kHarper is not a conventional synthesizer.It’s a tactile sound design instrument for musicians and sound artists interested in texture, distortion, and sonic experimentation. kHarper is an experimental string instrument built around a physical implementation of the Karplus-Strong string synthesis model. It combines digital sound engines with a tactile interface, allowing you to pluck, touch, and shape strings directly. The result ranges from cinematic swells to distorted textures and delicate plucked tones. Designed as a platform for exploration, kHarper works as a standalone device or in Eurorack format and supports future sound engines and firmware updates. Core Design 4 touch-controlled strings — each string acts as an independent voice LED bar per string shows activity and string behavior Touch strips allow direct interaction with the string models Tone knob per string with CV input for modulation Gate input per string to trigger plucks externally Built from multiple Karplus-Strong sound engines producing rich, dynamic string behavior Touching and plucking the models introduces subtle variations and natural chaos, making each interaction slightly different—much like a physical instrument. Sound Engines kHarper includes 9 sound models, organized into three character groups: Herring – cinematic textures Deep, atmospheric sounds Slow emotional chords and large cinematic swells KoiKarp – rhythmic and percussive Short, punchy plucks Ideal for rhythmic patterns and sequences Dolphin – experimental and glitchy Overdriven and distorted algorithms Noisy, chaotic, and unpredictable textures Each group contains three variations, giving nine selectable engines in total. Controls Pond / River / Ocean — selects one of three engine variations Herring / KoiKarp / Dolphin — selects the sound engine family Tone and Decay controls with knob and CV modulation STRUM gate input — triggers all four strings simultaneously Per-string tone knob + CV input Per-string gate input for individual plucks Connectivity Inputs MIDI In CV and Gate inputs STRUM gate input Outputs Stereo audio output (Left / Right) Control outputs: Gate and CV Open Platform kHarper is designed as an evolving sound platform. A USB port allows new firmware, algorithms, and sound engines to be uploaded. Possible future expansions include: Alternative sound engines Generative or ambient patches New quantization systems Expanded modulation and sequencing Custom community firmware
