Virtual Lever Harp (MIDI controller)

Another way to describe this harp would be to say that this is a "MIDI-only" harp. It is a pure MIDI controller, in the sense that the harp makes no sound of its own. The embedded computer in the harp senses when you play upon the strings and faithfully sends out a stream of MIDI messages which describe your actions. By connecting to any synthesizer that you might have handy, you can hear your music using the sounds that reside in that synthesizer. Or, you can connect to a computer and use the harp to control software synthesizers, a huge array of products which seems to increase daily.

The harp is completely touch sensitive, all your inflections will be captured and digitized. The row of seven toggle switches set the tonality of the strings- moving the "C" switch to the right makes all the C strings sound as C# strings. Moving it to the left makes them all C flat. So, you will have all the tonal possibilities of a pedal harp, without the pedals. Bear in mind that there is no mechanical action, so the strings don't actually change in length or tension. In fact, it is best if the harp is not tuned to any recognizable pitches, so that you do not hear clashes with the notes coming out of your loudspeakers. The strings are simply drawn up to a reasonable tension, and you need not change them ever. (No more tuning!) They are very quiet and you soon learn to ignore them.

There is no technical learning curve- the lower right photo shows the 12 volt DC power (included) going into the harp, and the MIDI cable (also included) coming out. You simply connect the other end of that cable to your synthesizer. The third jack you see in the photo is for a sustain pedal (optional), which is not only fun, but very useful if you want to transcribe music on your computer using notation software. You can tap the sustain pedal to supply the beat while playing your music into your program.

If you have been considering what synthesized sound could do for your music making, this harp is the least expensive way to get started. Price of $3,995 includes case, power supply, MIDI cable, and tuning wrench. To purchase, see instructions on Purchase Page