Versilian Studios launched Dan Tranh, an extensively sampled virtual Dan Tranh instrument plug-in for Windows and Mac.
The Dan Tranh is a traditional zither originating from Vietnam. It is considerably longer than its European and American cousins, and is also tuned as a pentatonic instrument. 16-17 metal strings run the length of the instrument with bridges halfway for each string.
In traditional performance on this instrument, one hand plucks the strings on one side of these bridges using plectrums (finger-picks) and the other hand bends the pitches of the notes as desired on the other side of the bridges. This allows an incredibly dynamic and unique performance which is very hard to sample and replicate.
Dan Tranh features
- c. 3 octaves of pentatonic (B) and chromatic range, including 4 velocity layers and at least 2xRR on each note.
- “Pentatonic Assist” – If you press a key not in the pentatonic scale when a pentatonic patch is loaded, it will play the closest previous note meaning you can use all white keys if you desire.
- Effects.
- Muted Plucks (2 Vel. Layers, 2xRR).
- Sampled RR Tremolo and Vibrato.
- Full Glissandi (4 speed, 3 VL, 2xRR).
- Complete Product Manual.
The plug-in is available for Windows and Mac (VST/AU), priced at $25 USD. A free Lite version (normal and muted only) can be downloaded from the product page.
More information: Versilian Studios / Dan Tranh
