Most early synths with a mod wheel were in the +/- 2 range by default (although in most you could change that!), so I would guess it's a leftover from that. That range was used maybe because when live playing, say emulating guitar bends, saxophone/clarinet bends and also flutes, that was a pretty good range, and with that being full range you got a better/subtle touch. All supposition, of course!z.prime wrote: ... of all the things, though - why +/- 2? why not just put it at an octave at least ...
You have to bend stuff a lot anyway - e.g. A selmer sax C is known to be a little flat, so players will lip it up a bit (bend) - but that of course depends on how good their ear is in the first place. You can't really play jazz stuff without bends - more impressive on flute!!!
Looking forward to seeing your entry pop in!
Cheers,
dB