Expressive E has launched the Soliste series, a new line of physically modeled MPE (MIDI Polyphonic Expression) string instruments that enable musicians to intricately control elements such as bowing techniques, vibrato, and other expressive nuances.
The Soliste collection comprises four instruments: the VLN. 356 violin, the VLA. 419 viola, the CLO. 756 cello, and the DBS. 1130 double bass. Each model is designed to capture and unlock every subtle characteristic of its acoustic counterpart. Customers can purchase each instrument individually or as a complete Soliste bundle.
These instruments are compatible with all MPE controllers as well as standard MIDI controllers. However, the collection was specifically developed with Expressive E’s renowned Osmose in mind — a polyphonic synthesizer resembling a traditional digital keyboard that provides musicians with enhanced expressive control over pitch, volume, intensity, and vibrato.
The user interface for each Soliste instrument includes a visual representation of the corresponding real instrument (violin, viola, cello, or double bass). Musicians can switch between different resonant body models to select their preferred sound. Flanking the instrument graphic, two panels allow control over pitch and bowing parameters. These panels can be expanded to full pages offering more detailed settings.
The bow control page features adjustable parameters including attack, expression, note linking, and advanced bow-specific settings. Meanwhile, the pitch page offers control over assisted vibrato and portamento (pitch sliding) functions.
The Soliste instruments include several built-in, straightforward effects, alongside three principal playing modes—Classic, Virtuoso, and Expressive—that cater to varying levels of gesture complexity and control sophistication. Classic mode provides the simplest user experience for beginners.
Expressive E’s Osmose controller has earned acclaim from prominent musicians such as Jordan Rudess and Hans Zimmer. Reflecting on his work for the film Dune 2, Zimmer commented: “When you play a note on a piano, basically it goes ‘plonk’, and it dies out. What Expressive E has done is when you touch the keyboard, it knows you’re already touching the keyboard. Within that travel of that key, the sound can change completely.”
The Soliste collection is currently available at an introductory price of €179.40, with a full retail price of €299. Interested musicians can explore more details and purchase individual instruments or the full bundle via Expressive E’s official website.
— The Violin Post Editorial Staff
