Harper Electronic Harp with 4 strings
VIDEO
kHarper is not a conventional synthesizer.
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
KoiKarp – rhythmic and percussive
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
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
