MIDI harps

MIDI is a digital language that electronic musical instruments use to communicate with each other and with other types of electronic gear. (The acronym stands for Musical Instrument Digital Interface.) It is a worldwide standard, so all MIDI gear is compatible.

We are most familiar with keyboard synthesizers. By definition, the keyboard itself is a MIDI controller. Usually, there is also a synthesizer (sound producing module) built into these instruments. The keyboard controls the internal synthesizer using MIDI commands. My MIDI system enables a harpist to control any MIDI synthesizer using a harp instead of a keyboard (including the one that is in your keyboard instrument).

By using Kortier harp pickups on each string of a harp, the activity of each of those strings is kept separate. In this way, I do not have to employ any complicated pitch recognition system. For example, when you pluck the middle C string, the pickup that is in contact with that string generates an electrical signal. That signal goes directly to the microprocessor embedded in the harp, which responds by triggering the MIDI message "note 60-on." In addition, the velocity (how quickly the current rises) is measured, so the message sent to the synthesizer is truly representative of the manner in which you pulled the string. All information is updated every 8 milliseconds, so what you hear coming from the synthesizer is truly representative of what the harp string is doing. When the string vibration decays below a certain threshold, the MIDI message "note 60-off" is sent to the synthesizer.

The controlling circuit board which contains the embedded microprocessor also acts as a preamplifier and summing amplifier for the analog electrical signals that the pickups are producing. In other words, my MIDI harps can also be electric harps. I offer some models that do not output the audio signal, only the MIDI messages, and these instruments, my "Virtual Harps," are less expensive, but are less versatile. The MIDI/electric harp offers many more possibilities for performance. By mixing the sound of the electric harp with the sound being produced by a synthesizer a whole pallet of sound colors are at your fingertips..

Click to see the MIDI 36, a MIDI/electric harp.

Click to see the Virtual Pedal Harp a MIDI-only harp, and the Virtual Lever Harp.

Click to see information about converting your existing harp into a MIDI controller.

Frequently Asked Questions about MIDI harps-

1.) What does a MIDI harp sound like?

The sound you hear when you play a MIDI harp is coming from the synthesizer that the harp is connected to, not from the harp itself. So, a MIDI harp has no sound, yet can sound like anything you wish.

2.) Can't I connect any electric harp to a synthesizer?

No, this doesn't work. The quick way to identify a MIDI controller is to look for the 5 pin MIDI output jack. If it is not present, the instrument is not capable of directly controlling synthesizers.

3.) Can I add a MIDI module to my present harp?

Yes, but...

The job requires a high skill level in electronics installation and testing. This is not generally a DIY project. See MIDI retrofits.

4.) Can I just buy the pickups and install them myself, to make an electric harp?

Yes, but...

Here again, a certain level of technical skill is required. Any less-than-perfect solder joints will degrade the sound of the system, and invite ground problems such as hum and EMI. Shielding is critically important. I will sell you the component parts necessary to make this installation, but please download the instruction sheet first and study it to see if this is something you are comfortable in doing yourself. Click for PDF of instruction sheet.

5.) Can I use my own synthesizer, or connect to software synths in a computer?

Yes, no problem. Run a MIDI cable from the harp to the MIDI-in jack of your synth, or to a MIDI-to-USB interface, to connect to your computer.

6.) Will the MIDI harp work with Sibelius or Finale notation software?

Yes, no problem. You need the MIDI-to-USB interface device to connect to your computer. These start at less than $50 from music retailers.