ClioStudios have released Armadillo - Virtual Charango, a virtual instrument based on a south american stringed instrument traditionally made with the shell of the back of an armadillo.
The origin of the instrument dates back to the time when south american lands were colonies of european kingdoms. Back then, the natives quickly learnt how to play and build the musical instruments the europeans had brought, and soon they where building their own versions of those instruments. Some reserachers have found evidence of charangos being used during the XVII century, but no-one has ever been able to give a definitive answer to the question of when or where was that instrument created.
Today, it is possible to find charangos being used in Perú, Chile, Bolivia and Argentina, with many different sizes, number of strings and tunings available.
Here's what ClioStudios have to say...
Armadillo - Virtual Charango employs a modern string-to-keyboard implementation that allows articulations such as "strums" to be achievable using a standard keyboard controller. This feature, combined with an intelligent chord recognition system which finds out what chord you are playing and translates it into a chord voiced specifically for a charango, makes this virtual instrument the perfect tool for those in need of a traditional south-american sound with all of the advantages associated with using a DAW for composing. Even if you have never played, or even seen a real charango, Armadillo will let you make a very convincing representation of one in just minutes.
Pricing and Availability:
Introductory price: $99.90 until November 1st, 2009
More information:
