-Jun Kwon and Marije Baalman engineered the sensors and the wireless receiver. CAD and 3D prints have been made by "chi ha ucciso il conte". The setup includes a MIDI Controller (BCR 2000) to change the functions of the bow sensors, two foot pedals for the same reason and the "NI Maschine" Drummachine.

Andi Otto performs Fello solo, in duos with DJs or other musicians, and in large productions involving dance choreography. 

Fello needs to be amplified loudly.

Testing the bow sensor at STEIM Studio1 in 2015
Andi Otto live at Villa Kamogawa, Kyoto

 

Fello has a unique, experimental percussion bridge with a tunable kalimba and a guiro leg. It has been developed by Thomas Weiss of Twice Percussion and finalized by the violin maker Eduard Schwen.