Taking the stick out of the Synthstick.

[bobbletrox]

Just a quick question:

If I wanted to replace the synthstick's stick with a "keyboard" of push-buttons, which would be the best way to do so?  

http://www.geocities.com/tpe123/folkurban/synthstick/synthstick.html

The problem with this one is that you're gonna get a cuckoo sounding note when you hit two buttons at the same time because the values of both trimmers will add up to who knows what note:


Would something like this overcome that problem?  Each successive trimmer adds up to the value of the notes (i.e. button 2 = two trimmers, and button 4 = four trimmers together).  I'm not that great at electronics, so I'm not sure whether pressing down any button will equal the resistance of ALL the trimmers, rather than just the last button).

(the two bottom wires go to point "A" and "B" on the oscillator)

Also:
Is it possible to add a "portamento" control with this type of circuit that makes the change of each note more fluid?  I may be outta my mind, but wouldn't adding a capacitor to ground after the "keyboard" make the change in more gradual?

Excuse my lack of electronics knowledge lol