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

Fello is a sensor-extended cello bow developed by Andi Otto at STEIM (Studio for Electro-Instrumental Music) in Amsterdam.
It connects the cello and the computer into a hybrid instrument. Sensors on the bow measure its movement, acceleration, and finger pressure, sending this data to audio software. This software processes the amplified cello sound in real time, adapting it to the player’s hand and arm movements.
Often, the actual performance begins when Andi Otto takes the bow off the strings and modifies the sound through gestures around the cello, reminiscent of the evocative motions of a Theremin player. Andi Otto performs Fello solo, with his jazz trio, in duos with DJs or other musicians, as well as in dance and theatre productions.
For his work, he has received various grants, including from the Villa Kamogawa (Kyoto, Japan), the BangaloREsidency (India), Santozeum (Greece), and A Crapa Mangia (Italy).

Credits: 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". Thanks to STEIM for support and many residencies in the development phase.

 

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.