Falkenbach's Instrumentation

[heathenpride]

First of all, is the member "Vratyas" on this forum the REAL Vratyas or just someone who knows alot about mythology etc.. or maybe a sort of spokesman for Vratyas?

Anyway, my main question is about the woodwind sound frequently heard in Falkenbach music. It sounds like a piccolo, but it has a breathy quality to it and each note sounds like it is split ever so slightly into 2 tones (sounds like the higher octave) for the tiniest fraction of a second at the beginning of the note.

What I want to know is, was a keyboard used to record this instrument or was the real instrument used? I have tried desperately to get the same sound on my Yamaha E33 keyboard but cannot find a similar tone.

And if it is the real instrument, what is it called?

Thanks,
Ben

[Laeknishendr]

I think he's the "real" Vratyas

For your second question I can't help you. ^^

[Vratyas]

heathenpride said:

First of all, is the member "Vratyas" on this forum the REAL Vratyas or just someone who knows alot about mythology etc.. or maybe a sort of spokesman for Vratyas?

It´s the official Falkenbach forum, of course we would not allow anyone to use the name "Vratyas" as some sort of fake.

Anyway, my main question is about the woodwind sound frequently heard in Falkenbach music. It sounds like a piccolo, but it has a breathy quality to it and each note sounds like it is split ever so slightly into 2 tones (sounds like the higher octave) for the tiniest fraction of a second at the beginning of the note.

The effect you mean is created by a "shakuhatchi" flute. The whole sound is a combination of 3 different flutes, mixed in one.

What I want to know is, was a keyboard used to record this instrument or was the real instrument used? I have tried desperately to get the same sound on my Yamaha E33 keyboard but cannot find a similar tone.

Well, I never used my own equipment at the studio, except for the guitars & effects.
We always used the keyboard and synths at the studio,
but I really cannot remember the name of the synth. where we took the mentioned flute sounds from.
As I mentioned it´s been 2 or 3 ones.

And if it is the real instrument, what is it called?

As I said, one part of the flute sound is created by a "shakuhatchi", the second one is a piccolo, and the third one depends on the fact if the flutes are low, middle or high played, it´s always a different third flute used that fits the sound best.

The used sounds are samples, means real instruments, but recorded by a synth.

Thanks,
Ben

[heathenpride]

Ah yes, I have tried to play along using the shakuhatchi sound, but I found that I could not quite get the same effect.. but now I see that this is because you combine the 3 sounds together - very clever Vratyas!

Lastly, now I know it is you, (you must hear this alot) let me say that your music totally changed the way I listen to metal. I rank you alongside my hero Quorthon in the way you changed my perspective on metal music and compositon, so thanks for giving us all Falkenbach!

Ben