The Ribbon Controller:

The main reason to have this type of controller is its functionality. It is a continuous controller that can vary between values of 0 and 255 just like the Electronic Valves, the Pressure Sensors and the Slider Buttons. The main difference is that the slider does not move to 0 when you don’t touch it (like the Pressure Sensors and the Electronic Valves do) and it can jump in values (which the Slider Buttons can’t).

The Ribbon Controller is used for controlling parameters that have to change suddenly from one ‘complex’ situation to another without hearing all the in between ‘complex’ situations that are quite different.

This sensor is not connected to normal trumpet playing though and one has to use the thumb of the left hand to reach it. It is less natural to use the Ribbon Controller then the other sensors. On the other hand it is a nice complementary sensor to all the other sensors grouped around the valve house of the trumpet.

The thumb is used to support the trumpet so using the Ribbon Controller also means less stability in holding the trumpet.

Electronically the Ribbon Controller works like a potmeter. By using a resistor in series with the Ribbon Controller you can discriminate between the ‘non touching’ situation and the ‘touching the end of the Ribbon Controller’ situation. This can be handy information.