how I would build a botar (if I were starting today)

the signal path

           position sensor --> A/D ---> DCO ---> DCA --> 
a string                                         /
           force sensor -----> A/D _____________/

                      ________
           string---> |       |          
3 strings  string---> | mixer |---> amp/speaker 
           string---> |_______|               

legend

• A/D = analog to digital converter
• DCO = digitally controlled oscillator
• DCA = digitally controlled amplifier

position sensor

• senses where on the string force is being applied

force sensor

• senses how much force is being applied

one string - side view

__________________________________ position sensor
__________________________________ force sensor
__________________________________ fingerboard

four strings - top view

                                     string 1
___________________________________ /
-----------------------------------  string 2
___________________________________ /
-----------------------------------  string 3
___________________________________ /
-----------------------------------  string 4
___________________________________ /
-----------------------------------

specifications for the sensor(s)

write Tom