A waveguide model for slapbass synthesis

Abstract

Starting from the waveguide model for plucked strings, a new digital signal processing model for the slapping technique on electric bass guitars is derived. The model includes amplitude limitations for the string at the frets and/or the fingerboard. These highly nonlinear elements are realized by conditional reflections which depend on the local string displacement. A model of the string dynamics for the two slapbass techniques-knocking the string with the thumb knuckle and plucking very strong with the index or middle finger-has been implemented both as MATLAB and C simulations and synthesizes sounds close to the natural instrument.